Croagh Patrick via Bengoram - a unique approach - Saturday 20th July 2019

Yesterday we climbed Mayo's famous mountain via it's western spur and secondary peak of Bengoram. Throughout the ascent we met one solitary hiker on his descent from the summit. On the summit there was the usual hoards of people milling around who had made the ascent via the highly eroded and dangerous slopes on the pilgrim path. We were blessed with superb weather and it just could not have been better. Thanks again for all who joined us and were rewarded with a most enjoyable hike in great company.

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

Delighted to welcome Sinead Michelle and Lorraine today for a hike up Sligo's iconic mountain.

The weather was perfect with a strong fresh north westerly wind keeping us cool. The trig had taken on a new colouring from some previous hikers celebrating another event. .

Thank you girls for being such a pleasure to have and it was a most enjoyable day.


The Lake District, Cumbria, England 22nd - 29th June 2019

Here are some high lights and very few low lights from our recent trip to the Lake District in Cumbria. Our base in Keswick proved an ideal location to explore the well known peaks and to conquer the final highest summit in England. Well done to everyone who came and enjoyed a week of great hiking. The weather was amazing apart from one cloudy and misty day. The legs may be tired but will soon recover The memories will outlast any temporary pain experienced. Thanks a million to all who joined in

Slieve League Horseshoe - A guided hike

A beautiful day today on Slieve League, West Donegal, with breathtaking views on what has to be the finest sea cliffs in Europe. Thanks to all who joined in on this adventure.

Introduction to the 12 Bens

Wall to wall sunshine was the order of the day for our introductory hike into the 12 Bens. It has to be one of the most scenic locations in the Connemara regions. Today it was at its best. It was a pleasure to have participants from Belfast, Dublin Galway, Mayo Roscommon and Sligo. Apologies if I have left any more out. Thank you all for coming.

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

Today in the aftermath of storm Hannah we approached Benbulben this morning with caution. The influence of last nights storm was still evident with winds gusting at over 70kph making for difficult progress. Still we persevered and enjoyed good visibility and great fun and completed the hike safely and in high spirits. Thank you for coming today and we look forward to another adventure into the future.

Mweelrea - Guided hike

Today we headed to conquer the highest mountain in the west of Ireland, Mweelrea. It was a day of changing landscapes from underneath the clouds to overlooking then from overhead. Mweelrea was at its best and we all thoroughly enjoyed an amazing time of sunshine and great company. Thanks to all who came from east and west and without doubt enjoyed this hike up Mweelrea at its best.

Kings Mountain to Glencar guided hike

The early morning light showers soon gave way to a good dry day with sunny spells developing in the afternoon. Thanks to all who came and enjoyed a wonderful day on this beautiful hike We recounted the dark days of the war of independence at the memorial cross to the Nobel 6, celebrated a birthday, learned about the history of barytes mining and all in all had a ball.

Errigal and Machoght

After a day and a night of severe weather influenced by Storm Erik it was strongly debated whether to proceed with today guided hike up Machoght and Errigal. In the end with a good favourable weather forecast by Met Eireann we decided to proceed as planned. We were rewarded and after a few wicked showers early on, the day cleared and the wind almost disappeared to leave us to enjoy one of the best days one could have ever hoped for.. Thanks to those who undertook to travel long distances yesterday and early this morning to participate in the adventure. And to those who chose otherwise the mountain will be there for another day.

A snowy hike up Benbulben

There is something special about a winter hike in snow. Today was one of those days. It was pure enjoyment and pleasure. The pictures say it much better than it can be described.

Croagh Patrick via Bengoram - a unique approach

Fabulous day climbing Croagh Patrick today via Bengoram. The day started dull damp and foggy. However as we ascended into the fog the sun appeared. The valley remained hidden. We were almost above the clouds. and at one stage and could see the the top of Knockmore on Clare Island just appearing above the cloud cover. The bright sunshine produced a unique phenomenon known as the Brocken Spectre. A Brocken spectre is the magnified shadow of an observer cast upon clouds opposite of the Sun's direction. Thanks to all who joined in on today's hike We all had a most enjoyable time.

Benbulben - "Ring in the new year hike 2019"

A great day out for our first hike of 2019.

Despite the sub zero temperatures and chilly winds we enjoyed great visibility, lots of banter and craic in great company.

Thanks to all who travelled from far and wide to join in the fun and adventure.

A great start to the new year.

Guided hike from Eagles Rock to Truskmore and Teebaun

We had a truly memorable hike today. At Eagles View car park it would have been tempting to head for the shelter of the coffee shop or return home but the hardy souls who came were not for turning. The forecasted heavy rainfall turned out to be a number of brief wintry showers. The strong winds were more of a feature and at their highest measured in excess of 110kph. This made for tough progress in the headwinds. We still completed our intended hike in good time with the bonus of an ascent up Truskmore included. That meant we ticked off the two highest peaks in the entire Dartry mountain range. A most rewarding day and well done all who came and enjoyed the experience. Thanks you for coming.

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.