Club walk Sunday 15th December 2019

Thanks to all who braved the icy roads on Sunday morning to enjoy a beautiful walk around Garbally and townlands. Pic. C. Dolphin

A bit of housekeeping

For those who didn't make the AGM at the end of last month, the Galway Mountain Rescue Team was nominated as our charity for 2020. Fundraising will take place during the annual New Year's Day walk along the Flaggy Shore in memory of our friend and club member Claudine.

Every year since the Club was founded, we've had a social event around this time of the year. On December 1st the Rosway Christmas walk and dinner took place was very well-attended.  Thanks to our chairperson Claire Dolphin for organising a lovely 13 km ramble in the Slieve Aughty mountains followed by a fabulous meal in Maggie May's in Loughrea, where more club members joined the hardy bunch. As you can see from the photos below, the weather even obliged.

Rosway walkers outside the Slieve Aughty Centre (pic. C. Dolphin)

Group shot during the walk in the Slieve Aughty mountains (pic.C. Dolphin). 

Quick reminder to those who haven't had a chance to pay their membership yet to do so as soon as possible. Also, anyone who intends to lead a walk, please get in touch with the Club secretary asap as the calendar is being written up.

The Committee would like to take this opportunity to thanks all those who organised walks and events during 2019 and all who supported them by attending. Warm wishes to all Club members for a happy Christmas and happy walking for the coming year. Go n-éirí an bóthar libh go léir!

AGM

Rosway Walkers AGM will be held in Gullane's at 8pm on Thursday 21st November. Please make an effort to attend.

Club AGM

Please note AGM postponed until Thursday 21st November.

Club walk Saturday 9th November 2019

Walk overlooking Lough Derg. 10-11kms over lanes and rough track. Approx. 2.5 hours. Meet Gullane's car park at 9am to car pool or Tuamgraney, Co. Clare 10am. Tea/coffee/food afterwards in Nuala's, Tuamgraney (highly recommended). Leader: B. Lyons.

Reel Rock 14 Film Festival Galway

Reel Rock, an adventure film festival about mountaineering, hillwalking and rock climbing will take place on November 13th in the O'Flaherty theatre, NUIG. More information on the films can be found at  https://www.reelrock.co.uk/films 

Tickets can be found here: https://nuigmc.com/store/product/reel-rock-14-13th-november-2019/

The event is organised by the NUIG Mountaineering Club. 

Climate Change 2020+

Climate Change 2020+ mini conference in Banagher College on 15th November from 7-9 pm. All welcome. Thanks to club member Patricia for letting us know about this.

Given that our new walking year is almost here, I'm also going to share a link to a very interesting blog article from walkhighlands on making responsible choices when choosing gear and how to extend the life of what you have already. 
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news/a-greener-gear-guide-part-1/0020210/

Club walk Sunday 27th October

 Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly
© F. Maguire

Clonmacnoise. 10-12 km road walk/ 2.5 to 3 hours duration.

Meet Shannonbridge Church car park at 9.30am. Bring hi-vis vest/snack. Tea/coffee and scones afterwards in Lukers. Leaders: Maura and Eileen.

Thanks

Huge thanks to Rory, Trevor and Brendan from GMRT for a brilliant night last night in Gullanes. So great to listen to speakers who are so passionate and knowledgeable. Thanks also to all club members,  members of the Athlone Walking Club, the Slieve Bloom Walking Club and the Clare Outdoor Club for coming along and making the evening so worthwhile. Delighted to meet everyone too.

Section of the audience last night, all ears!

Club Treasurer Jim presenting cheque to GMRT team 

Demonstrating the bothy bag

GMRT talk Tuesday 22nd October

Just quick reminder to about the Galway Mountain Rescue Team talk tomorrow evening at 7.30pm in Gullane's. All very welcome.

