Benwiskin - "The Breaking Wave" a guided hike Saturday 10th November 2018

Benwisken known as "The Breaking Wave" due to its unique profile as seen from the townland of Ballintrillick.

It lies just north of Benbulben and the views from the summit are both stunning and breathtaking.

The hike is highly recommended for views of the Gleniff Horsehoe valley, Truskmore and Tievebaun. To the west the panorama includes Mullaghmore, Classiebawn castle, Streedagh strand and Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Ireland

The hike will involve steep ascent and will require a good level of fitness.

After the initial climb to the summit where we will stand on top of "the wave", we will make our way along the entire Benwisken ridge and if time allows we can make a short detour to visit the old Barytes Mines at Glencarbury.

Meet at Drumcliff Church large car park at 9:30am. We will then drive a short distance to the starting point.

The hike will take approx 5 hours to complete.

Difficulty level: Demanding.

Distance: 12kms

Height Gained: 500m

OSI Map: 16

Cost: €25

Group Size: Max 12, so please book early to guarantee your place.

Pre registration is essential for this hike.

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

To book and register for this hike email us at: highhopesmountaintreks@yahoo.com

with details of your name address and contact no.

or call us at: 086 3454045

or contact us through our web site:

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

Once we receive your booking request you will be sent an email detailing how to register and pay the fee.

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. Walking poles are recommended.

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

Glencar Mountain hike

It was a pleasure to welcome Suzanne from Holland to Sligo and to guide her across the mountain to see some of the finest views the region has to offer. The waterfall known as Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird - The Devil's Chimney,was in fine flow and entertained us to some amazing highlights as it gushed upward and outwards.

Back down at the Teashed we had an impromptu meeting with the Minister for Rural and Community Development Mr Michael Ring.

We wish Suzanne a great holiday over the coming week as she journeys both high and low.

Thank you for choosing High Hopes Hiking for today's adventure.

Royal Peaks hike

Today's Royal Peaks hike started in bright sunshine which continued throughout the day. The northerly wind was a little on the cool side provided ideal conditions for a 20K + which was completed in just over 7 hours. Thanks a million to all who came and participated with enthusiasm. We had loads of craic.

Benbulben - a guided hike on Sligo's Iconic mountain.

Approaching Benbulben this morning the low lying cloud enveloped the mountain. However it had lifted by the time we reached the summit plateau and we enjoyed good spells of visibility. It was a pleasure to welcome hikers from France, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Roscommon, Clare, Leitrim, and Sligo Thanks a million for choosing High Hopes Hiking for your hike to the summit of Benbulben. We look forward to sharing another adventure in the future.

Slieve League

Delighted to welcome this lovely French family to Slieve League during their holiday in Ireland. The low laying cloud obscured the views. However it did not weaken the resolve and determination to complete the hike to the summit Trig in what has to be described as difficult conditions.
Thank you for choosing High Hopes Hiking to assist in this adventure.

Benbulben - a guided hike on August Bank holiday Monday

The day started out with the silky white shroud enveloping Benbulben. However eternally optimistic we headed off up into the cloud with the ever hopeful leader promising that the weather was going to lift in spite of all the weather apps showing the contrary. A quick visit into the cave at Cartonwilliamogue and then onward to the Trig pillar where we learned about the mapping history of Ireland. It was then our to the invisible head. And hey presto a miracle occurred the mist swirled around and suddenly parted and lifted. All happy now and lots of photo opportunities. On way back along the ridge it was difficult to appreciate that we had actually walked that way earlier. It was a super day out with a group that travelled from Cork to Tyrone and lots of place in between. Thanks a million for defying the odds and participating in a great and memorable hike.

Benbulben A guided hike with an international flavour

It was a pleasure to welcome Terry and Cherry from Malaysia who took time during their busy itinerary to hike Benbulben, They were joined by Oonagh from Dublin and her Son William and girlfriend Melissa who are on visit home from Australia. Thanks to all for choosing High Hopes Hiking for their Benbulben experience. We are delighted to report that the expected rain held off and only arrived as we reached the cars. It could not have been more perfect.

