Spring 2019 is a busy time for the Blarney Walking Group, and in February a large number of members headed to Dingle for a walking week end, undeterred by the cancellation of the annual walking festival. The group was led on Siuloid Cholman by Eileen Burton, and this walk took the group along Ventry beach, passing by Paidi O Shea’s, to complete a circuit which had stunning views over Ventry Bay. Luckily the weather held up to add to the enjoyment of the walk, and other walks were enjoyed on the Friday evening and the Sunday before departing for home. A thoroughly enjoyable week end was had by all and it is to be hoped that the Dingle Walking Festival will be reinstated for 2020. Blarney Walking Group extend good wishes to the new committee in Dingle. Once again John MacLaughlin is taking a group to Scotland, this time taking on the Torridon Range departing Dublin for Inverness on March 15th. The Torridon; Beinn Alligin trek ,will take in Tom Na Guadheach and Scurr Mhor peaks with a height of 980 metres. Their Sunday trek will be less taxing,with a climb of the Quinag horseshoe which will provide lovely costal views as reward. Best wishes to John and his intrepid group for an enjoyable and safe trip. A large and appreciative group of members recently attended a navigation course on map reading and the use of the compass. This course was given by club members Gene McDonnell and Mick Dowling. Both these gentlemen have huge experience in navigational skills and they ably conducted the course sharing their knowledge with their ‘students’. Regular, in service courses such as this are vital so that all members become proficient in the skill. On the mountains, a map, compass, observation and GPS are essential to navigation and being able to use them is vitally important. Many thanks to Gene and Mick for a most instructional evening. Further courses will be held during the year. This year has seen an increase in club members. To all we wish a Cead Mile Failte and good walking for the coming year. Upcoming events. March Sunday 24th B walk Mahon Falls / C walk Ballycotton Sunday 31st B walk Purple Mountain / C Walk Mushera Mor April Saturday 6th West Cork weekend based in the Celtic Ross Hotel. Walks on the Saturday (Castlefreke/ Owenahincha) and Sunday (Glandore). Sunday 14th B walk Hungry Hill / C walk Muckross Loop May Saturday 11th Darkness into Light always supported by the group Their schedule of Summer evening walks for May, June and July will be announced soon, so keep a eye on their website blarneywalkinggroup.blogspot.com