Wanda Rutkiewicz-Mountaineer

Those of you who use Google might have noticed that today's Google Doodle by Kevin Laughlin (see right), celebrates the noted mountaineer Wanda Rutkiewicz, the first Polish woman (in fact, the first Polish person) to summit Mount Everest. Today, October 16th, marks the 41st anniversary of her ascent.  A noted mountaineer, she summited many of the 8000m plus peaks and was the first woman to summit  K2 without supplemental oxygen. An engineer by profession, she went missing during an expedition to Kanchenjunga in 1992 and her body has never been recovered. More on this inspirational woman, who overcame many obstacles in her short life, can be found in her biography Wanda Rutkiewicz-A Caravan of Dreams, written by Gertrude Reinisch. Further info here  https://culture.pl/en/article/death-before-failure-wanda-rutkiewicz-the-golden-age-of-polish-mountaineering  

Reminder re Registration

Rosway registration for new and returning members this coming Thursday 17th October in Gullane's foyer from 8-9pm. You can download and print Registration Form in advance here. Gear lists also to be found on right hand side of blog page.

GMRT talk Tuesday 22nd October 2019

Members of the Galway Mountain Rescue Team (GMRT) have kindly agreed to come to Ballinasloe and give a talk to the Club on

How to prep for hillwalking

What gear/ equipment you should take

Likely hazards to watch out for

Contacting Mountain Rescue and how you can help them to get to you

Mountain Rescue capabilities and equipment

The talk will take place on Tuesday October 22nd at 7.30pm in Gullane's Hotel. Refreshments afterwards.

Please support your club and support GMRT by making the effort to attend.

Just out of interest and especially for newer members who mightn't be aware of it, I've attached a link to a newspaper article about a successful challenge to climb the highest point in each of the 32 counties over one day in 2011 in aid of Mountain Rescue. It was a real club effort, with teams planting flags on the summits of each mountain/hill and returning to 'base camp' in Ballinasloe that evening to celebrate. It's been a long time since we've done something like that. Maybe 2020 will be the year for it? Article here.

Volunteers needed

Galway Mountain Rescue Team are looking for volunteers to assist at the Howl at the Moon fundraiser at the Galway Wind Park on 12th October. If you are interested, please get in touch.  For further info on this event see here https://roswaywalkingclub.blogspot.com/2019/09/howl-at-moon-fundraiser.html

Dates for Club calendar

Registration for new and returning members will take place on Thursday 10th October and Thursday 17th October between 8 and 9pm in Gullanes (foyer).

McGillycuddy Reeks, August 2019 © F. Maguire

The membership fee will increase to €60 for the 2019/2020 walking year. This is the first increase since the Club was founded in 2006.

The Club AGM will be held on Thursday 14th November, followed by the walks planning meeting on Thursday November 21st (meaning now would be a good time to start thinking about walks you'd like to propose! Support/training always there for those who would like to take the first step and lead a walk).

Further details will be posted closer to the time.

Mountaineering Ireland Autumn Gathering and Chris Bonington lecture

This year's autumn gathering will be hosted by the Kilmacthomas Walking Club from Co. Waterford and takes place from 18-20 October 2019. If you haven't attended one before, the gatherings are a great way to mix and mingle and explore new parts of the country. The gathering will be based out of the Park Hotel in Dungarvan (where we stayed there when we walked St Declan's Way in 2014!). Details/booking here MI Autumn Gathering 2019

For those of you who remember Chris Bonington from the Bovril ad in the 1980s, the great man himself will be giving the Mountaineering Ireland Lynam Lecture on his many adventures at 7.30pm on the 18th of December at the Chartered Accountants Ireland lecture hall, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. For further information and tickets click here Chris Bonington lecture

Club walk Sunday 22nd September 2019

Croagh Patrick. Meet Gullane's car park @ 11am to car pool. Boots, wet gear and snack. Leader: C. Dolphin.

Kerry Way Walking Weekend

Please note this is not a Club event but is organised by GoVisit Ireland.

Walking weekend is coming up on 27-29 September, based in Glenbeigh Co. Kerry. Cost: €290 per person sharing and includes the following:

2 nights’ Hotel accommodation with ensuite facilities in Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry
2 Full Irish breakfasts
2 packed lunches
2 evening meals
2 Kerry Way Walks
Transfers to and from walks where required
Experienced local walking guide
Welcome briefing

Friday 27 September 2019 – Arrival Day. 7pm Welcome Briefing at Glenbeigh Hotel

Saturday 28 September 2019 – Walk Glenbeigh to Glencar
Distance: 13km • Ascent 350m