Mweelra 814 A guided hike to the hightest mountain in Connacht

Mweelrea at 814m commands a lofty position being the highest mountain in Connacht. 
It has a mind of its own when it comes to weather predictions. Today was no exception. 
Our guided hike commenced in the Doolough Valley on the upper shores of the lough. The heavy rain right from the start created a sense of apprehension as we looked up into the large corrie and our ascent route via the ramp. 
However shortly the rain cleared and we enjoyed the views of the large rocky amphitheater as we approached the ramp. On reaching Benbury the fog had obscured all views so we had to walk almost blindfolded across the plateau and ascend to the summit. A brief clearing in the fog opened up glimpse of silver strand and the ocean. 
Thanks to all who travelled from many parts of the Island even as far as Beara in Cork. 
Congratulation upon reaching the highest point in Connacht.

Benbulben hike with the Taylor extended family

Delighted to guide the extended Taylor family on Benbulben at the weekend. Unfortunately the fluffy blanket of fog enveloped the mountain obscuring the views. In spite of the conditions it was a great day especially for one lady who celebrates a special day this weekend. A very happy birthday Cathy.

Benbaun and Benfree guided hike in Connemara National Park

Today's adventure took us to Connemara National Park. Our mission was to climb Benbaun the highest peak in the 12 Bens also the highest mountain in County Galway. We also captured Benfree. Only 10 more to go. It was a most enjoyable day and the pictures say it all. Thanks to a great group of participants who took it all in their stride.

Benbulben to Benwisken guided hike

Had the pleasure of showing some of the finest scenery that Sligo has to offer to a great group from Dublin today. These men came ready for action and they sure pushed me hard right throughout the 20k hike. We completed the circuit in record time and after a quick scoot across Grange Bog we were back at the cars exactly at the planned finishing time of 4pm. Thank you Seamus and co for choosing High Hopes Hiking; Looking forward to our next adventure

Sligo's Royal Peaks guided hike

Easter Monday started bright and dry but it was not to last. By the time we reached the summit of Kings Mountain the winds were gusting over 125kph. That combined with showers of snow made for difficult progress and navigation. However we still managed to summit Slievemore and climbed upward to Spot height 597 on Benwisken. At this point we experienced sub zero temperatures with a wind chill of -9c. A unanimous decision was to cut short the final leg and make our descent. Thanks to all who participated without as much as a murmur. They probably were all too frozen to do so. .

The Mourne Mountains

We celebrated St Patricks Day with a hike in the beautiful Mourne Mountains situated in County Down overlooking the seaside town of Newcastle. Our hike started at Meelmore Lodge and after a short climb we arrived at the Hares Gap which marks the exit point of the infamous Brandy Pad an ancient smugglers route which served as popular track to evade the revenue in the transport of illicit goods such as spice coffee silk and of course Brandy. We then followed the Mourne Wall to the summits of Slievenaglogh, Slieve Corragh, Slieve Commedagh and finally to Slieve Donard the highest peak in Ulster. The return route followed along the Brandy Pad to the Hares Gap and back to our starting point at Meelmore Lodge. 

Benbulben Hike in association with Celtic Fringe Festival - 23rd September 2017

The hike up Benbulben today was run in association with the Celtic Fringe Festival hosted by the Grange Armada Development Association. It was fitting to note that on a day when we remembered the tragedy that struck the Armada ships at Streedagh Strand in1586, when 3 of their fleet retreating from an unsuccessful bid to enter England were shipwrecked due to a sever storm, that we too encountered storm force winds during our hike. However I am glad to report that no retreat was considered by a large group of hikers who travelled from all over Ireland to participate in the event. Well done to all and we ended the day in high spirits with not a cobweb in sight. Thanks for all who came and completed the hike safely in what can only be described as challenging conditions.

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