Walk Report: 21st February 2010

Plans are well underway for this year’s Walking Festival which takes place as always over the three days of the May Bank Holiday weekend. This Sunday’s walk saw the final preparations being made to the Marathon route, designed to test the endurance of the fittest of hillwalker. Thirty one ‘A’ and ‘B’ walkers combined to put the second 13miles of the route through its paces, and assuredly it lived up to its promise. The majority travelled by bus to Glenanaar, where we left off two weeks ago. We arrived to a freezing fog but this was the last of this we saw as we made our way along the Ogeen and Aar river banks , passing not one but three bridges , the work of the Rural Employment Scheme who are to be congratulated for opening up this glorious section of the Ballyhouras to walkers. Some liken this section of the route to the Clare Glens, in the East of the county, but its unique charm lies in its ability to take the best the seasons have to offer and present them in an unspoilt fashion.

Ascending to the roadway we made our way to the start of that unexplored territory known as the Long Mountain, and long it proves to be, even with the carefully plotted signage marking our route. But weather conditions such as we had yesterday for once allowed us a panorama of views, east and west with the Paps in Kerry clearly visible. Arriving at the junction of Seefin, the ‘B’ Walkers departed to descend to the Lacca where their cars awaited them. Our thanks to Willie O’Rourke for taking them in charge.

The remainder travelled on passing under Blackrock and descending to skirt the Bike Trail before we made our way through to Wilderness to Castle Oliver Gates. At this stage the walkers started to stretch out, reminiscent of Marathon days. We made our way back up through Magners where some walkers awaited the ‘Wall’ and wondered aloud if 13miles is this tough how they would manage the full compliment. With the last climb behind us we reached the road and the last mile and a half from Ballinlyna to Kilfinane seemed the easiest as we passed several walkers out for their Sunday stroll, confident in the knowledge that we had put 13miles behind us. This was achieved in the expected time of 5hours. Thanks to Robin Lee who led and all who assisted. We hope our visitors from Cork enjoyed their foray to the Ballyhouras and return to take on the full Marathon in May.
Next weekend sees the Club engaged in no less than 5 walks, three on Sunday and a Beginners Walk and a Nordic Walk on Saturday. The Saturday walks start in Glenanaar at 12 midday and 2pm, contact Robin Lee at 087 6385290.