48 Hours in... The Sperrins

Posted on December 5, 2011 @ 2:40 PM in

The Sperrins stretch along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry and can best be described as wild, untouched and beautiful. Spanning 40 miles, the Sperrins mountain range is the largest in Ireland and walkers can expect undulating hills covered in heather, quiet valleys and boggy uplands literally teeming with wildlife.

This 48 hour itinerary showcases great walking, fantastic food and incredible scenery - everything that makes the Sperrin Mountains so special. Click here for a Full List of Walks in The Sperrins.

Friday Night: Head into the village of Draperstown and sample the sumptuous menu at The Apparo. This cosy boutique Hotel and Restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience using high quality, fresh local produce without breaking the bank.  

Saturday: Robber's Table - Kick off with an excellent 9 mile circular walk opening up views of the Bluestack and High Sperrin Mountain ranges with a landscape criss-crossed with hedgerows and miles of old stone walls. Many tales are told of highwaymen who rode the post roads across the Sperrins and divided their spoils on the ridge of ‘Robber’s Table’. Full walk details here - www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=116

Go Green: The Deli on the Green in Moygashel serves the freshest foods, sourced from a selection of local artisan producers. There is always a welcoming atmosphere here and you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an Early Bird special.

Splash Out: The Carleton Restaurant at the Corick House Hotel epitomises elegant dining. There is a fantastic interior superbly decorated with sparkling chandeliers and guests are served the finest of local produced cuisine from an award winning Head Chef.

Sunday: Banagher Glen - Located in the north Sperrins, this is one of the largest and least disturbed stretches of old semi-natural woodland in Northern Ireland. Twisted oaks cling precariously to the steep cliffs above the Glenedra and Altnaheglish rivers and there is a very pleasant 2 mile walk on surfaced paths offering stunning views of this wonderful region. Legend tells that one of the pools in Banagher Glen is home to the last snake in Ireland. St Patrick was unable to drive this giant serpent out of the country so instead trapped it forever at this site. Full walk details here - www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=169

Accommodation: Click here for details of some walker-friendly accommodation options in the Sperrin Mountains or contact Omagh Tourist Information Centre on 028 8224 7831.

Maps: Sperrins Activity Map from the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland or purchase on the OSNI Website. 

Real Mountain Skills - Winter!

Posted on October 18, 2011 @ 5:41 PM in

Nathan Kingerlee runs an adventure and outdoor training company, Outdoors Ireland, based in Killarney, County Kerry. While guiding some folks on Carrauntoohil last year, questions came up around tips and tricks to make life easier while in the mountains during the cold winter months. In this blog, Nathan has kindly noted down some tips and techniques for safely walking in the mountains this winter.

When I think back to some of the hard lessons I’ve learnt and tricks I use, here’s some ideas:

If you’ve a choice between getting a backpack that’s a little too big, or a little too small, get one that’s a little too small. That way you’ll pack only what you really need and you’ll pack in a well organised fashion.

No backpack is properly waterproof and backpack covers don’t work, so put a big lightweight dry-bag or a heavy duty plastic bin-bag inside your backpack, to keep your contents dry.

Wear a tight’ish hat that pulls down well over your ears. A loose hat may blow off your head on a gusty day. It’s happened to me!

For really cold days, or winter conditions, mittens are much better than gloves for keeping your hands and fingers toasty warm. When it’s really cold wear a pair of thin fleece gloves within your mittens. Get mittens with wrist straps, so when you take them off they’ll dangle from your wrists – one less thing to blow away. Practice doing tasks, like opening your zips or using a compass, with your mittens on; as this takes a bit of skill.

Always, always, always carry a spare pair of gloves and a spare hat, buried deep and dry within your backpack!

Don’t sweat! Start your day a little chilly as after ten mins walking you should have warmed up to a normal temperature. Avoid overheating and sweating, as this both dehydrates you and gets your base layers damp, meaning when you stop you’ll cool very quickly. Use your layers and zips to control your body temperature, also adjust your walking speed to cool down or warm up.

