27 Members Take to the Wicklow Hills Print

Peaks Mountaineerting Club Notes 7th June 2010

Twenty seven Peaks members were transported safely and in comfort by our driver Paddy to Glenmalure, in Wicklow on Sunday 06th June. We walked from the car park at the end of the tarred road in Glenmalure, up in to Fraughan Rock Glen. After about an hour and a half’s walk the energetic club members stopped for an early short break. Refreshed and suitably encouraged we set off and keeping to the north of the stream walked up a gentle gradient onto the col between Camenabologue to the north and Lughnaquilla to the south. We then turned south and moved at a very brisk walking pace on to Lugnaquilla (Hollow of the Copse), elevation 925m, which was shrouded in mist. Unfortunately with no views to admire a few quick photos were taken at the cairn on the summit and then Michael navigated off Lug to continue east out of the mist to Clohernagh (Stony place), elevation 800m. We found a few of the stones in this stony place ideal for purpose and stopped for lunch. We were then skillfully led down a steep slope to Arts Lough by Nora O’Donovan. Along the fence and down through a forest via paths and tracks to a second car park in Glenmalure where Paddy was waiting to meet us to bring us to Glenmalure Lodge where we changed and had an excellent meal served by the very friendly staff. Suitably refreshed and fed Paddy brought a happy bunch back to Clonmel. The six hour walk was completed in five hours as the experienced Peaks walkers stuck rigidly to Naismith’s rule; the distance covered was 16km and the height gain 785m.The weather was not kind on the day and a mix of showers, fine periods and mist was on the menu and the Cub has a record of poor weather when climbing in the Wicklow Mountains .
The photos have been passed on to our judge for selection of winners and we look forward to the results. The digital camera has changed photography immensely and point and shoot as often as you like which enables editing later is a boon to the amateur photographer. The judge will have his hands full selecting the best.
Walks next Sunday the 13th June are all in the Galtees and the early walk at 10am is led by Kevin O Donnell assisted by Philip Dunne. The noon walk at 12 is led by Michael Tobin assisted by Lorcan Ryan and Seamus Maher. If a leader is unavailable to lead or assist, they must make suitable arrangements for someone to take their place. All walks start from Eldon’s at the given time with a pick up at the Co-Op Stores in Cahir. More club details on our website at www.peaksmcclonmel.ie or call Bernard on 0862937220.