Sunday 29 September 2019 – Walk Kells to Glenbeigh
Distance: 17km • Ascent: 300m

More info here Kerry Way details

Howl at the Moon fundraiser

The Galway Mountain Rescue Team are organising a fundraising event at the Galway Wind Park, Shanapheasteen Road, Oughterard, Co. Galway on Saturday 12th October. You have a choice between doing the  17km full route or a shorter 9km moonlit walk through the park. Participants will be provided with a route map with manned checkpoints to provide support. For those who don't feel confident navigating, there will also be guided group walks. Further details are available at http://www.howlatthemoon.ie Tickets are currently on sale and there is an opportunity to avail of early bird pricing for the next couple of weeks.
No need to remind club members of the amazing work these people, who are on call 24/7/365, do, so please make an effort to support them in any way you can.

Club walk Sunday 8th September

There's a change to the advertised walk for this weekend and the club will now be doing a section of the Beara Breifne Way. Grade: Easy. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet Killure Church at 10am. Boots/snacks required. Leaders: Mike and Pat Glynn.

The Beara Breife Way is the longest waymarked trail in Ireland and was inspired by the route taken by Dónal Cam O' Sullivan Beara and his followers, who set out from Dunboy Castle on the Beara Peninsula on New Year's Eve in 1602 to march to Leitrim Castle, stronghold of the O'Rourke's of Breifne. The epic journey took two weeks. Of the one thousand who set out, only thirty five survived. Such was the hardship they endured that the route and the story has survived to the present day. For more info see https://www.bearabreifneway.ie/ 

Club walk Sunday 25th August 2019

Black Head/Burren. Easy to moderate with some climbing. 13kms approx/4.5 hrs. Boots, full gear as some rough underfoot terrain. Car pooling from Gullane's @ 8.30am sharp. Leader: John McDonagh.

According to Met Éireann Sunday will be warm and sunny with highs of 20 to 24 degrees and only light breezes (https://www.met.ie/forecasts/national-forecast). There's nowhere to compare to the Burren on a sunny day, so get the boots and the factor 50 out and support John on his first walk as leader.

Fund raiser

Hard and all as it is to forget about the wonder that is walking, the Ballinasloe Musical Society and the Ballinasloe Rugby Club are giving Rosway members a chance to swap the walking boots for cowboy boots  and the beanies for stetsons at a fund raising barn dance with live music and a BBQ  next Friday 23rd August at the Rugby Club. Tickets €25 each available from Brewery Lane, Talking Heads, Kellers and Crumbs & Cream. Great night guaranteed apparently! More info below.

Club walk Sunday 11th August 2019

Maumeen, Connemara. Moderate with some climbing. Duration: Approx. 4 hours. Full gear-walking shoes/boots/lunch. Leader: Jim McDonnell. Text the club phone by this Thursday if you intend travelling to see if bus can be arranged (otherwise car pooling). 

For those who haven't been here before, Maumeen (or Máméan/Mám na nÉan/the pass of the birds) is one of two passes through the Maumturk mountains and has been a sacred site for thousands of years. Named after the barnacle geese who pass through on their way northwards, it is said to be the place where St Patrick battled with Crom Dubh and banished him to the small lake (Loch an Tarbh) for eternity. There's a great description of walking through this magical landscape in Tim Robinson's book Connemara, if ye feel like doing a bit of reading before the day out. 

Just adding a couple of pics from Patricia's walk in the Arra mountains as haven't had a chance to update the blog since. It was a super walk and the weather held-small bit of drizzly rain but otherwise good walking weather. Thanks to Patricia for all her hard work. Great to have another new leader in the club.

All pics. F. Maguire

Club walk Sunday 28th July 2019 updated

Portroe/Arra Mountain Loop. Moderate with climbing. Duration 5 hours. Distance: 16kms. Full gear/boots required. Leader: Patricia Duggan.

Car pooling from Gullanes @ 8.30am sharp or The Square, Portumna @ 9am. Plan to be at the Lookout @ 10.15am after a stop for a cuppa in Nenagh.

