Ballyhoura Bears Walks August 8th 2010

Compiled by Denis Bates

Thursday August 5th

The Thursday evening walk was led this week by Cal McCarthy along his favourite stomping ground of Glenanaar. Is there anywhere more beautiful and peaceful then Glenanaar and the lovely shaded walk up the valley alongside the Aar river? Canon Sheehan would agree that there is not. At this time of year the tree canopy is lush and the summer growth plentiful. The mountain ash trees are resplendent with bunches of red berries. The verges are lined with fern and heather as you move from the shade the exposed sections of the route. All the while the river burbles alongside soothing away the worries of the day. What an excellent tonic for a Thursday evening.

Sunday August 8th

On a beautiful if warm and humid Sunday, 18 walkers set off from Darragh bridge in the capable care of Susie Flavin. The Boreen Dearg offered a chance to stretch the legs and get warmed up for the route ahead. A steady haul brought the group across Kilcruaig which was balmy on this August Sunday. Pausing briefly to enjoy views of Coolfree & Seefin Mountains, and across the Keale River to Keale Mountain, the walk continued towards Garryarthur, down McCarrthy’s field and onto Kilfinn church for a welcome lunch break. The familiar short cut through the fields had to be avoided due to cows and a bull. Bulls are grand until the day that they aren’t. There is never a good day for a walking group to play chase with a bothered bull. Sticking to the road instead the group moved on then to Ballyorgan before entering Magner’s Wood and journeying to Rea’s Hill and back to the start at Darragh Bridge. It was a good day’s walking for all inspite of the sultry heat.

Next weekend’s walks include:

Aug 12th .Galty castle car park Jim Flynn 087 2833456

Sun Aug 15th The Reeks A strenuous 38 7hrs Kate Kearney’s Pat Lombard 085 1743067 9.30am

Also B Walk Kilfinane 4 hrs. Deirdre Fitzpatrick 063 91225 11am.