Contributions to: [email protected] Deadline for May. 2016 issue: TheRambler 16th April, 2016 Cumann Siúloirí April 2016 na h-Éireann

Live like its Spring.

She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: "Winter is dead.”

A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young

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Changes to Hike Start Times from 01 April 2016

Dear Ramblers,

Just to update you on the question of hike start times. Following on further discussion and taking into account all your submissions, the Executive Committee has decided to introduce the Start Times listed below, from 01 April. These times are being introduced for a trial period until the end of June. While understanding some may be unhappy with the times, it is necessary sometimes to compromise for the greater good. Please support these timings and give them a chance. Thank You, Bob Nugent, Vice President

Start Times with effect from 01 April

Sundays Grades 1 & 2: 10:00 or 10:30 (depending on start point) Grade 3+: 10:30 Grades 3 & 4: 11:00 Grade 5: 11:00

Thursdays Grade 3+: 11:00 Grades 3, 4 & 5: 11:30

Saturdays Grade 3: 11:00 ( i.e. No Change)

Hike Programme – April 2016

Please remember that Sunday Hikes will now commence from the Start Point given in the hike programme, as the Urban Car Pools are no longer being used. This is the same as for all other club hikes, all hikes now begin at the start point and time given. Please note the start times given above.

The Club would encourage members to continue to seek to car pool to hikes if at all possible, so please use the club website to do so or make arrangements directly with your fellow hikers, as others already do, or contact those living in your area. Members availing of lifts should offer to share/contribute towards drivers’ expenses. It is advisable to try to share your car with others and not to rely totally on the beneficence of others. Car pooling arrangements should be made in advance of the hikes. If members are uncertain about how to get to the start location, they should contact the leader or another member to get directions.

The hike should depart from the start point at the laid down time. Essential requirements for all Club hikes are adequate weatherproof and waterproof clothing, a map and compass, hiking boots, a rucksack, sufficient food and hot drinks, plus emergency rations for the day; a whistle, torch, double survival bag and first aid kit. For comfort after the hike a towel and change of clothing are recommended. Leaders and hikers please do not lose contact with each other. In common with all forms of mountaineering, hiking/hill walking is an adventure activity with inherent risk of personal injury or death. You are responsible for yourself on the mountains at all times. Please check your Email or the Club Website the day before a hike in case of changes In uncertain weather, contact leader before leaving home

Hike Leaders please remember to complete your hike report on the Rambler Web Site

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SATURDAY 2nd APRIL Co-ordinator Michael Cosgrave Ph. 087 9720003 Area:

Grade 3 Start: 11:00 Leader: Tricia Boyle Ph. 086 3628413 Glendalough Visitors Centre CP (T: 126 969) – Forest Tracks – Derrybawn – – Glelnealo – Lead Mines - Cars Distance: 15km Ascent: 500m .

SUNDAY 3rd APRIL Area: Blessington Pub & Food: West Pub Blessington Security Ballydonnell CP: Tom Milligan Ballynultagh Gap CP: Jacinta Dowling & Siobhán Purcell

Grade 1 Start Ballydonnell CP (O: 058 117) @ 10:00 Leader: Brian Casey Ph. 087 2870058

Grade 2 Start Ballydonnell CP (O: 058 117) @ 10:30 Leader: Dorothy Byrne Ph. 087 9698184 Ballydonnell CP– Ballydonnell Brook – – Stony Hill – – Black Hill - Ballynultagh Gap – Cars Distance: 18km Ascent: 850m

Grade 3+ Start Ballydonnell CP (O: 058 117) @ 10:30 Leader: Brendan Tracey Ph. 086 2072241 Ballydonnell CP - Tracks - Boleyhemushboy Brook - Ballydonnell South - Duff Hill - Mullaghcleevaun East Top - Mullaghcleevaun - 063092 - Tracks - Cars. Distance: 14km Ascent: 690m

Grade 3 Start Ballynultagh Gap (O: 043 108) @ 11:00 Leader: David O Connor Ph. Ballynultagh Gap – Details to follow Distance: km Ascent: m