Continually drink water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. By the time you’re thirsty you’re already a little dehydrated. Also snack on your food throughout the day, to always keep your energy levels high.

If you’re using a platypus and the temperature is cool, blow back the water in your platypus tube after taking a drink, in order to clear the tube, otherwise the water in your tube can freeze.

Keep your mouth closed! On cold, snowy days breath through your nose instead of your mouth, as the cold dry air will crack your lips and dehydrate you; especially important on multi-day trips. Sun cream and lip protection are invaluable, both for sun burn and wind burn.

Wear thermals and fleeces which are well fitted and long. Long thermals means you can tuck them well down into your trousers and they won’t ride up exposing and cooling your bare skin. Long fleeces won’t ride up your back as you’re hiking or stretching. All your fleeces and waterproof coat should have a draw cord at the bottom of them, which allows you to pull the bottom tight, preventing body heat escaping and rain seeping in. When it gets really bitter and cold tuck your thermal top into your underpants!

Especially in serious conditions think several hours ahead and adjust your backpack contents and coat pocket contents accordingly. For example, when you stop for a break, if you think you’ll need a spare fleece in an hour’s time when you reach the cold windy summit then make sure it’s at the very top of your bag. If it’s going to get dark in two hours and you’ll still be on the mountain have your head torch and food ready in your pockets; you don’t want to be fumbling in the dusk looking for your torch.

Don’t let your feet get wet, if at all possible; by not stepping into streams, etc and also carrying plenty of spare socks. If your feet get sore when you stop for breaks take off your boots and socks for five mins to allow them to breath. Be careful though; you don’t want to have a sock blown away or give your toes frostnip!

Carry a pair of tight’ish sunglasses or cheap snow goggles with you. They’ve so many uses, from protecting your eyes from dazzling sun on snow, to allowing you to see against driving rain/hail mixed with wind. On bitter days they even keep that often exposed part of your face warm. Wear a buff around your neck for full facial protection.

For details of Mountain Skills Courses which Nathan runs throughout the year visit www.outdoorsireland.com

WalkNI.com would like to thank Walking and Hiking in Ireland for allowing the reproduction of this blog article.

Inspiration lies just around the Coast!

Posted on August 23, 2011 @ 12:21 PM in

The dramatic cliffs of the Giant’s Causeway Coast, stretching along the northern counties of Londonderry and Antrim, blend a unique mix of magnificent scenery with myth, legend and tangible heritage. Sadly however, visitors to this area of outstanding natural beauty rarely venture beyond the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site itself. As such, there is a whole coastline of spectacular walking just waiting to be revealed.

With this sense of discovery in mind I decided to spend a long spring weekend exploring some of the lesser known walking opportunities along Northern Ireland’s famous Causeway Coast.

Each year our club organises a weekend trip to the Mourne Mountains staying in holiday homes in Dundrum, County Down. We also generally do a separate Sunday of hiking in the Silent Valley area however this was the first time I had ever walked along the Causeway Coast.

From chatting with other club members, I had been told of the natural beauty of North Antrim with attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge all on the check list. However, I was also aware that few people take advantage of the fantastic walking opportunities all along this spectacular coastline and personally I never really considered it as a walking destination before so I was really looking forward to the chance to explore a place that I had always wanted to visit but somehow had never gotten around to.

With the local knowledge and expertise of Walk Talk Ireland guide, Sean Mullan, I set off from Portbraddan and walked along the 10km cliff top path west towards the Giant’s Causeway. This grassy path follows the headlands of Benbane and Bengore with its highest point ‘Hamilton’s Seat’ at 100m offering superb views out as far as the Mull of Kintyre.

The Causeway itself is certainly a must-do for anyone visiting the area however the stunning scenery of dramatic headlands and cliffs around Dunseverick Castle along the cliff top path should simply not be missed. I had read that there were some amazing coastal views along this cliff top path and they certainly weren’t joking.

