Best day ever on Benbulben

What a day to start off the Autumn season. A truly memorable day with people joining us from all parts of the country. Nice also to have John from New York, the first of our international visitors this year.

Welcome to the 12 Bens - An introductory hike

The midges were not all that welcoming as we arrived and set off for the summit of Benbaun 531m. On reaching the summit either the midges called it a day or else we managed to outrun them but they disappeared. The next object of our hike was the rocky quartzite summit of Benbrack at 636m. Time for a well deserved lunch. The route continued past a small wee corrie lake which looked inviting for a dip but we instead kept our focus on the final summit of Knockbrack. To reach that we had to pass through the boundary fence of the Connemrara National Park. Thankfully there was a hole to pass through as climbing over the high deer wire would not be an option. The descent off the summit of knockbrack needs careful footing at first and also crossing the long grass lower down with all its hidden drains. It was then back to Kylemore for some well deserved treats to celebrate a memorable day.

Post hike boot maintenance

Here’s a few tips on how to look after your boots especially after a really wet and boggy hike like we had last Saturday in the Poisoned Glen

1. Wash your boots thoroughly with tap water. For leather boots use a scrubbing brush to remove any residual peat. Wash the soles also

2. Remove insoles and dry them either in a drying room or close to a good heat source

3. Loosen laces around the tongue as shown below

4. Dry boots slowly. In good weather place outdoors. Never place them close to a fire or radiator.

5. When completely dry refit the insoles and apply a wax to your leather boots. Make sure it’s suitable for goretex as you don’t want to block the membrane and reduce the breathability

These few simple step will prolong the life of your boots, help to maintain their waterproofing and breathability

Just remember they’ll respond to a little TLC

Benbulben - a guided hike

Imagine heading to hike a mountain you could not see with a guide you’ve never met😵‍💫 Some dilemma!!!

That was the challenge facing those travelling to climb Benbulben this morning.

A step of faith was required and I’m delighted to say that for all those who stepped out into the poor prevailing conditions they were eventually rewarded with some fine views when the mist and fog lifted as we approached Benbulben head.

Another great day

Well done to one and all 👏👏👏

Benwiskin - "The Breaking Wave"

Today’s adventure took us up Benwiskin to experience the might and the height of “The Breaking Wave”

With strong headwinds of 50kph and temperatures of 10c it was noticeably colder than of late.

Thankfully the rain stayed away until after lunch

So all in all it was a most enjoyable and memorable day

Benbulben - a guided hike

It sure was a shaky start this morning

Thankfully the overnight and early morning heavy downpours cleared just in the nick of time leaving us to enjoy Benbulben at its finest

Swollen rivers and gushing waterfalls were nice to look at but presented a challenge to cross over on route.

A most enjoyable and rewarding day and all down safely at the end

Guided hike up Glencar Mountain, Devils Chimney Waterfall and Barytes Mines

Faced with a difficult decision this morning, to hike or not to hike?

With 13 people waiting and ready to go the decision was to proceed with caution

The most important consideration heading to the hills in a heatwave is hydration and sun protection.

Weighed down with loads of water and sun hats and lathered in sunscreen factor 50+ we headed up the well shaded bog road and out onto Glencar mountain

The nice gentle breeze kept us cooled down and also a few degrees lower that the valley due to elevation.

We hiked over the Devils chimney which was totally dry and headed up to visit the old Barytes mines at Glencarbury.

Returning back to the valley we made a beeline for further hydration at the Tea Shed and some tasty cakes 😋

In conclusion good preparation is essential at all times no matter what the conditions and the outcome was a very memorable and most enjoyable day.

Benbulben - a guided hike

It sure was hot on Benbulben yesterday. Still it did not prevent this super active group from enjoying their hike to the max. We had a ball from start to finish.

Benbulben - a midweek guided hike

After a rather dodgy start this morning when low cloud threatened to obliterate the summit plateau I’m delighted to report it had all cleared by the time we reached the trig pillar on our Benbulben midweek hike

Glorious sunshine and blue skies provided perfect condition for a truly enjoyable and memorable day

Mount Nephin - Saturday 12th June 2021

Climbed up Mount Nephin yesterday, the second highest peak in Connacht at 806m just 8m shy of Mweelrea, the highest.

Nephin's reputation for being a "wild mountain" remains intact. The forecast was for a dry calm and warm day. Well it started out that way but went downhill as we progressed uphill. Visibility disappeared above the 700m line and temperatures dropped down hugely. As we began our descent an unforeseen storm hit us full on, and with winds well in excess of 100kph we struggled to stay upright. We had to go low and one stage it looked like we might have to sit it out. Finding some shelter on the easterly side of the ridge we made some progress. We were still buffeted around as we descended into the Corrie. The remainder of the hike out was uneventful apart from the scene awaiting us at the Nephin car park where Mountain Rescue were on an operation to recover an injured person close to the summit. With an ambulance on standby and Garda car on duty and the arrival of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter we felt hugely thankful for a safe passage throughout our hike.

A huge thanks to all the brave hearts who participated with courage and strength under extremely difficult circumstances. We are proud of you all.

Back in business

It great to be back guiding once again. Our current schedule is pretty full for June and July. However there are still places available. So please contact us and we will do our utmost to find a suitable date for your requested hike.

Keep an eye out for our hiking agenda for August and September soon to be published

New year hike cancelled

Unfortunately our "Ring in the new year" hike will not take place due to the ban on intercounty travel. The original lifting of the ban was to remain in place until the 6th January but due to a change of mind by the Government they reinstated it on the the 27th December. It is so frustrating and making it almost impossible to plan future event.

We plan to put this hike on hold and as soon as intercounty travel is reinstated we will go ahead with the event.

Thank you for your patience

We are closed for 6 weeks

We are sorry to announce that due to the Government's decision to place the entire country on level 5 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 we have no option but to cancel all upcoming hikes for the next 6 weeks.

We will contact all those who have booked to discuss available options. Our preference is to refund as it is uncertain as to when we can restart our guided hikes again. It is difficult to reschedule not knowing when this will be possible. There are still bookings from the last lockdown earlier this year to honour.

Thanks for your patience and we look forward to seeing you all soon. In the mean time keep safe

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Royal Peaks hike

"Road closed" signs greeted us this morning on the approach road to Luke's Bridge. Big roadworks by Sligo County Council, on the Benwiskin track to resurface the damage caused by early summer deluges.
Once sorted the day got underway in perfect conditions.
Such a pleasure to do this hike with a enthusiastic group of locals who stepped up to the challenge and were rewarded with stunning views and most enjoyable day out.

Benbaun and Benfree

Climbing Benbaun today, the highest mountain in the 12 Bens and also Galway county top.
Brilliant day with an enthusiastic group and amazing views. Encountered a heavy downpour on the summit. However it was short lived and cleared the air. Decided to take in Benfree as an extra bit of adventure and were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow.

"Finally it happened"

Finally it happened 👍 Six months later than originally planned. The 3 amigos Deirdre Lauren and Trish got to set foot on Benbulben and they sure made the best of it as you can tell by the photos It was a pleasure to have you today. Thanks a million

Kings mountain to Glencar

Another brilliant day out with a great group from far and near.

It was a particularly special occasion for Lynn who joined us to visit the Old Barytes mines at Glencarbury where her Grandfather managed the operation during the 1920's