Grade 4 Start Ballynultagh Gap (O: 043 108) @ 11:00 Leader: Eileen O’Connor Ph. 086 8168684 Ballynultagh Gap –Sorrel Hill – Lugnagun – Forest Tracks – Car Park Distance: 11km Ascent: 390m

Grade 5 Start: Meet at Avon Ri Hotel (Tennis Courts N: 981 133) near Blessington @11:00 Leader: Finola McDonald Ph. 087 2414929 (Phone leader if you require a pick-up in Blessington.) Blessington Greenway, Burgage, Pollaphuca, Russborough and back. Distance: 14 km Ascent: flat (Alternative 7km with bus from Russborough back to Blessington)

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THURSDAY 7th APRIL Area: West Security Annalecka Bridge CP: Lynda Headon & John Burke

Grade 3+ Start: 11:00 Leader: Martin Hackett Ph. 087 220 4070 Annalecka Bridge (O: 055 019) - Forest tracks - Glasnagollum Brook - Mullaghcleevaun - Fall Brook - Barnacullian - Stony Top - - Cars Distance: 18km Ascent: 850m

Grade 3 Start: 11:30 Leader: Blaithin Bailey Ph. 086 3282799 Annalecka Bridge (O: 055 019) – Stoney Top – Tonelagee – Wicklow Gap – Tracks – Lough Nahanagan – Wicklow Gap – Tracks – Cars Distance: 14.5km Ascent: 650m

Grade 4 Start: 11:30 Leader: P J McGowan Ph. 087 9373405 Annalecka Bridge (O: 056 019): Stoney Top - Tonelagee Distance: 11km Ascent: 490m

[Car pooling from Glendalough VC at 11.10 - the 3+ & 3s are also starting from Annalecka Bridge]

SUNDAY 10th APRIL Area: Pub & Food: Glenmalure Lodge Security Barravore CP: Dominic Gallagher Grade 1 Start Barravore CP (T: 066 942) @ 10:00 Leader: Brian Casey Ph. 087 2870058

Grade 2 Start Barravore CP (T: 066 942) @ 10:30 Leader: Joe Byrne Ph. 087 246 3634 Barravore CP– Arts Lough – Clohernagh- -- -Cannow – – Table track – Cars Distance: 19.5km Ascent: 1050m

Grade 3+ Start Barravore CP (T: 066 942) @ 10:30 Leader: Milo Kane Ph. 086 8402566 Barravore - Table Track - Forest Road - - Cook's Gap - Ridge - Rebel's Cave - Balllinafunshogue - Road to cars Distance: 15km Ascent: 780m

Grade 3 Start Barravore CP (T: 066 942) @ 11:00 Leader: Seamus Moriarty Ph. 087 2243443 Barravore CP - Table Track - - Conavalla - Lugduff – Cars Distance: 12km Ascent: 465m

Grade 4 Start Glenmalure Lodge CP (T: 106 909) @ 11:00 Leader: Jonas Brandt Ph. 087 7801513 Glenmalure Lodge CP – Forest Tracks – Kelly’s Lough – Carraway Stick – Forest Tracks – Cars Distance: 13km Ascent: 610m Congratulations to Jonas for leading his first solo hike for the Club

Grade 5 Start Barravore CP (T: 066 942) @ 11:00 Leader: Una Kinirons Ph. 086 0880376 Car Pool at 10:30 optional, to start from Barravore @ 11:00 Barravore CP - Table Track - Lower Benleagh - Cars. Distance: 8km Ascent: 175m

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THURSDAY 14h APRIL Area: Sally Gap/Pier Gates Security: Ballinastoe Deirdre Morris &Michael Keogh Cloon Forest: Jerry O’Dwyer Grade 3+ Start: 11:00 Leader: Terry Leonard Ph. 087 628 8055 Ballinastoe Car Park (O 194 078) - Mason's Glen – – – – - White Hill – Barrack Hill - Cars Distance: 17.5km Ascent: 890m