Club walk Sunday 21st July 2019

Roundstone/Errisbeg. 4.5 hour walk. Moderate with some climbing. Full mountain gear required. Carpool from Gullane's  at 8.30am sharp. Leader: L. Roche

Update on the Joyce Country Challenge Saturday 20th July

Meeting point/base for all walks is Finny Commnity Centre, Co. Mayo (see location above). Four walks on the day, all in aid of Galway/Mayo Hospice Foundation. Registration €30 pp. NB Check registration times at http://www.lakedistricthwc.com/JoyceDetails.aspx as they vary for each walk. 'A' walk is self-navigating and timed. 30kms. 1936m ascent. Starting at Finny, on to Maumtrasna, Devil's Mother, Ail Dubh (road-refreshments), Bunacunneen, Ben Beg, returning to Finny via the Southern Ridge. Details of route on link above. GPX file also available to download there. 'B' walk is lead and graded as moderate due to the two initial rises of the climb. The walk is 7 hours approximately including breaks. After the initial climbs and walk along the top there is a descent to Ail Dubh for lunch break of half an hour where refreshments are provided. There will be an option at this point for transport back to the centre if there are some who feel unable for the remaining 3 hour walk on mostly flat but uneven terrain back to the centre. At the centre there will be further refreshments. It is advisable to bring water, hot drink, and food for the mini-breaks taken along the way. There is also a 'C' walk graded as easy/moderate hill walk with lovely views of Lough na Fooey and Lough Mask especially. This is approximately 4/5 hours duration with break at the top and again refreshments back at the centre. The 'D' walk is mostly road at the base of the 'C' walk hill. Again it will have a break too in the middle and refreshments afterwards back at base. Registration form here Joyce Country Challenge Registration

Beautiful part of Ireland and well worth supporting.

Change to walks calendar

Please note the following changes to the walks calendar. The Roundstone/Errisbeg walk will now take place on Sunday 21st July and the Portroe/Arra Mountain loop walk will be held the following Sunday, 28th July.

Club walk Sunday 14th July Inisheer update

Updated info: Meet Gullane's car park at 07.45am, Bus leaving at 8am. Stop in Kinvara for coffee etc. Bus €15. Ferry €15. Food stop organised in Doolin  after return to mainland at appprox. 5.30pm. Packed lunch required. Runners sufficient. Don't forget the sunscreen as weather for weekend looking good ☀☀☀☀☀

Loop walk Inisheer. Approx. 3.5 hours/10 kms. Easy grade. Runners sufficient. Drinks and snacks required. Ferry leaving Doolin  at 11am and departs Inisheer at 16.45. Ferry costs €15 return. Please text names to Bríd Barrett or Geraldine Quinn to organise bus or car pool.

Rosway Walking Club Lanzarote Walking Week 27th May – 1st June 2019

Back in November, when the walking club held its planning meeting to organise the walks for the following year, it was proposed by Judith & I that we would organise a walking week to Lanzarote at the end of May.  A number of members immediately expressed an interest and so the proposal was entered on to the walks calendar. We held three information meetings,  in January, March and in early May. At the May meeting it was confirmed that twenty club members had booked their flights and accommodation and were all set to invade parts of Lanzarote that most visitors to the island never get to see. Everybody that was travelling learned from the meetings what to bring and what the six day walking schedule  entailed. And so, on Monday 27^th May at 12 noon in Puerto Del Carmen where we were based, the Rosway Walkers met outside the San Antonio Hotel for the first day's walk.

The first walk consisted of a short walk around parts of Puerto Del Carmen and then we got the local bus to Playa Honda and visited the Deiland commercial centre for a toilet stop, but also to sample the coffees, teas, ice creams and especially the crepes which were irresistible. Then we took the coastal route along the seaside with a stop beside the airport for some plane spotting before continuing on back to base. 

On the Tuesday I led a long walk to what is known as the Secret Garden. This is really a treasure of a garden built in under cliffs in a very remote but beautiful location beside the sea. Local knowledge says that a couple who had a very sick child promised to do something special if their child recovered good health. Within a short time of making the promise, the child was running around full of energy and so they started to build what is now called the Secret Garden. It is full of  toys, small pieces of machinery, rocks with names inscribed and much more. Also plants, trees, walkways, walls etc. A magical place. Judith did a B walk along the cliff tops which included a refreshments stop in Puerto Calero from Playa Quemada back to Puerto Del Carmen.

