Sunday’s hike, led by Des, set off from Ballycrystal. The group made their way up Mount Leinster via the Split’s Gully, then continued across to Blackrock Mountain, with a lunch stop at the Floors of Craan. The route covered approx 13km with an elevation gain of about 750m. Thanks to Des for leading the hike and for the photos, and to Lily as well for the photos.

Friday night was very wet and windy, so the group opted to stay low, starting from Deerpark car park. They made their way to John’s Hill and around Goorth Wood, covering 8km with an elevation of 313m.

The Friday night hike began at the Nine Stones car park, where we set off by ascending to the left of the roadway toward the stile. We followed forest trails before emerging back onto the mountain near the source of the Clody River. From there, we faced roughly 200 metres of elevation gain up to the mast.
We stopped at the mast for a tea break, enjoying a beautiful clear night with views of the lights across County Wexford, including the distant Tuskar Rock lighthouse and Hook Head lighthouse. To finish, we followed the service road back down to the cars.

Sunday’s hike also began at the Nine Stones car park. Members ascended to the left of the roadway toward the stile, then continued along the trail past the White Stones and onward up to the mast. They finished the hike on Slievebawn. Thanks to Ann for leading and to Lily for the photos.

Sunday’s hike took place in the Blackstairs Mountains, starting from Ballycrystal. It’s an excellent base with plenty of route options, and much quieter than the Mount Leinster Nine Stones side. We kept to lower ground at first, following the Ballycrystal woodland trail and then linking onto the trail in Rossard area, before climbing up toward Black Rock Mountain. The weather turned, bringing stronger winds and steady rain. We paused for a tea break at the Turfcutters Hut, then made our way back down via the turf path to the cars. In total, the route covered 10.5 km with 767 metres of elevation gain. 

Friday night’s walkers were once again lucky with clear, calm conditions. Starting from Ballycrystal, they made their way through the woods and up onto the ridge, before descending down to the Floors of Craan. After a steep scramble, they stopped for tea at the Turfcutters Hut.

The club had a fantastic weekend away hiking in the
Cooley and Mourne Mountains. 

Back home, the Friday night walkers enjoyed a lovely hike starting from the Nine Stones car park. They first descended north from the Nine Stones, then turned east to cross the Burren River, before continuing up the Black Banks on their way to Mount Leinster.

Many thanks to Declan for guiding Sunday’s hike along the Table Track, Lobawn, Logar and Sugarloaf. The route was approximately 18km with around 700 metres of elevation - a great day in the Wicklow Mountains 🥾⛰️ Thanks to Lily for the photos.

Five club members set out on Friday night for a 10.5km hike, starting in Ballycrystal and making their way through the woods to the base of Black Rock Mountain. After the climb, they took a well-earned tea break at the Turfcutters Hut. With around 600 metres of ascent, it was a fantastic night hike under the stars and looking out at the lights of county Wexford.

John led the group in Wicklow on Sunday, beginning at Fenton’s Pub in the Glen of Imaal. The route ascended Camenabologue before continuing on to Lugnaquilla, covering approximately 20 km with 900 m of elevation gain ☃️ Thanks to John for leading and to Lily for the photos❄️

Friday night’s hike began in Ballycrystal, with a pause at Hughes’ Walls/ the Beech Trees before continuing on to the mast on Mount Leinster via the False Teeth route. The walk was at a slower pace due to sections of ankle-deep snow along the route. ❄️🥾 Tea break was taken at a safe distance from ice falling off the mast cables. ☕❄️ The group descended to the right of the Eagle’s Nest, with a red moon reflecting off the sea, returning to Ballycrystal, 8km in total. 🥾⛰️ Enjoyable night had by all.

Lily led an easy hike this Sunday in very misty, wet conditions, setting off from Scullogue Gap. The route brought the group over Knockroe, past the Red Van, and on to Clorogue Mor, before returning via Shannons Lane. In total, the walk covered 11km with 550 metres of ascent.

The Friday night walkers enjoyed excellent conditions for walking and chatting along the way. There were plenty of chances to stop and review the map at intervals. John C also shared some points he gained from the MS1 course he attended last weekend.

St. Valentine’s weekend was the perfect time to hike to Ireland’s Heart Lake. Starting at the Wicklow Gap, the group climbed Tonelagee, looped around Lough Ouler, and followed the river down to Glenmacnass Waterfall before heading back up Tonelagee to finish. In total, the route covered 13 km with 820 metres of elevation gain. Thank you to Bernie for leading, and to Lily and Michael for the photos.

Friday night’s hike began in Ballycrystal, with a scramble up the Splits followed by the steep climb to the Mast. We made our descent via the False Teeth before finishing along Hughes’ Walls. Thanks to John for leading and photos.

Michael led the team on Sunday on an approximately 17 km route in Wicklow, taking in Little Braigue Mountain, Derrybawn Mountain, and Braigue Mountain. Thanks to Michael for leading and for the photos, and thanks also to Nuala.