Grade 3 Start: 11:30 Leader: Eoghan Brangan Ph. 01 2956958 Ballinastoe Woods CP (O: 194 078) - Glasmullen - Paddock Pond - Wicklow Way - J. B. Malone - cars Distance: 17km Ascent: 560m

Grade 4 Start: 11:30 Leader: Donie Harmon Ph. 086 8098397 Cloon C.P. (O: 174 170): Cloon - Knocknagun - Prince William’s Seat Distance: 12km Ascent: 350m

Grade 5 Start: 11:15 Leader: Micheál / Mary Mullarkey Ph: 086 0735450 Meet at 11:15 at the Square, Blessington, (N: 982 144) - Blessington Reservoir Greenway – Ardree – Russborough House – Return Distance: 11km Ascent: negligible

SATURDAY 16th APRIL Co-ordinator Michael Cosgrave Ph. 087 9720003 Area: Glendalough Grade 3 Start: 11:00 Leader: Lillian Buchanan Ph.086 7373153 Glendalough Visitors Centre(T: 126 969) – WW – Tracks – Derrybawn – Cullentraugh – Shay Elliot – Old Military Road – Tracks - Cars Distance: 16.5km Ascent: 450m .

SUNDAY 17th APRIL Area: Glenmacnass/Glendalough/ Pub & Food: Coach House Roundwood Security Glenmacnass CP: Mick Whelan Grade 1 Start Glenmacnass CP (O: 114 030) @ 10:00 Leader: Brian Casey Ph. 087 2870058

Grade 2 Start Glenmacnass CP (O: 114 030) @ 10:30 Leader: Mairead Edmond Ph. 087 246 0104 Glenmacnass Car Park - Brown Mountain - - Paddock Hill - Wicklow Way - Brockagh Mountain - Tonelagee - Cars Distance: 22km Ascent: 1080m

Grade 3+ Start Glenmacnass CP (O: 114 030) @ 10:30 Leader: Terri Neylon Ph. 087 2322367 Glenmacnass CP- Scarr Mountain – Paddock Hill – Red Barn – Barton Woods – Boy Scouts – Brown Mountain – Kanturk – Cars Distance: 18km Ascent: 650m

Grade 3 Start Glenmacnass CP (O: 114 030) @ 11:00 Leader: Frank D’Easaille Ph. 085 7386245 Glenmacnass - Brown Mountain - Scarr - return via Inchavarra River - Brown Mountain - Cars Distance: 15km Ascent: 500m

Grade 4 Start Glendalough VC CP (T: 126 969) @ 11:00 Leader: Brendan Glynn Ph. 087 2900124 GlendaloughVC –Forest Tracks – Spinc – Lugduff – Side of Mullacor – WW - Cars Distance: 13km Ascent: 500m

Grade 5 Meet outside the Wilton Hotel, Southern Cross Road opposite Kilruddery Estate @11:00 Leader: Margaret Doorly Ph. 01 2782624/086 3288968 Bus No 84 from Bray Dart Station towards (Stop No. 4168) leaving at 10:50 passes near Wilton Hotel. Return buses 84 and 184. Walk the circuit of Bray Head & its environs. Distance: 10km Ascent: 240m

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THURSDAY 21st APRIL Area: West Cork, Lacken & Blessington Grade Open to All Environment Walk Start: 11:30 Leader: Liam O Brien Ph. 086 2658292 Start Avon Ri Blessington (N: 982 134) to environs of Russborough House and back to Blessington. Place will be limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. To register your interest, please email [email protected] or contact Liam directly.