After resting overnight in the Bayview Hotel in the village of Portballintrae, I boarded a passenger ferry departing Ballycastle to explore another gem along this coastline – Rathlin Island. The ferry journey to Rathlin itself was stunning. The Irish Sea was as still as a pond with seals popping up and down, set with a backdrop out to Scotland and back to the cliffs of Fairhead.

After docking at Church Bay I set off on a 7km walk out to the West Lighthouse past Knockans RSPB Reserve to Kebble National Nature Reserve. Here the breathtaking cliffs and stacks support the largest seabird breeding colony in Northern Ireland. Imelda from the Seabird Centre was very informative and it was a delight to use the telescopes to get a closer look at the incredible variety of seabirds gathering with their mates on the cliffs – this was truly a memorable experience.

I was visiting the Causeway Coast with the view of perhaps organising future club walking trips here and I was completely taken back with what I found. Our club would often go to the west coast or Cork but from my own trip I found the Causeway Coast to be a wonderful option for a future club weekend and I am positive that it would be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

From Celbrdige (22km west of Dublin) it took me 3.5 hours to get up to the Causeway Coast. As one last piece of advice I would urge other walkers visiting this area to bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife and make sure you have plenty of memory and batteries for your camera – you are going to need it!

This year, WalkNI.com have teamed up with walker-friendly accommodation providers throughout Northern Ireland to offer walkers the chance to avail of 10% off any accommodation bookings made in 2011. Visit WalkNI.com to Download a free Walker’s Guide to the North Coast and Glens of Antrim or contact Aideen Exley on +44(0)28 9030 3930 for more information on planning your next walking trip to Northern Ireland.

Blown over Slieve Beagh!

Posted on June 15, 2011 @ 4:32 PM in

 On the windiest day of 2011 so far, I found myself battling head winds to cross Slieve Beagh, following part of the route that has been included in the revised Ulster Way. This was part of my sabbatical walk around Northern Ireland to raise money for marine conservation www.lovenaturewalkni.org.uk.  

The sea wasn’t foremost in my mind as I started up minor lanes from the County Monaghan side of the hills.  An excellent map produced by several local community groups identifies this as an ‘ancient walk’ from the townland of Knockballyroney. The promise of summer was there in the budding meadowsweet and flowering ragged robin below the whin and hawthorn hedges.

The track wound higher, passing a couple of dog walkers, until I picked up the main Slieve Beagh way above Rock Bridge and was alone on the moor. The vast barren expanse resembled an extra-terrestrial film set, a moonscape after the fire damage that wreaked havoc on so many upland areas this spring.

Up here the wind was not just blowing a gale, it was a relentless force into which I had to walk, tilted like a drunken sailor fresh on shore leave. I nearly tripped over my own feet when a crosswind blew one leg across the other, but exhilarating nevertheless!

During a brief respite behind some willows I heard a cuckoo above the wind...actually quite close. And there he was! He perched beautifully for me, so I could see his handsome barred belly and striking resemblance to a bird of prey. It was a treat for this otherwise empty landscape, only the lone meadow pipit valiantly attempting to fly but rarely exceeding a couple of metres off the ground. And then, in the corner of my eye, was that flash of white gone to ground in one remaining patch of heather a male hen harrier? I could almost convince myself - from memory that was a regular nest area, and surely if it was a piece of peat plastic it would blow on where I could see it? But further scrutiny shed no light - maybe I was imagining things, the mind's eye unravelling in the wind. Still as I write that suspicion lurks, but I decide I can't count that as a verified sighting.

Health & safety risk assessments are just fine as long as you remember to list all likely hazards. I have to say falling trees didn't occur to me when I was planning the walk. Only when there was a gunshot crack and a tree toppled in my direction (thankfully 100m or so away) did the penny drop! So much for getting out for the wind into the peace of the forest, the wind just a rustle (well, perhaps that undersells it) in the treetops. Now I had to run the gauntlet of some decidedly dangerous looking conifers at leaning tower of Pisa angles. I stayed at the edge of the forest ride away from the trees likely to fall, hoping there was a good chance they'd hang in their opposite counterparts and there'd be room for me underneath. I pulled up my hood, as if that would make much difference if a tree landed on me! When I had to exit the forest I waited for a lull before risking departure and half-ran, feeling a bit embarrassed, out into the open. So much for listening out for siskins and crossbills - they may have been there but my brain was otherwise engaged.