On Wednesday we had a private bus hired to take us up to the north and we walked to the most northerly point of Lanzarote and on our return we visited the Mirador Del Rio. This is again a wonderful place to visit. It houses the restaurant with the most incredible views in Lanzarote. What was interesting is we were looking across at the island of La Graciosa which was our destination for Thursday's walks. 

We were up bright and early on Thursday morning as we had to get the bus at  8.30am as we were getting the ferry at 10am  to Graciosa. The ferry leaves from the port of Orzola which is  in the extreme north of the isalnd, so we had a long bus trip to make but it enabled us to have an enjoyable sightseeing  drive.  La Graciosa is like stepping back in time as there is only dirt roads which are accessible by 4x4 jeeps only. I took the A walkers on a 20k coastal route and a climb up Montana Bermeja  and finished at  a beautiful  beach called Las Conchas. Judith took the B walkers on a 12k hike across the centre of the island and also visited Las Conchas where they had lunch and also bared all in a spot of sunbathing ( I was sorry to miss this). We all had well earned coffees, cakes, ice cream etc. in Caleta De Sebo  before boarding the 6pm ferry back to Orzola and then we got the bus back to Puerto Del Carmen. 

Friday was the day of the hardest walk of the week. I led five hardy souls (Jim Curley, Kevin Kiernan, Claire Dolphin, John McDonagh and myself)  on a 14km hike starting at sea level from Famara beach, up to the highest accessible point in Lanzarote at 640m and then we continued across to the Mirador Haria and descended the Malpais trail down to the beautiful town of Haria, which is also known as the 'valley of a thousand palms'. Judith brought the B walkers on a lovely walk through the vine growing area known as La Geria starting from Uga and finishing in Puerto Calero. 

Saturday was our last walking day and we did a 13km hike from the town of Teguise which used to be the old capital of Lanzarote along an old Camino trail and finished in Costa Teguise.

I calculated that in total we covered a total distance of 114kms and climbed an accumulated height gain of 2650m. 

We finished up the week  in style on the Saturday night as we put on our finest bits and pieces and all went out for a lovely dinner together, We reminisced about all that we had done during the week. The group made a lovely presentation to Judith and I which was greatly appreciated. It was very gratifying to hear our wonderful walking buddies express how much they had enjoyed the week. What the week proved to Judith and I was something that we have said to one another before – that joining the Club was one of our best ever decisions as we agreed that the nicest, soundest people we have ever been privileged to meet are the Roswayers.

NOTE  A number of experiences occurred which shall remain under the Official Secrets Act to prevent embarrassment to certain individuals ?????.....  What goes on on Holidays – stays on Holidays.   

All pics and text by Liam Roche      

Before start of Secret Garden A walk and cliff tops B walk

On the way to Mirador Del Rio

On La Graciosa

Top of Mount Bermeja, La Graciosa

La Geria  B walk  

Famara to Haria tough A walk

Teguise to Costa Teguise Camino trail

Teguise to Costa Teguise Camino trail

Yes, it rained...

Few pics from today's walk. Really enjoyable despite the rain (and the midge sandwiches). The second one was taken during the recce last Sunday in the sunshine. 

Roswayers on the bridge over the Silver River. Pic: M. Brady

Raindrops keep falling on my head. Pic. F. Maguire

Last Sunday in the sunshine. Pic. M. Brady

Joyce Country Challenge

The Lake District Hillwalking Club have invited all Rosway members to join them for the 13th annual Joyce Country Challenge in aid of the Galway and Mayo Hospice Foundations on Saturday 20th July 2019. Four walks have been organised to challenge all fitness levels. For further details see JC Challenge at  www.lakedistricthwc.com or phone 0862287282/087217869 or check out their facebook page.

Club walk Sunday 23rd June 2019

Cadamstown/Giant's Grave/Spink loop. Some ascent/descent. Duration: Approx. 4 hours. Distance: 12 kms approx. Grade: Moderate. Leaders: Fiona/Marian. Bring boots, full gear, snacks/lunch, fluids. Sticks handy for some sections.

Departing Gullane's car park at 9am. Please car pool.

Donald, where's your troosers?

