Peaks Mountaineering Club Notes  24th May 2010

The Dungarvan walk down on Sunday was a day to remember with brilliant sunshine, gentle breezes and lovely underfoot conditions. The walk got underway sharp at 8 am with the bus from Eldon’s to the Holy Year Cross and the group photo. The Peaks Chairman Michael Tobin outlined the days schedule and suitably motivated the 35 club members set off for the Glenary crossing and up the Staira. Dropping off it was pleasant downhill walking to Birchells Bridge where we stopped for the first break of the day. At this point Michael split the walk into two different groups to enable everyone to walk to their comfort level with Pascal leading one group and Joe and Michael leading the other. Some road work and mass paths brought us to the forest entrance at Toureen east and up by the Fulach Fia and out on the open mountain. Heads down it was the long slog to Toureen Mountain and a break at the Cairn. Refreshed and a little rested it was on to Seefin and the drop down to the standing stone before climbing Farbreaga. Pascal led off to the road at Crohan before crossing and climbing to the cross by the telecom transmitter mast. After that it was downhill all the way through the wood and the long slog by the fore break and finally on the road to Bridgie Terries. The most welcome event was the pint glass of iced water to cool thirsty throats and cool down before the change of clothes and the well deserved meal. Our bus driver Paddy Turner arrived as promised and everyone was back in Clonmel at around ten after walking a shade over 33 kilometres and climbing a total of 5000 feet on one of the warmest days of the year . Everyone finished the walk with no mishaps and have a great sense of achievement in doing the longest walk in the Peaks club.