Further details below

Grades 3+ & 3 Hiking in West Cork

Grade 4 Start: 11:30 Leader: Jim Doyle Ph. 087 2586182 Lacken Car Park (O: 012 105) - Black Hill - Sorrel Hill - Lugnagun. Distance: 13km Ascent: 530m

SUNDAY 24th APRIL

Area: Pier Gates Pub & Food: Coach House Roundwood

Security WW North CP: Damien Cassells Ballinastoe Wood: Britt O’Sullivan & Colm Carberry Grade 1 Start Wicklow Way North CP (O: 169 074) @ 10:00 Leader: Brian Casey Ph. 087 2870058

Grade 2 Start Wicklow Way North CP (O: 169 074) @ 10:30 Leader: Yvonne Cotter Ph. 086 382 2229 Wicklow way North CP– Wicklow way - -Ballinafunshoge – Lough Dan – Brown Mountain – Inchavore River – Knocknaclochoge – Cars Distance: 18km Ascent: 940m

Grade 3+ Start Wicklow Way North CP (O: 169 074) @ 10:30 Leader: Mary Kavanagh Ph. 086 3376580 Wicklow Way North CP - White Hill - Djouce - War Hill - Sheepbanks Bridge - - Cars. Distance: 18km Ascent: 900m

Grade 3 Start Ballinastoe Wood CP (O: 194 077) @ 11:00 Leader: David Vipond Ph. 087 6347612 Ballinastoe Wood CP – White Hill 365 - Djouce 733 - WW - Glasnamullen Brook- Forest Trails - Cars Distance: 11km Ascent: 400m

Grade 4 Start Ballinastoe Wood CP (O: 194 077) @ 11:00 Leader: Jim Forde Ph. 01 8462310 Ballinastoe Wood CP – White Hill 635 – Djouce 733 – WW – Glasnamullen Brook – Forest Tracks - Cars Distance: 11km Ascent: 400m

Grade 5 Meet outside The Coach House, Roundwood @ 11:00 Leader: Paula O’Regan Ph 087 2187274 Roundwood - Circuit of Vartry Reservoir - Roundwood Distance: 10km Ascent: 50m

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THURSDAY 28th APRIL Area: Glendalough

Grade 3+ Start: 11:00 Leader: Brian and Anne Carson: Ph. 087 195 6237 Glendalough Visitors Centre CP (T 126 969) - Derrybawn – Mullacor – Lugduff – Van Diemen's Mines – Spinc – Cars Distance: 17.5 km Ascent: 850m Brian and Anne are leading their first hike for the club

Grade 3 Start: 11:30 Leader: Eadaoin O’Shea Ph. 087 6300150 Glendalough Visitors (T: 126 969) - Tracks – Remembrance Wood - Derrybawn - Mullacor – Wicklow Way - Cars Distance: 16km Ascent: 625m

Grade 4 Start: 11:30 Leader: Eileen Murphy Ph. 086 6064389 Glendalough Visitor Centre (T: 126 969) - East Top – Luganure - St. Kevins Way Distance: 11km Ascent: 550m

Grade 5 Start: 11:15 Leader: Padraig McGrane Ph: 086 305 6090 Meet at 11:15 at Wicklow Heather C.P. (T: 141 966) - Ballylug Bridge – Ballylusk – Round Hill – Bread & Butter Stone – Horse Shoe Hill – Clarabeg - Cars Distance: 9 km Ascent: 300 m

Rambler Environment Walk on 21st April

Liam O'Brien has kindly volunteered to lead a hike for Ramblers of all grades in the environs of Russborough House on Thursday 21st April, leaving at 11:30. Obviously, this will be an opportunity for contemplation and generally reaching heights other than altitude, like smelling the roses (well actually Spring plants).

The hike will be through a mainly forested area with a chance to observe and discuss man's impact on the environment, Blessington lakes a plus or a minus? Or is it the best of both worlds? Good for man and good for nature? Spring plants should be out in abundance and there will be a chance to put names on some of them. There will also be an opportunity to discuss architecture, history and the theft of major works of art. The start will be from Avon Ri, Blessington, walking to Russborough House and around the lower walk and back to Blessington. There's free parking at Avon Ri near the tennis court. Places will be limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.

To register your interest, please email [email protected] or contact Liam directly (086

2658292).

