Ballyhoura Bears 18th April 2010

By Robin Lee
With the Ballyhoura International Walking Festival just around the corner – the May Bank Holiday weekend – the preparations for it are going “full steam ahead”. This involves walking out the routes that will be covered during the Festival to ensure that everything is safe and at the ready for our visitors. Accordingly all of the club walks were on the Ballyhouras last weekend covering the entire expanse of the range from Ballinaboola across to Glenroe. Added to this there was the annual “clean up” of the Galtys on Saturday in preparation for the weekend, and to allow us to give something back to the mountains for the immense amount of pleasure that they give us throughout the year.

The beginners walk on Saturday revealed the charm of Carron to sixteen newcomers. Part of the satisfaction of these days is that the participants come to realise that there are beautiful walks on our doorsteps that are easily achieved. This was the case on Saturday when we got up and down on Carron in just over two hours, and no one was stressed at the end.

Let nobody say that there are not challenging walks on the Ballyhouras. Teresa Brosnan led another group of sixteen “A” walkers from Glenroe Community Centre on a six and a half hour loop walk on Sunday. We have become so used to the good walking weather now, that we almost take it for granted. The conditions were just perfect – a lovely bright day but not too warm. So off with us, with our tails on our backs, as we took on Rea’s Hill on our way to Magnier’s wood via Barrabunoka Bridge. Now the valley of the Molanna (Keale) River was next on our route, but a mobile phone call to Teresa alerted us to the presence of some potentially unfriendly stock in a nearby field, so our plans were changed slightly. This did not take from the pleasure of the walk, however. Teresa knows this area like the back of her hand and it was no bother to her to re-plan. During the day we came across another group of Bears that were preparing another Festival walk. Garryarthur and Kilcruaig were next on the agenda before we turned for home and faced back for Glenroe to complete our loop.

Tom Mc Carthy assembled twenty three “B” walkers at Ardpatrick before heading out to Mountrussell to commence his walk from there. If this area does not reach to the highest parts of the Ballyhouras it is no less attractive for walking and the views that are offered. With little effort you have the entire of north Cork and south Limerick in view. Added to this we had the benefit of Tom’s intimate knowledge of this locality to embellish this walk. It was encouraging to see that a number of those present were former “beginners” who have realised the pleasures of walking as a pastime and who have reached the confidence to step up to the “B” level of walkers. They were well able for the day. Between the fine weather and Tom’s able leadership we had a wonderful four-hour walk that satisfied all that participated.

On Saturday next the beginners walks will continue from Ardpatrick Church at 12.00 noon.

Susie Flavin – (085) 1448015 – will lead a moderate “A” walk on a 6 hour horseshoe walk from Cush Car Park at 10.00 a m. Declan Clancy – (087) 9792174 - will lead a “B” moderate 4 hour walk from Ballinaboola Top Car Park. Meanwhile the annual Knockmealdown Crossing will take place on Saturday. This will provide “A”, “B” and “C” grade walks. Meet/register from 7.00 a m onwards at Goldenbridge. Contact Nuala O’Connell at (086) 8357290 or www.clonmelpeaksmc.ie