Walking Conditions Improve Print

Peaks Mountaineering Club Notes     18th January 2010

Great walking conditions were delivered as promised by the met service on Sunday with civilised weather and calm conditions. There was a heavy mist on higher ground but nothing to really worry about with visibility of around fifty meters at top. Kevin O Donnell and John Byrne led the early walk and Kevin had a nice route picked for the day. Parking up at Knochballiniry it was in by the waterworks and onto Roches Hill. This is a stiff climb and when they reached point 768 it was a welcome break. Swinging southwards to pick up the coll before climbing Knockmealdown and the break for lunch in the snow once over the top.  The way back was by the wall to Knockmeal and a swing to Crohan West. Dropping back down to the woods and calling by the Liam Lynch monument it was a gentle walk for the 16 club members to their cars after covering 16 kilometres and climbing 1250 meters.
Gerry Treacy assisted by Greg Kenny and Niamh Barrett led the afternoon walk from the back road to Cappoquin starting from Drohidoomalyre he led westwards to Cnoc na Scolog and picked up the track which leads to the county line on the Melleray road. Crossing the road and using the fire break Jerry, Niamh and Greg led 30 walkers towards Cnoc na Faille which is a tough climb in heathery conditions. Taking bearings at the cairn on top some nifty compass work led to a descent near the woods at Meoul and a welcome lunch break. Using forest tracks out to the road and then following the course of the Glenshelane River through the boggy land Jerry led eastwards to Keanes Bridge and the transport home after covering more than twelve kilometres in good walking conditions. Boots got a good waterproofing work out as did the rest of the mountain gear and passed.
All walks next week the 24 th January are in the Comeragh’s and the leaders are 10am Miriam Joyce assisted by Joe Quigley. The afternoon walk is led by Donald Whooley assisted by Carol Delaney and Kay O Connor. There will not be notes next week and the walks for Sunday 31st are in the Galtees with the early walk led by Kevin Bowen assited by Ray Prendergast. The Noon walk is led by Andrew Ryan assisted by Flan Real and Seamus Maher. 
Visit our website for some new pictures of Peaks in the snow at www.peaksmcclonmel.ie and call the leaders for walk route info on their contact no on your walks list. More club details from PRO Bernard on 0862937220 or talk to any club member. Reminder that the membership fee is now due and this fee includes insurance, mountaineering council and club membership and quarterly magazine. There are also other benefits such as percentage cost reductions in most outdoor suppliers and similar. Application forms and other club information on the website or in the box under the notice board in Eldon’s.