We are now in the middle of prime walking season with the long Summer days providing the best opportunity to take to the hills and trails. Living on an island in the Atlantic, good weather is as scarce as hen's teeth, meaning that preparation is key. It's worth having a read of Russ Mill's gear advice for some good, straightforward information on how to ready yourself for a day out.

A couple of people have mentioned that they get blisters and hot spots with walking boots, even ones that are worn in. Sometimes something as simple as adjusting the boot laces can help. Here's a link which might be of use Lacing hiking boots

I occasionally use walking/trekking poles myself -especially for longer walks-but they're not for everyone. To make your own mind up and for information on how to use them correctly, see here trekking poles

Rosway Walkers requires new members to attend a gear training session, which typically lasts 45 minutes. If you haven't attended, please contact the club training officer Fiona and you will be facilitated.

Club walk Sunday 9th June

Ben Bulben, Sligo. Moderate grade. 4 to 5 hours duration. Boots, full gear, drinks and snacks. Meet Gullane's car park 7.45am to depart at 8am. Text with names to Paddy Kenny.

If you are unsure of what full gear entails, please check out gear lists on right hand side of this page.

All you need is love

Congratulations to Helen and Kieran who got married last Saturday-only the second wedding in the history of the Club. On behalf of all Rosway members we'd like to wish them a long and happy life together. Couldn't happen to two nicer people!

Mountain Environment Weekend Clonbur

Looks like an interesting line-up next weekend in Clonbur for the MI Environment meet. 

MI Environment Weekend

Women with Altitude Killary May 2019

Congrats and well done to the four Rosway Walkers who took part in the Women with Altitude event Held in Killary last weekend.

Rosway women with altitude scaling the heights above Killary fjord. Pic: Claire Dolphin

Cuckoo Walk

Cuckoo walk this evening Wednesday 15th May. Meet Dubarry at 7pm. Leader: Noel Lohan.

Ballinasloe Tidy Towns

Ballinasloe Tidy Towns is looking for help from local clubs to take part in litter pick ups every Saturday in May. Meeting point is the Marina at 10am. Please support this great community project.

Club walk Sunday 28th April

Section of the Wicklow Way.
Grade: Moderate (hill walk). A to B. Duration: 4.5 hours. Meet Gullane's car park at 7.45am to depart 8am sharp. Boots, full gear, packed lunch, water/refreshments, change of clothes etc. required. Leader: Frances Leahy.

Tick Talk

Just a quick reminder to all to be tick aware and check your skin after a walk. Plenty has been written on the dangers of tick bites and the consequences of being bitten (see links below), so the following is intended as general information only.   

A tick on human skin
(pic: www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk)

These tiny creatures, no bigger than the head of a pin, are typically found in woodland, forestry, on bogs and bogland, in rough pasture and in gardens/parks with shrubs. They are most active between March and October, although they can occur during a mild winter. Ticks cannot jump or fly but humans and animals come into contact with them by brushing against vegetation. The tick may not bite immediately and can spend time on the skin looking for a suitable site to feed from. Ticks feed on blood. Their bite is usually painless and most people will only know they have been bitten if they happen to see the tick attached to them. Adults are most often bitten around the legs but  it's important to remember that the tick can travel, so check everywhere.  

Erythema migrans or Bull's eye rash
(pic: www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk) 

Ticks carry a number of infections, including Lyme Disease, which has extremely serious consequences for a person's long term health. Although not all ticks carry the infection, all tick bites should be considered as posing a risk of infection. The most recognised sign of infection is a rash known as Erythema migrans, more commonly known as 'Bull's eye rash' which is a roughly circular red rash, without itching or pain, that slowly spreads outwards (see pic).  

To prevent being bitten,  keep to paths and avoid walking through deep vegetation. Keep covered up to make it harder for ticks to reach your skin. Check for ticks regularly and brush off any you see on your clothing before they have a chance to bite. Insect repellents are available. Check skin carefully all over for ticks. Pay attention to folds in the skin and other areas where a tick could hide, especially behind the knee, under the arms and in the groin. Ticks can also survive on clothing.

