🥾 Sunday’s Hike – Lugnaquilla
John Fitz led the group on the hike starting and finishing at Baravore Car Park.  The route took in Art’s Lough, Lugnaquilla, Cinnow and Camenabologue. They covered 19km and had a total ascent of 950m. Thanks to John for leading and to Michael and Nuala for the photos.

🥾 Friday’s Hike - Ballycrystal
Friday nights hike was used to practice some navigational work. They worked on compass, pacing and map reading. Starting from Ballycrystal to Clorogue Beg, they located some features on the map, The Old Lady standing stone and red van to name two, and then had tea break at Hughes Walls. 

Carlow Autumn Walking Festival
It was a pleasure to help Carlow Tourism lead a series of hikes all across the Blackstairs Mountain range. The festival started on Friday night but got off to a wet and windy start,  thankfully the weather settled as the evening went on. Saturday brought sunshine and unusually warm temperatures for this time of year, giving everyone some fantastic views along the trails. Sunday started with mist over the mountains, but the sun soon broke through for the 3 walks. It was brilliant to see so many walkers travelling from near and far to experience the Blackstairs. Thanks to everyone who joined us and made it such an enjoyable weekend.  Well done to all the Tullow leaders.

🥾 Friday’s Hike – Mount Leinster
Friday’s hike took the group from the Nine Stones to the Mast on Mount Leinster via the Black Banks route, led by John C. Along the way, they stopped to admire the newly updated stile — a welcome improvement to the route, the evening continued with some navigational practice. Thanks to John for leading and to those who took photos.

🥾 Sunday’s Hike – Mount Leinster
Sunday’s hike, led by Tony, started a little bit later to avoid the heavy rain in the morning. They began at Corrabut Gap and ascended Mount Leinster. From there, they continued to the Turfcutters Hut before returning to Corrabut Gap. Thanks to Tony for leading and Michael for the photos.

🥾 Sunday’s Hike – Wicklow
Sundays walk started from Drumgoff recreational area. Going through the Parish bog we ascended Carraystick mountain to Lugnaquilla for lunch. In near perfect conditions we then headed out to Leonard mountain to Jim's high rock. We contoured back towards Kelly's Lough with a short but steep decent. We then followed the forest track back towards the cars. Weather was perfect with blue skies all day allowing for great visibility. Thanks to Bernie for leading and to Nuala for the photos.

🥾 Friday’s Hike – Ballycrystal
The Friday night walkers had a foggy night with poor visibility on Black Rock Mountain. They used this to their advantage and did some navigation practice which included pacing and timing. Thanks to Tommy for leading.

🥾 Sunday’s Hike – Wicklow
This Sundays walk, 13th September benefited from a warm, mild day with little wind leading to ideal walking conditions.
We started in Laragh and ascended Paddock Hill using the Wicklow Way to Brushers Gap. Following lunch at Newpark Gates we ascended Scarr with views over Lough Dan. On our descent we stopped at the Gossan Stones, a pair of small standing stones which act as a portal framing of the sun during the equinoxes. Length of hike 16.75km, ascent 675m. Thank you to Denis for leading and Lily for the photos. 

🥾 Friday’s Hike – Ballycrystal
The Friday night group had eight people out for a walk and  clear-up work on one of the routes for the upcoming Walking Festival. Cleared overgrown paths, filled in holes, and made the route safer - not only for the festival but also for our Winter Walks. After the work was done, they enjoyed a walk towards Clorogue Beg and on to the beech trees at Hughes Walls.

🥾 Sunday’s Hike – The Comeraghs
On Sunday, the crew headed into the Comeraghs, starting the walk at Crotty’s Lake beside the campsite car park.  They made their way around Crotty’s Lake and noticed just how low the water level was after the high temperatures we experienced throughout the summer. From there, the group continued on towards Bréagán Mór and then on to Uisce Solais.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on their side, so the decision was made to head towards Crotty’s Rock before making their way back to the cars. They said a fond farewell to Anna, who is returning to Germany. Thanks to Michael for leading.

🥾 Friday’s Hike – Mount Leinster
Friday night’s hike was an 8 km route starting from the Nine Stones. The group took the alternative trail to the left of the service road, which climbs steeply straight from the car park. After crossing the stile, the route continued past the White Rocks and on towards the Mast, where the group stopped for a tea break. The descent was via the Black Banks, before following the road back to the car park.

🥾 Club Trip to Connemara

Sundays hike was in the Galtees. The route was up the Black Road, to the Col near Galtybeg overlooking Borheen Lough. Then took the Path of Faill, before contouring to Lough Diheen and this was followed by a steep ascent to Galtymore. The walk back took in Galtybeg. Thanks to John for leading. 

Friday night’s hike started from Shannon’s Lane. We walked on until we passed through the second gate, where we took a left and climbed up from the south-eastern side to the cross. We then began our descent, crossing the two mountain rivers before stopping for a tea break at the rock art on Crannach Hill. As we ascended back towards the Stoolyn Path, we had the blood moon rising overhead. We made our way back to the cars via Knockroe Lane. Thanks to Sean for leading. 

The Sunday hike this week was on the Blackstairs. Starting at Mullaun in glorious sunshine, a slight breeze & great views. 11 members took on the 19 km & ascent of 880m. Stopping at Blackrock for a brief banana break before ascending to Mt. Leinster for lunch & chats. 
On the descent to Stoolyen we examined “the false teeth” rock .

Continuing towards Hughes Wall to admire the old beech Tree. Then on the final trek through Ballycrystal to reach the Turfcutters track we were interrupted by an errant sheep stuck in a wire fence who was saved & returned safely to the flock. Onwards to our cars at Mullaun. And very welcome refreshments at “The halfway House”.
Thank you to Nuala for leading.

The Friday night crew climbed Lugnaquilla from Ballinabarney gap. 11km was covered, weather conditions were clear enough to spot a lighthouse in Wales. 

Friday nights hike was led by John, taking the group across the Sugarloaf and Lobawn in Co. Wicklow.
Thanks to John C for leading.

Sundays hike started in Donard village, took in Church Mountain, Corribrack and looped back to Donard village. This hike had an ascent of 600metres and was approximately 15km. Thanks to Frank for leading the group and to Lily and Nuala for the photos.