Lost in a Tasmanian wilderness

‼️Somewhere lost in a Tasmanian wilderness

After a number of days penned in by unseasonal spring weather with storms causing havoc it was time to shake off the cobwebs and head into the bush trails that lead eventually to the summit rocky prominence of Cathedral Rock 840m in the Mount Wellington park south of the capital, Hobart

The trail starts along the beautiful fast flowing North West Bay River and then steeply ascends through thick forest of Wattle, Eucalyptus, Giant Ferns and many other native trees with the odd Wallaby hopping in the thick undergrowth

Reaching the Rocky exposed summit the weather turned nasty in a blizzard which obliterated all views.

I was assured by my local Tasmanian family friend that no snakes would threaten as they would all be lying low in the almost sub zero temperatures

That was a welcome relief 🙏

Delighted to have completed this hike in huge contrast to the normal stomping ground back home 💕

Clare Island Loop hike

Fabulous day on Clare Island yesterday.

After a choppy crossing from Roonagh Pier we arrived ready for action

First we visited the ancient lighthouse, now decommissioned and offering overnight accommodation.

The hike continued along the cliffs toward the imposing “big hill” of Knockmore 462m

After a steep climb up to the summit trig we took off towards the ancient Abbey

This medieval building dates back to the early 1200’s and has some amazing paintings depicting life during that time

Lastly we completed our journey back to the pier where stands the ancient castle once the home of Grace O’Malley (Gaineuaile)

It was a voyage of discovery and thoroughly enjoyed by all on a fine summers day

Clare Island looped hike

‼️Please note 4 places available due to cancellation

Clare Island is a mountainous island which lies off the coast of Co Mayo guarding the entrance to Clew Bay.

It is famous for once being the home of Granuaile (Grace O Malley) a fearless pirate queen who lived around the 16th century.

Her castle ruins still stands close to the port.

After a short 20 minute ferry ride from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh we begin our loop hike initially westward visiting St Bridgids Abbey before heading north to climb Knockmore at 462m. At the summit we should enjoy commanding views toward the mainland and surrounding islands of Innishturk and Achill. If time allow we will continue to the lighthouse which lies on the northern tip and finally loop back to catch the afternoon ferry.

🔺Meet at Roonagh Pier at 9:00am

🔺Distance: 14k max if we complete the full island loop

🔺Cost 50 euro including return ferry crossing.

🔺Difficulty: Moderate

(Reasonable level of outdoor fitness is required)

Please note that places on this hike are not guaranteed until the registration fee is paid.

Contact us

https://www.highhopesmountaintreks.com/contact-us/

Equipment required:

**********************

Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential; hiking trousers are advised, (no jeans please); spare warm layer; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.

For further details please visit us on our web site:

http://www.highhopesmountaintreks.com/

NB - Cancellation policy

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Hike that are cancelled with one month of event Full refund

Hikes that are cancelled within 14 days of the event a refund of 50%

Hikes that are cancelled within 7 days no refund available apart from exceptional cases due to illness or family bereavement

https://youtu.be/_jguG5DajiM?si=9SinmruUQ04ExGFV

🔴Booking update

Todayh we publish the current availability of our hiking schedule ovef the coming months

🔺Easter Monday 21/4 Glencar/Devils Chimney waterfall/Barytes mines - 2 places

🔺Mount Brandon 26/4 FULL‼️

🔺Benbulben - May bank holiday Monday 5/5 4 places available

🔺Snowdonia 9th - 12th May - FULL‼️

🔺Croaghauns Achill 24/5 FULL‼️

🔺Scotland 31/5 - 4th June FULL‼️

🔺Glencolumbkille to Port - 14/6 3 places

🔺Benbulben 19/7 Good availability

Further interesting guided hikes will shortly be added to our existing schedule so please keep an eye on our Event calendar

Guided hike from Glencolumbkille to An Port

Saturday 14th June 2025

Our hike starts in the small village of Glencolumbkille which is situated in South West Donegal.

The hike is one of the finest coastal walks in Ireland and provides for a much quieter alternative to nearby Slieve League. The wild rugged shore line is constantly lashed by the wild Atlantic Ocean and has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Appalachian Trail.