7 Spreading our Wings April 2016.

Wednesday April 13th: Witnessing History Tour at the GPO. If you have booked for this Tour please check your emails for further details re Meeting up .Please have exact fee of € 8pp to hand on the day. th I will email all listed by April 8 .

Dates for your Diary:

Saturday May 7th at 11: am. Witnessing History at the GPO - I have 6 places left for this tour –

(might suit the weekday workers!) Tuesday May 31st Guided tour of St.Mel’s Cathedral Longford - Details in May Rambler . If interested contact me on [email protected] Thank you Angela .

Away Hike in the Comeraghs/Knockmealdowns - Saturday and Sunday, 14/15 May

Members are asked to indicate if they would be willing to join these hikes. Your Away Hikes Committee needs to know what level of participation there is likely to be so that accommodation enquiries and deals can be made. Time is running tight for this adventure, so let's see as soon as possible how many are interested in coming.

Volunteers familiar with some walks in the area are also required to act as Leaders.

Please email Away Hikes Coordinator, John Burke at [email protected] to advise.

INVITATION Grade 5 (formerly Amblers) would like to invite your family and friends to join us.

Do you know any former members who are missing the hills and the friendships and would be happy to avail of the New Special Entry to Grade 5? If so please let them know about this

opportunity to join us.

Our Introductory hike will be at Grade 5 level (typically 8-10k with up to 300m ascent, at a more gentle pace). Those interested should contact Maura Roche by phone or email; [email protected] 01 298 6862 or 086 3140957

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Remembrance Wood- progress report The committee, led by our chairman, Mick Reidy, inspected the Wood in early March. Generally all is well- there is continued growth, and little evidence of any widespread damage to our saplings. Our Scots Pine grew well since our last inspection, but several of them were loose, as their evergreen plumage resisted the wind more than our other species. We plan to stake these up.

Milo Kane pauses from his labours in the Remembrance Wood to pose for the Rambler

On Friday 25th March we selected a spot where we will assist the Taylor family plant a tree to commemorate the late Tommy Taylor. We are planning to seek quotations for a kissing gate, and if this is installed this year, we will work to improve the pathway from the main gate to the kissing gate. We also need to deal with some mature trees which threaten our fence- these will get the chop! When growth resumes we will put together sessions to counter attack the ferns, and deal with the long grass to allow air and light for our tree.

9 NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Five new Members have been appointed to the Executive Committee and are assuming the following roles:

 Ann Egan (Secretary);  Siobhán Purcell (Training Officer);  John Burke (Away Hikes Co-Ordinator);

 Patrick Gray (Webmaster);  Fergus Roche (Grade 5 Liaison Officer).

Mountaineering event dates

Women With Altitude (May 13th – 15th), Gartan, Co. Donegal This ladies only weekend is aimed at both teaching new skills as well as improving existing ones. We offer a range of instructed and self-directed courses and sessions, workshops and talks. This weekend is open to members and also to non-members. Full programme and bookings open shorty

Summer Alpine Meet (July 2nd – 16th), Gressoney, Aosta Valley, Italy The Summer Alpine Meet offers instructed courses for all levels of mountaineer. We also offer a hut-to-hut walk. Many come along to the Meet and climb and walk independently and enjoy but come together for the social aspects of the Meet. Courses run over 5 days and are repeated from the first to the second week. Full programme and bookings open in the next several weeks

th th Autumn Gathering (October 14 – 16 ), Kilorglin, Co. Kerry The Autumn Gathering will be hosted by Laune Mountaineering Club and will be based in Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Several walks will be organised and led by the host club on the Saturday of the Meet and we look forward to both re-tracing classic routes and also discovering new corners of the Reeks. There will be a key note speaker to open the Meet on Friday night, a dinner on Saturday night and several workshops on Sunday morning. This is a great way of meeting other like -minded people and also an opportunity to engage with various members of Mountaineering Ireland staff. A full programme and booking facility will be available approximately one month before the event.