   
In summary:

• Ticks can be very small and can go unnoticed

• They are most active from March to October, but they can be present in vegetation during a mild winter

• You will not feel the tick attach to you, so check your skin during and after a walk

• Take preventative action by covering up/using insect repellent/washing clothing after walk 

• If you have been bitten, remove the tick or ticks promptly and properly without squashing it/them

• Seek medical advice if rash appears or/and if you develop flu-like symptoms, aching joints/stiffness/headache

Check out these links for more information: 

https://www.mountaineering.ie/hillwalking/ticks/

https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/l/lyme-disease/

Rosway Lanzarote Walking Week

Twenty Rosway walkers are embarking on a 6 day walking outing to Lanzarote from the 27^th May to the 1^st June inclusive. The walks programme consists of A & B walks from 3hrs up to 6hrs duration. The A walks will involve some climbing and challenging trails while the B walks will be mostly flat and less challenging. Back in 2105 the Club were also in Lanzarote for a walking week which mostly concentrated on the southern & eastern sides of the island, whereas this year the northern and western areas will be explored. Transport to and from the start/finish points will be by hired bus from our base in Puerto Del Carmen. Also this year one of the walks is on the Island of La Graciosa which is off  the extreme northern end of Lanzarote. We will be getting a ferry across which will give great views along the coastline and the spectacular Famara Cliffs. Normally when visiting Lanzarote, it’s the beaches and the resorts that visitors see but the Rosway Walkers will trek through areas that most people never visit. Some fantastic views will be had from a number of miradores (scenic view points) situated on a number of the most elevated points of the Island. It won’t be all about the walking. As per usual the Rosway crew will eat, drink and make merry and show the other nationalities how to really party. The photographs below show some of the areas and sights that we will explore. Hopefully the walkers will abide by the rule that what happens on holidays stays on holidays as the truth could be hard to live down afterwards ??::{].  What will the weather be like is a frequently asked question about active holidays on Lanzarote and the answer is that once you move inland and gain a bit of high ground there is always a nice African breeze blowing which makes the hiking conditions very pleasant. Drinking loads of water and using lots of sunscreen is vital in order to avoid dehydration and sunburn. When we return we will report on most of what happened (not all) and hopefully each walker will have a memorable trip. 

Author: Liam Roche

The Mirador Del Rio, probably the most iconic viewpoint in Lanzarote. A visitor centre , restaurant and viewing area built on the side of the Famara Cliffs. A must see and we will explore this area on one of our walks. Photo: L. Roche

View from the Mirador. Photo: L. Roche

Club training courses 2019

The Club is organising two training courses this year (details below).  Courses are run by Russell Mills and his team at Mountaintrails (https://mountaintrails.ie/). Those who participated last year really enjoyed the experience.

Course title: Basic Navigation Skills 

Date: Sunday July 14th 2019                                                                                  
Details: Suitable for beginners/refreshers. One day introductory course to basic navigation in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.  Course content includes understanding the nature of the map as a two dimensional plan, map symbols and scales, taking a six figure grid reference, how to interpret simple contour features, understanding the different parts of the compass. There will be a practical outdoor session after lunch.

Cost: €25 pp. Eight places available and the course will only go ahead if all eight places are filled.

Course title: Mountain Skills 1 (MS1) 
Date: Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2019                             

Details: NB Previous hillwalking experience/reasonable level of fitness required. Mixture of indoor formal and informal lectures/discussions and outdoor practical sessions. This two-day course, which is accredited by Mountaineering Ireland, will be held in Slieve Bloom Mountains and is for Rosway club members only. MS 1 covers map reading and basic navigational techniques, pacing and timing, recognition of natural features and contour interpretation, mountain hazards, personal equipment, route planning, measuring distance.

 Cost: €55. Six places are available and the course will only go ahead if all six places are filled. 

Pre-payment for each course is required and is non-refundable. Payments will be collected on Tuesday 30th April . The time and location will be sent out by text. Course fees have been subsidised by 50% so that participants will put to use the skills they learn on the courses for the future benefit of the club.

Please contact Training Officer Fiona or email roswaywalkers@gmail.com if you require additional information. Apologies as the incorrect costs were sent out in the texts. 

Walks calendar

A few people have been in touch to say that they've mislaid the walks scheduled for this year and could we put a copy up on the blog. So here you go....  Rosway Calendar 2019

More information on the individual walks are sent out by text and posted on the blog closer to the time giving details of  the meeting point and time, duration, degree of difficulty of the walks and gear required as specified by the walk leader. There is a link to the gear lists on the right hand side of the blog page. You should read this carefully and make sure you are prepared/fit for purpose before heading out with the Club.