This hike is part of the famous long distance Appalachian Trail. A 3540 km trail in the Eastern United States. The trail was expanded into Europe in 2009 and the Donegal section was officially added in 2013.

The Route:

Leaving the village behind we climb up the slopes and soon catch sight of the Signal Tower, standing sentinel on the top of the hill overlooking the ocean. This Napoleonic Tower, built in the 19th century, is one of the many structures dotted around our shoreline which were used as lookouts for any possible invading forces.

We then walk along the cliffs taking in the many sea stacks rising up out of the sea. One stands out, a very famous sea stacks known as The Sturral Headland a giant pinnacle with a narrow ridge connecting it to the mainland. After passing The Sturrall we follow the fence northward soon arriving at the remote bay of An Port, a tiny deserted fishing village. It is possible to continue hiking all the way to Mahera Beach. However today we will return back along the Glencolmcille Way.

This is a low level hike of approximately 14kms

The highest elevation reached is no more that 280m. with a combined total of 450m. The route is well protected so need to worry about exposure.

Meet in the small car park opposite the Church Of Ireland at 9:30am

Difficulty level: Medium.

Suitable to regular walkers capable of undertaking 14k with some short steep sections.

Cost: 35 Euro.

To register for this guided hike please send an email via the event page or web site outlining how many places required and details of current address and contact tel no.

You will then receive an email detailing how to complete the registration.

Please note that no places are guaranteed until the registration fee is paid.

Contact us

https://www.highhopesmountaintreks.com/contact-us/

Tel no 086 3454045

email us at: highhopesmountaintreks@yahoo.com

Equipment required:

**********************

Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential; hiking trousers are advised, (no jeans please); spare warm layer; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (Minimum 1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.

NB - Cancellation policy

**************************

Hike that are cancelled with one month of event Full refund

Hikes that are cancelled within 14 days of the event a refund of 50%

Hikes that are cancelled within 7 days no refund available apart from exceptional cases due to illness or family bereavement

Glencar/Devil's Chimney Waterfall & Barytes Mines - Saturday 23rd November 2024

Very disappointed to have to postpone our Kings to the Mines hike today due to incoming storm Bert. The safety of all clients was the key driver in this decision.

Being at a loose end this morning I headed up the bog road with a couple of determined girls who were keen to get out in the fresh air

The effects of the overnight downpours soon became evident with the two main river crossings almost impassable. It confirmed the decision to postpone the scheduled hike

We did however manage to cross eventually by following the course upward to where it was deemed safe

Knee deep snow was encountered at the old Barytes mines not forgetting the very active waterfall displaying its unique upward flow

Looking forward to our rescheduled hike on the 18th January

A number of places are available

We would love to hear from you

This is an amazing hike and hopefully weather will be more accommodating

Mweelrea

Brilliant day out on the highest mountain in Connacht, Mweelrea 814m 👏👏👏

The weather surpassed expectations

The forecast of scattered showers only lasted for approximately 15 minutes as we started our descent

The rest of the day was bright sunshine

However the notable feature of the weather has to be described as Baltic 🥶

Temperatures dropped to zero at the summit and combined with a fresh wind we measured almost -6c chill

The group came well prepared with lots of warm layers, gloves and wooly hats and even an odd hand warmer was employed

All this meant everyone could enjoy the adventure to the fullest and left with a great sense of achievement

Benbulben guided hike August bank holiday Monday

Rare flower found on Benbulben 👏👏👏

During our scheduled bank holiday Monday hike the rare Fringed Sandwort flower which has been proven to pre date the ice age was found

The main flowering season has just ended but evidence was still to be seen

This plant is found no where else in Ireland, the uk or even in southern Europe. A special thanks to the keen eyed member of the group who found the plant in a rocky crevice close to the summit.

The weather turned out amazing after the yellow rain warning which was due to expire at midday cleared much quicker than expected

Superb visibility. We could even see Croagh Patrick in the distance

A very memorable day

Thanks to all who joined in on the adventure.

