Conditions were slightly cloudy with a light breeze as the 13 walkers set out from Castledonovan.   We spent some time exploring the ruins of the castle itself and hearing its story.  We then trekked steadily northwards to the high point of the narrow road, and crossed a stile onto a mountain trail.  This took us through some pretty woodland, then out onto open moorland and eventually on to Mullach Méise itself (494m), the high point between the Mealagh and Ilen valleys.  We had good views of Whiddy Island, Bantry Bay, Dunmanus Bay, Cléire / Clear Island and Roaringwater Bay.  The aforementioned clouds meant that we had to imagine the Fastnet Rock / An Charraig Aonair on the horizon, and engage in some precise navigation to find Loch an Ghabhair and Cúm an Óir lakes, our descent route.   We completed the loop down through Gleann na Cloiche and then back to Caisleán Uí Dhonnabháin / Castledonovan.

Five of us set off from the Hydro car park in wet & windy conditions. We walked up the concrete road and went to the East (left) of Loch Com Lothair and Lough Eagher on relatively flat ground. At the back of the latter lake, we ascended the Black Mare gully – first gradually then more steeply. We then went to the cross on Carrauntoohil. Weather conditions dictated that we return over Caher. It was only only when we were quite far down on Caher that conditions, and visibility, improved.

A pessimistic weather forecast kept the crowds at home, but six of us turned up to walk. The weather remained dry and almost warm, with a gentle breeze to chase the midges away.  We took the green road alongside the brooding Loch Gleann na Fraochán and observed the flora – the carnivorous Pinguicula Vulgaris (Butterwort), Saxifraga Spathularis (St Patrick’s Cabbage) and Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove).  As dusk approached, we gave the traditional midsummer toast to Danú, the great mother goddess, before retracing our steps.

No photos.

Eight intrepid walkers set off from Clonkeen Church for our traditional mid-summer evening walk.  Our route took us to the high point of the Clydagh valley path.  We moved steeply up to the East Pap at 694m.  Sheltering from the strong breeze at the summit cairn we had a tea break. From there we dropped down to the col at 584m then on up to the Western Pap at 690m.  After taking in the views we headed towards Rodger’s Rock before regaining the road.

Photos temporarily unavailable.

15 were on this walk from Ballingeary to Gougane. Weather was damp but that did not take away from the enjoyment. We walked on back roads and woodland paths.   As planned we met up with our “Horseshoe” friends for cake and coffee.

No photos.

Nine members kitted up and started the days walk at 10.15 am.  The morning was holding well, with some sunshine, but with grey clouds gathering to the west; rain was expected circa midday and in true CMC tradition we were prepared.  We climbed to Foilastookeen and on towards Lough Glas and on again to the small unnamed lake.  12 noon saw a blanket of rain racing towards us. Full battle gear was required and it was heads down and plod from then on. Lunch was a wet affair taken behind the shelter of a large rock.  Despite all, spirits remained high and before we knew it we were on the descent and heading for the tea-rooms to meet our friends from the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí.

No photos, owing to inclement weather.

Though very wet in Cork city, Ballinspittle remained dry.  At 7pm we started our walk through a lovely path between village and GAA fields.  Next up a rural road all in hi-vis jackets, to Garretstown beach (convenient toilets). Then up to Garretstown House where we got all the extraordinary history from the present resident.   Then through the forest on our final hour (passing the Deer wall).  All 13 participants seemed happy as we arrived back at dusk with some rain but no worries then.

Photos unavailable.

This sheltered route provided an enjoyable day out for twenty-two walkers, and included a Siege of Ennis at the Laharan Cross platform.  The wind was not as strong as in the Reeks, and the return leg from Laharan Cross was very comfortable by comparison.

The wind forecast reduced the numbers taking part to two.  It turns out the absentees were right. We set off from Cronin’s Yard, going cross-country to Alohart, then up the gully to Eisc an Bhráca. From there, we proceeded East to Cruach Mhór in strengthening winds. On reaching there, we decided not to cross to the Big Gun, instead descending and returning to Cronin’s Yard.

Photos temporarily unavailable.