Further information is available from Mountain Ireland’s Events page for these and other Mountaineering Ireland events over the coming months. Any specific queries can be raised with Mountain Ireland’s Membership Development Officer, Rozanne Bell Rozanne can be contacted at : Mountaineering Ireland Irish Sport HQ National Sports Campus

Blanchardstown Dublin 15 Tel: +353 1 6251112

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Spring Clean Up

14th, 16th & 17th April

We are again organising our Spring clean up to coincide with An Taisce's National Spring Clean which is scheduled for the month of April. We will focus on Ramber hikes scheduled for Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th.

Based on feedback from 2015, we have decided to simplify the logistics by asking members to bring a couple of litter bags (approx. 25 litre) with them from home and perhaps dispose of the litter in their green bins. From experience it is unlikely that any individual will collect a full bag on a hike so it shouldn't be too onerous. In 2015, many members brought the litter home because they found it more convenient than dropping at the designated collection points.

Please support this initiative and help to preserve the beauty of the hills which give us so much enjoyment throughout the year.

If you would like any further information please email: [email protected]

Committee Notes

The Executive Committee (EC) held its most recent meeting on Tuesday, 8th March, and the following are some of the main points discussed and agreed: Welcome to new members of the Committee: First of all, a warm welcome was extended to the new members of the expanded EC, Ann Egan, Siobhan Purcell, Patrick Gray, Fergus Roche and John Burke. The respective tasks of these new members was elaborated as follows --- Ann Egan was elected as Secretary, Siobhan Purcell was taking over the role of Training Officer. Patrick Gray’s role was that of webmaster, Fergus Roche took over the new role of Grade 5 Liaison Officer, and John Burke took over responsibility for away hikes and long hikes.

 Bank Signatories: It was agreed that the three signatories for the Ramblers’ bank account would be Michael O’Neill and David Vipond (as before) together with Ann Egan.

 Matters arising from the AGM: First of all, it was noted that the Constitution required to be updated, as agreed at the AGM, and David undertook to bring an updated Constitution to the next meeting. Secondly, it was discussed as to how to progress the new requirements of the Grade 5 Ramblers. It was agreed that Fergus Roche would establish a sub-committee to administer and monitor the expansion of this grade over a 2-year period, and that this sub- committee would consist of the Thursday and Sunday Grade 5 hiking co-ordinators as well as other Grade 5 hikers. It was agreed that Grade 5 entrants would have to fulfil the same entry

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requirements as other grades; they would have to complete an introductory hike at Grade 5 level, complete 8 walks at Grade 5 level, and complete the MS1 Hiking Skills Course.

 Hike Start Times: The President gave a brief background on the developments on this. It had been agreed that the use of urban car parks to meet for the Sunday hikes would be discontinued. A survey had been carried out of the membership, which conclusively had resulted in the view that earlier start times were preferable to the majority of the members. This had been implemented. However, strong objections had been raised by a number of Ramblers about these earlier starting times. In particular individuals, who had to use the M50 on their way to the Thursday hikes, pointed out that the week-day rush-hour traffic would prevent them getting to the hike start point in time for the hikes. Some pointed out that, should these earlier hike times be persisted with, then they would no longer be able to attend the hikes. The Committee agreed to modify its proposals on the basis of these objections, and agreed to implement the following start times on a 3-month trial basis

Thursdays: Grade 3+ 11.00 Grades 3, 4 and 5 11.30 Saturdays: No change Sundays: Grades 1 and 2 10.00 or 10.30 depending on start point Grade 3+ 10.30 Grades 3, 4 and 5 11.00

These new hike start times (all starting from the hike start point) will come into effect from 1st April, and the experience of these times will be reviewed in June.

 Away day to the Comeraghs/Knockmealdowns: John Burke is working to progress this event in mid-May, and Bob Nugent is seeking to organise leaders through the Hike Coordinators.

 Renewal of mandate of sub-committees: Following the AGM it is necessary to renew the mandate of the sub-committees, and the Committee agreed that these should be re-mandated to continue as before.

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