Cork Mountaineering Club

Cork’s longest established Hill Walking Club

Month: January 2019

Sunday 27 January 2019: Western Knockmealdowns

 

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It was a splendid walk!  Fourteen members enjoyed the bright sunshine and clear air, the easy walking over dry ground, the magnificent views and the cheerful company.  Even if we did get a mini-blizzard for a grand finale, nobody cared by then!  Everyone contributed to the success of the day – reassuring GPS readings, inspirational route choices and local knowledge and logainmneachaWe took the high route from Crow Hill car park (the highest pass in the western Knockmealdowns) over Knockshanahullion (652m) to Knocknalougha (630m) from where we tried to see down into Baylough.  We stayed high for our return, back to the col at Spot Height 551, before descending to  pick up the Avondhu Way.   A short, sharp climb over Knockclugga took us to within sight of our cars.

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Sunday 27 January 2019: Comeraghs ~ Crotty’s Lake

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It was a perfect day for walking, bright sunshine and a cool 4 degrees at the Kilclooney car park. A blustery wind added to the day as strong gusts chased the remaining leaves around the ground. Ten of us headed out for Crotty’s Lake. It was a day for admiring the scenery – so bright and clear. As we reached the top of the ridge overlooking Crotty’s Lake we felt the full force of the wind and struggled to keep from blowing over, but were well sheltered down at the lake. We had lunch just under Mr. Crotty’s old ‘holiday home’ and, well refuelled, took on the steep climb to the top of the Coomshingaun circuit. The wind had died down quite a bit at this stage and we made our way back eastwards to the car park.

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WINTER CAMP ~ Glanrastel: Sat/ Sun 19/ 20 January 2019

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Once again, a superb Winter camp in a uniquely beautiful location.  11 campers trekked in to the deserted settlement at the top of the track. Tents were put up on a wide expanse of level (though somewhat spongy) ground just in front of the ruins.  Our evening walk took us into the valley, where we were treated to the wonder of a kaleidoscope-like movement of a flock of sheep from the craggy heights of the eastern side to the more luscious grazing on the western, including a river crossing, all orchestrated by one man and his dogs.

Our eagerly-anticipated January full moon was soon obscured by clouds, but its exceptional brightness meant that the evening light was maintained.  The ambient temperature was positively balmy, so our evening meal and subsequent chat, craic and banter continued until well past midnight.  It was a pity that the lunar eclipse did not occur until Monday – some campers might have seen it!!   Our Sunday walk took us high, to the plateau of Glanrastel Lake, where we (yet again) failed to find Pluais Carraig na Scriob.  For another day!

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Galtees Sunday 13 January 2019

Yes, there were two walks today but, since the same horrendous weather conditions led both groups to the same sensible and safe decision to cut the route short and descend to warmth and safety, we’re doing a composite report.  Photos were out of the question; just one from each group, at the start. It was a lesson in the value of a fully-stocked change bag, to include underwear and a towel.  Most of us learn that one the hard way!

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Ten walkers went for O’Loughnan’s Castle, climbing steeply from Glengarra Wood to the slopes of Knockeenatoung, battling driving rain and strong wind the whole way.  It was a day when “the only people happy out there were the sheep”.   Nineteen walkers went for Galtybeg. They started the day fully kitted out in their best wet-weather gear, in spite of which the driving rain soon had them soaked.  Despite expressions of disappointment from some (yeah, right!!), they also took the safe option and returned to base, not even stopping for lunch.  Our post-walk gathering in Mitchelstown was a convivial affair, and warmed us all up again.

Friday 28 December 2018: Cush Horseshoe

This, the “most attractive and exhilarating walk in the Galtees” was exceptionally exhilarating today.  Six members braved the elements and had a fine day out of it. They chose the clockwise option, climbing steeply first to Cush.  Halfway up Galtybeg, it became clear that the weather gods were not going to smile, and maps and compasses were much in evidence from then on.   By the time they reached the summit of Galtymore they were fully kitted out in warm layers and raingear. Cold and navigation notwithstanding, they completed the route strongly and felt justifiably proud of themselves.

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Sunday 30 December 2018: Ballinspittle Walk

IMG-20190101-WA0003 IMG-20190101-WA0004 IMG-20190101-WA0005 IMG-20190101-WA0006 IMG-20190101-WA0007 IMG-20190101-WA0009This, the last CMC event of 2018, was threatened first by mist and then by a massive tractor rally on the way to Kilbrittain.  The walk was enjoyed by thirteen members, who were delighted with the variety of scenery and many points of interest.  The tractors soon passed on, and we set off through the village.  We tripped along a rural road to lovely Garretstown beach and, thankfully, the mist had lifted.  We passed by 18th-century Garretstown House, then crossed the road by the milk churns into Kilmore Wood where we were able to inspect the 250-year-old Deer Wall.  We circled back to Ballinspittle and dined in a local hostelry.

Sunday 16 December 2018: Winter Solstice Walk

This unique walk made a welcome reappearance on our programme this year. Ten enthusiastic souls braved the heavy morning rain and arrived at Drombeg to sun and blue skies.  Walking on quiet roads with glorious views we reached Glandore village and had our lunch overlooking the sea. We had one heavy shower on the return journey but with the light wind to our backs and the animated chatter and camaraderie, it was scarcely noticed!!!  We arrived back at Drombeg Stone Circle at 3.30 pm, so waited to see the famous sunset alignment. The weather conditions and our timing were perfect.  We were rewarded with the perfect spectacle and many dramatic photographs were taken.

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Sunday 09 December 2018: Festive Dinner

Lest anyone think that we only walk and climb, let them note that we also enjoy the occasional social outing, and even scrub up quite well.  We used this occasion to make our annual donation to Kerry Mountain Rescue.MAO_7554

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Sunday 09 December 2018: Mangerton via Barnancurrane

A splendid walk at any time but it needs an early start.  Fourteen walkers enjoyed a mostly dry day -although, as we finished an early lunch, we had a wintry shower with a strong northerly wind on the climb to Mangerton plateau.  The descent via the arête between the Devil’s Punchbowl and the Horse’s Glen brought us back to the bridle path.  En route, we were enthralled by the appearance of a white-tailed eagle and a pair of deer on the horizon.  All in all, a fine day’s winter walking in fine company, and back in time to join our Holly Walking friends for Christmas Dinner.  20181209_113647 20181209_114342 20181209_124425 20181209_132912 MAO_7538

Sunday 09 December 2018: Holly Walk

Twenty-six of us, including two “Hons”, gathered at Muckross to start our annual Christmas “Holly Walk”.  The hike followed a woodland trail, climbing to Torc waterfall and lunch at the “washed-away” bridge. The views from the high point at Cloghereen Upper were excellent.  We chatted our way back to Muckross along the Queen’s Drive, to finish at 3.30 – time to change into smarter clothes for Christmas Dinner.

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