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 👏👏👏

Why is my waterproof jacket not waterproof???

Why is my waterproof jacket not waterproof?

This is a lament we hear often on our courses and guided hikes, sometimes spoken in frustration, sometimes in anger, and most often at the end of a wet day.

So why is our precious waterproof clothing failing to perform? In many cases it is because we are simply asking too much of it.

The techi bit….

So called ‘breathable’ fabrics have a micro pore membrane bonded to a hardwearing outer layer. This membrane allows water vapour to pass through, but not liquid water. This in turn means that the moisture you produce when working hard is allowed to escape, whilst preventing rain from penetrating your garment from outside.

The ‘breathability’, or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR), is measured in laboratory conditions over a 24 hour period. Manufacturers can then make claims about their materials based on these results.

The problem…

The issue is we are not in a laboratory, we are slogging our way up a damp, humid hillside, and our own moisture transmission rates vary considerably, depending on our activity levels and metabolism, amongst other things.

Exercise vigorously on a wet and humid day and your body will pump out a lot of moisture (sweat), much more than the ‘breathable’ fabric of your waterproof jacket can cope with. Water vapour will condense on the inside of your jacket and your clothing will begin to feel damp. You might think your waterproof is leaking, but it is not, it’s coming from you!

For the water vapour to escape effectively it is important that the outer surface of the material is not saturated with water. To prevent this your jacket is treated with a DWR coating (Durable Water Repellancy), but this coating wears off over time and needs to be replaced. If your jacket is no longer ‘beading’, i.e. the water is forming into small droplets and running off the surface, then it is likely to become saturated, and will ‘wet out’.

This will slow the movement of water vapour through the jacket pores and lead to more condensation on the inside of your clothing.

In addition, humans are not well designed for waterproof layers, any clothing has to have large holes designed into it to accommodate our head, hands and legs, and water can enter through these holes resulting in us getting even wetter!

So what can we do to try and stay dry…?

First and foremost, don’t wear your waterproof jacket if it’s not raining. I see so many waterproof jackets being used solely for insulation and wind proofing, and this leads to a build-up of condensation when exercising vigorously.

Far better to wear a ‘softshell’ jacket if possible. This is essentially a jacket that offers a degree of insulation, can be fully windproof, and will allow moisture to pass through, (in both directions so they are not fully waterproof). None of your moisture will condense on the inside and you will feel much more comfortable. Some softshell jackets are designed to keep out a light shower, but might be less ‘breathable’ as a result.

However, when it starts to rain you must exchange your soft shell for your waterproof shell. Remember to put on your waterproof pants too, or water will run off your jacket and soak your trousers/pants.

Don’t overheat…

If you have to put on your waterproofs in warm weather, then be sure to remove a layer first. By adding an extra layer you are adding more insulation and will be getting warmer.

This will lead to more water vapour being produced by your body and will put extra pressure on the waterproof membrane to perform, resulting in more condensation inside your clothing.

Wash and reproof your jacket regularly…

When the DWR layer wears off and the rain water no longer ‘beads’ on the outside of your jacket it will become saturated or ‘wet out’.

This layer of water on the outside of your jacket will impede the movement of water vapour through the membrane, and more condensation inside your clothing will result, making you feel wetter.

Reproof your waterproof clothing with NikWax Wash-In, or a similar product, on a regular basis. The more you use your jacket the more often you should treat it.*

Check on the build quality of your jacket and pants…

The material may be waterproof but rain can still penetrate through seams, pockets, zips and those large openings for your head and hands!

Check that the seams are sealed, or ‘taped’ on the inside, some top end jackets now have welded seams.

Consider waterproof zips when you purchase your waterproofs, both for your main zip and ancillary zips on your pockets and elsewhere. These are much better than conventional zips at keeping water out, though more expensive.

Check that the inside of your pockets are made of the same waterproof material as your jacket. If your pockets do not have waterproof zips and the pockets lining is not waterproof then you are going to get very wet around your midriff.

Make sure the hood fits well around your head and can be pulled in tight without impeding vision. Check that the cuffs are adjustable, and can be closed down with Velcro to reduce the amount of water running up your arms!

Don’t buy waterproof pants with simple slots for pockets, this will just let in water and soak your underwear.

Avoid cotton T shirts and underclothes…

Cotton will absorb up to 20 times its’ own weight in water, and the hollow fibres of cotton won’t release it easily, so it stays with you and makes you feel cold and clammy. In colder conditions this can also increase the risk of hypothermia.

By wearing synthetic wicking layers the moisture your body produces will be moved to your outer layers and away from your skin, making you feel much more comfortable.

It is not possible to stay completely dry when battling through horizontal rain on a windswept mountain, but by caring for your waterproof jacket and using it appropriately you can stay comfortable, if a little damp, even in the worst of weather.

*I’m often asked how often you should reproof a waterproof jacket, and the answer is not that simple. If it’s getting dirty and the pores are clogging up then wash it and reproof it. If it’s no longer ‘beading’ and water is soaking into the material, then reproof it. In normal use I reproof my waterproofs every couple of months. (But I use mine quite a lot).

Thanks To Russ Mills from Mountaintrails for permission to share

Achill adventure - Croaghauns 688m

Achill Island was the place to be on Saturday 22nd April 2023

While much of the countryside was under heavy cloud and rain we undertook to climb the highest sea cliffs of Croaghauns at 688m in clear skies and sunshine with low winds and a fantastic group of mainly returning hiking friends 💕

Starting at the reservoir of Lough Acorrymore the descent route was a nice mixture of mainly grassy terrain on gentle slopes which steepened somewhat as we neared the summit

The views were breathtaking looking northward towards the Mullet peninsula and it’s Black Rock lighthouse the scene of the tragic Rescue helicopter crash a few years ago with the sad loss of all on board

To the south Clew bay with Clare Island and closer by, the beautiful sandy Keem beach

It was a perfect hike and most memorable day

Thanks to one and all

St Bridgid’s day on Benbulben

St Bridgid’s day failed to live up to the promise to deliver the introduction of Spring.

The only female patron saint of Ireland renowned for light and the end to the darkness of winter.

Her influence was definitely muted as we battled our way through strong winds rain and mist. But heading towards our final goal of Benbulben head the clouds and mist lifted and the wee resident male grouse hopped and fluttered alongside and it was as if St Bridgid still had her say

Thank you Sean and Jenny for taking time during their brief visit back to their homeland to do this hike

We enjoyed your company immensely ♥️

Happy new year from Benbulben 2nd January 2023

What a day to start off the new year

We had a full house for our Benbulben ramble

It sure was Baltic

Steady 50kph winds with a chill of -7c in lovely winter sunny conditions

The tea never tasted as good

The star of the show, the little red grouse entertained us at the summit and even joined us for a short stroll

Thanks to all who came and joined in on the adventure

Here to lots of hiking for 2023

It’s only just begun

Dartry Twin Peaks hike

What a cracker of a day for our Dartry Twin peaks hike. A very friendly Red Grouse welcomed us to Benbulben Trig chirping away in grouse 😍

It’s likely that it was released from being domestically reared as close encounters are unusual.

Crossing over to kings mountain the risk of showers cleared and we enjoyed lovely sunshine

Great day out for body mind and soul