Carrauntohill

Still buzzing after a fabulous weekend in the kingdom of Kerry where we undertook to climb Carrauntohill, the highest mountain in Ireland at 1038m

What a day we had☀️🌤️

We hope you enjoy some of the photos from our days adventure

Well done to all

A massive achievement and one to be proud of 💪

Achill Challenge completed Saturday 22nd June 2024

Achill Mountain challenge COMPLETED 👏👏👏💪

Yesterday we set about climbing two of the highest mountains in Achill Island

Starting at the reservoir lake Acorrymore we arrived at the summit of Croaghauns a climb completed in 1.5 hours and 500m of elevation gain

We then set our sights on Slievemore

Unfortunately we could see nothing with visibility down to zero and strong winds combined with heavy rain making for difficult progress

Arriving at the signal tower an option to cut short via the Deserted village was considered. This was soon put to bed and we set into a big climb of 700m to the summit of Slievemore

After that it was all down hill to our awaiting cars at Dugort

It was a savage day indeed but one that in a positive way will be remembered and all participants can feel immensely proud of their accomplishments💪👏👏👏

The stats shows distance of almost 18kms with elevation gain close on 1200m and a duration of 7.5 hours

Combined this with those who’d travelled from as far as Dublin and Offaly and back 💪💪💪

What a team 🤩🤩🤩

Errigal Twin Peaks hike 15th June 2024

We had a most enjoyable hike yesterday up Mount Errigal the highest summit in Donegal

The day started dull and damp with low cloud which persisted during our ascent of Mackoght commonly known as little Errigal

Heavy rain followed but didn’t last too long and by the time we reached the summit ridge of Errigal it cleared 💕

All happy and lots of photo opportunities

The much highlighted recent path erosion thankfully didn’t impact and is only limited to a short section of the trail close to the car park

Thanks to all who who completed the hike

A very memorable experience with a great team

Benwiskin the “Breaking Wave”

Todays adventure was Benwiskin more commonly known as “The Breaking Wave” due to its unique profile

Conditions were perfect and the group were rewarded with stunning views as we crossed over the ridge and up to the top of the wave.

A little chilly 🥶 at times with sub zero temperatures but with everyone well wrapped there wasn’t as much as a murmur

A huge thanks to all who came ❤️

It was a most enjoyable hike

Errigal via North ridge - a route less travelled

Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal attracts thousands of climbers throughout the year. It is a highly rewarding climb made easier by the newly laid pathway across the bog and stone steps up through the scree slopes

There’s another steep route up the northern rocky scree slopes which provides a greater challenge and a much quieter alternative. However it should only be approached by those who have some experience of Grade 1 rock scrambling

Yesterday a small group took on the challenge

The fine dusting of snow called for extra caution and with -10c wind chill it def felt pretty cold

Thankfully the early morning freezing fog lifted just as we approached the car park and we enjoyed the stunning views which Errigal is renown for

On reaching the summit the underfoot conditions became extremely slippery due to compacted snow as a result of early morning sunrise seekers

The additional benefit of crampons made for a safe descent while we observed walkers in trainers sliding down the steps on their rear ends

We were treated to a display of the “Brocken Spectre” which was special to see

Looking forward forward to returning to this route in summertime

Update on availability on our upcoming hikes

Please note we have the following spaces remaining.

Croagh Patrick via Ben Goram - Saturday 18th November {3 Spaces}

Benbulben hike - Saturday 25th November {9 spaces)

Knocknarea Festive hike - Saturday 9th December (4 spaces)

Please get in touch to secure your place.

Carrauntohill 23/9/2023

Carrauntohill 23/9/2023

“A red sky in the morning is a sailors warning”

It certainly proved to be the case yesterday

A group of brave hearts took on the highest mountain in Ireland and battled their way upwards towards O’Sheas gully

At 650m the decision was made to call it off

With massive gusts literally knocking us off our feet and torrential downpours we turned about and headed back down for apple pie and coffee at Cronins yard

It is always a huge disappointment to abandon a summit attempt but in the end safety is first and foremost.

A big word of thanks to all who put in alot of effort and YES we will be back

Unfinished business awaits 👏👏👏