Downhill I went to Mullaghfad church, past enticingly labelled 'waterfalls' on the map (not found) and ruined cottages collapsed to heaps of stone. These hills have seen wild times: wolves once, recalled in place names. Shane Bearnagh, nobleman turned rustler on dispossession of his lands, who was beheaded and whose wife and children drowned themselves (and maybe treasure) to avoid a similar fate. This and more was presented on information boards at key access points along the way.

Slieve Beagh can be beautiful as well as wild. As I finished at Jenkin Lough the sun emerged and shone glittering across the sapphire blue water. I was impressed with the well-maintained walking trail, a cross-border effort to promote tourism here. The RSPB has produced a management plan for the area, commissioned by community groups and in conjunction with statutory bodies in both countries. I hope it comes to fruition and that problems of upland degradation, uncontrolled burning and waste become a thing of the past. Then group water schemes will be sustainable for residents, private well-managed peat cutting will benefit local people, and there will be habitat for curlew, hen harrier and human to enjoy. I definitely recommend a visit!

Walk with Confidence

Posted on May 16, 2011 @ 2:41 PM in

Northern Ireland is full of great walking opportunities over varied terrain. For those looking to walk 'off the beaten track', there are some great routes and trails available in mountainous regions such as the Sperrins and the Mourne Mountains. Check out our Walking Areas page for more information, route descriptions, images and maps for the most popular hill walking destinations in Northern Ireland.

This summer there are a number of hill walking courses available designed to equip walkers with all the necessary preparation and navigation skills needed to walk with confidence in the hills. Below, WalkNI.com have outlined a few hill walking courses available in the Mourne Mountains during the next few months.

 

2 Day Hill Walking Skills - £173 per person
Sat 21 May

This 2 day overnight course is suitable for complete beginners or those who want to improve and/or refresh established hill walking skills. The courses will teach the basics of planning and preparing for walks, including route choice, fitness and equipment choice. Participants will learn the basics of hill walking skills and methods of mountain navigation including map interpretation and compass techniques. The course will also cover the basics of mountain safety such as hazard awareness, avoidance and emergency procedures as well how to enjoy the natural environment responsibly using the principles of ‘Leave No Trace'.

 

Show Me The Way To Go Home - £30 per person
Fri 3rd June (Evening Course)

This evening course is suitable for anyone wanting to learn or boost their navigation skills for walking in mountainous terrain. Course ratios are small and tailored to the individual needs of participants. Topics covered will include grid system and references, map orientation, feature identification, understanding contours, what to do when lost, planning a safe walk and use of a compass.

 

Hill Walking Emergencies - £76 per person
Sun 19th June

Ideal for either complete beginners or those who have tried hill walking before and wish to move to the next level. This course will cover the basics of planning and preparing for your walking trip including route choice, fitness and equipment choice as well as the basics of mountain safety such as hazard awareness, avoidance and emergency procedures.

 

Introduction to Mountain Skills & Navigation - £45 per person
Sat 2nd July or Sun 3rd July

This course is for those who are interested in walking around Northern Ireland's beautiful mountains but have never felt comfortable using a map. This course will teach you how to navigate safely along with the skills needed to have an enjoyable day in the hills.

Night Navigation Introduction Evening - £30 per person
Sat 2nd July or Sun 3rd July

If you are interested in walking around our beautiful mountains but have never felt comfortable about reading the map at night then this is the course for you. Have a go at practicing those navigation skills in the dark or low visibility, under the safe watchful eye of a qualified instructor.

 

It is recommended that anybody walking in the hills has a basic knowledge of map reading and navigation and is aware of the basics of mountain safety. All the courses above will enable walkers to set off into the hills with complete confidence.