Walk Report for May 17th 2009

By Robert Lee (Ballyhoura Bears PRO)

Last weeks notes mentioned that Sundays walk was an important date on the Bears calendar, and so it was. Cyril Morley’s West Cork Walk is always meticulously planned with nothing left to chance.

But surely, not even Cyril can plan for fine weather Can he not? It seems as if he can! We were provided with a Mediterranean like day at and around Courtmacsherry on Sunday for this year’s West Cork Walk, when all around us was being subjected to deluges and storms. “How does he do it?” The question on everyone’s lips as the seventy eight walkers – 23 from the Ballyhoura Bears – set out on this 25K walk from Courtmacsherry Hotel, having enjoyed hot buttered scones, smothered in cream and raspberry jam beforehand.

Heading due east at the start we traversed a costal wooded area carpeted with the blooms of Bluebells and Wild Garlic; a truly impressive array of natural beauty. Turning due south at Wood Point we crossed the farmland adjoining Ladies Cove, Beamish’s Cove and Fox’s Cove reaching Broadstrand Bay before long. This leg of the walk, along with others later in the day, emphasised for us that it is possible for the Farmer and the responsible Walker to co-exist. The landowners of this region are to be commended and thanked for the facilities that they provide to the walker. We must, and, by and large, do, reciprocate by respecting this.

After a short break at Broadstrand Bay with it’s magnificient view of Courtmacsherry Bay to the east, we ascended the route that took us by Blind Strand and the Fuscia Walk to Narry’s Cross. We now had a full panoramic views as far east to The Old Head of Kinsale and to Galley Head on the west, typical West Cork coastline brought into sharp relief by the clarity of the day, and superb azure seas.

Leaving Travara Beach behind us we headed inland towards Butlerstown and Lislevane traversing some of the best farmed land in the country. We reached the coastline again at Ballynamona Cross where a turn to the east got us on to the final leg of this truly charming walk in an oasis of fine weather on the day. After a wholesome repast at the Hotel our reluctant departure from Courtmacsherry was accompanied by the first raindrops of the day! How does he do it?

For those that couldn’t make it to West Cork Teresa Brosnan had worked out a “B” walk from Mountrussell Lodge to take in a large chunk of the Ballyhouras; always a worthwhile walk. Some twenty participants turned up on a damp and windy morning for this walk, and unfortunately these conditions were not to improve during the day. No matter. Teresa is resourceful, and shortly the weather was well forgotten with the interest and enthusiasm that she infused into the walk. Turning on to the Coillte track at the Mountrussell barrier, the long incline to the top of Toor bohereen was soon behind us, and we were heading along the Fire Belt to the foot of Blackrock. From there we advanced on Seefin, and leaving it to the south of us we crossed to the Pigeon Rocks and down the first part of The Black ditch to the Map Board. Shelter here invited us to take our food break before heading out to Castle Philip and the remainder of the Black Ditch, and home to Mountrussell via Carron. It was gratifying to have three new walkers in our company on this walk. As always, as well as welcoming them, we look forward to providing them with many more days of pleasant walking, as this was. The experimental earlier starting time of 11.00 instead of 12 m d seems to have been a success, and will be continued for the foreseeable future.

Next Saturday, 23rd May, the Burren Marathon leaves Ballyvaughan and those interested may still be able to avail of a place by contacting (085) 1741700.

On Sunday Pat Lombard – (085) 1743067- assembles a strenuous “A” walk at Kate Kearney’s Cottage at 9.30 a m to take in, at least, Purple and Tomies. Meanwhile Jim Flynn – (087) 2833456- will lead a “B” walk from Doneraile Park gates at 11.00 a m for Streamhill et al.