Rosway Walkers follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Further details on http://www.leavenotraceireland.org/

Some good advice originally published in the Sunday Independent on 17th April 1949, which appears in today's edition to mark the 70th anniversary of the Irish Republic. 

Club walk Sunday 14th April

Ballinacarrigy to Ballymahon along the Royal Canal. A to B flat walk. 18 kms. Boots required. Bus leaving Gullane's car park at 9am. Leader: Jim Curley.











Edit: The inclement weather didn't deter these hardy Roswayers last Sunday.

Photo: Claire Dolphin

Talks and walks

There will be a talk hosted by the Camino Society of Ireland on the Celtic Camino starting at 7pm sharp on 12th April in the PortWest store, 20 High Street, Galway. See Celtic Camino talk for further info. 

If anyone is thinking ahead and would be interested in organising a weekend away for the club, the Sneem Hotel on the Ring of Kerry has some very competitive offers for groups. Self-catering options are available. They have great walking in the area for all levels and I can speak from personal experience (and Kerry roots!) that it's a fantastic place at any time of the year. 

See links below 

walking guide

The Sneem Hotel

There are also plenty of  walking festivals taking place over the next few weeks if the Club walks don't tickle your fancy. The 2019 North Leitrim Glens Hillwalking Festival organised by the Holey Soles Walking Club will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April. Walks this year include Cuilcagh and the Glenfarne Plateau. Further info on https://sites.google.com/site/hshillwalkers/the-walks

The Connemara Mountain Walking festival takes place on the first weekend in May for walkers of various levels. If you don't have navigation skills or don't feel confident navigating on your own in Connemara, the walks are led by experienced guides. For info see
http://www.leenanevillage.com/lmwf.html

Closer to home, 2019 marks the 25th year of the Slieve Bloom Walking Festival and it will be also held over the bank holiday weekend 3rd-6th May. Loads of excellent walks and less than an hour's drive from Ballinasloe.
Slieve Bloom festival schedule

Mountaineering Ireland AGM

Please be advised that Mountaineering Ireland’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 30th March 2019.  All Mountaineering Ireland members have the right to attend the AGM. There are no elections this year. The AGM and Members Forum will take place at Mountaineering Ireland’s Head Office, Irish Sports HQ, National Sport Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Schedule

13:00 Meeting of Honorary and Individual Members
13:30 - 14:00 Registration for Mountaineering Ireland AGM (Light refreshments will be available)

14:00 Mountaineering Ireland AGM

The Members Forum will follow directly after the AGM.

There is only one Motion for discussion at the AGM. The Motion was tabled by the Board and proposes to increase to €35.00 the Annual Subscription payable by Club Members.

For further information see here

Sligo Way

Some pics from yesterday's walk on the Sligo Way. Cool and breezy day and a little overcast but lovely walking. No wonder this landscape inspired poets and painters.

Rosway at Lough Lumman

Settling in for lunch

 Magical Lough Lumman

Lanzarote Walking Week

Meeting in Gullanes Monday 25th March at 8pm for members who have booked the trip. €50 pp will be collected at the meeting for bus travel. Leader: Liam Roche

Club walk Sunday 24th March

Sunday 24th March. Section of the Sligo Way from Colloney to Slish via Slieve Daeane and Lough Lumman. Moderate. 14kms/4.5 hours approx. Very scenic walk through mixed terrain (forestry and low upland tracks). Full gear (especially warm/waterproof layers and sufficient food/drinks/snacks for duration of walk). NB due to conditions underfoot boots with good grip are strongly recommended and walking sticks handy for some sections. Bus (€15 per person) will depart Gullane's car park at 8am sharp. We'll be stopping in McDermott's in Castlebaldwin village on the way home for food.

Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge Walk

The Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge walk is taking place this year on 10th August. Entries are open on April 1st and are limited to 400 places. For anyone interested in taking part, information here http://lvo.org.uk/mourne-seven-sevens-challenge-walk-2019/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MourneSevenSevensChallengeWalk/

Organised by the Lagan Valley Orienteers