Donegal Climbing

09/12/2024

This is worth being aware of!

It would certainly deter me from buying one.

Wildlife rehabber warns against manicured gardens and insecticides as hedgehog numbers drop 30% in past decade

07/12/2024

Casting call tomorrow in Letterkenny for anyone who wasn’t blown over to Scotland by

25/11/2024

This is fantastic news! EastWest Mapping

Bluestacks

Our valued & patient Donegal customers will be glad to hear that I’ve started out on two new maps for parts of Donegal. These are planned to be printed on B1 size Polyart paper, similar to our Cooley & Di**le Way maps of 2023.

I’m currently working on the sheet that will cover the Bluestack range just north of Donegal town. The outline map here shows the extent of the mapped area for digital purposes, the actual printed area will be slightly smaller. All the main peaks & approaches of these hills will be shown.

The Bluestacks is a translation of the Irish Na Cruacha Gorma, the blueish stacks or reeks. Though I believe locally they are often simply called The Cros said as ‘crows’. But we’ll find out more of that in due course.

The second sheet will cover the Derryveagh range and north to Muckish of which more detail in due course.

I have no idea of publication dates at this stage so there’s no point in asking! But if you wish drop me a line via email to [email protected] and I can add you to our mail list for notifications of progress and publication etc.

20/11/2024

This message might be from Kerry MRT, but the information is applicable to all mountain areas.

WINTER SAFETY MESSAGE:

With the short winter days and unpredictable weather it's very important to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains. As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains:

Be Aware
Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too.

Plan
Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day.
Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.

Prepare
Whatever your plans, you’ll need a good headtorch and spare batteries in case you get delayed. People sometimes prefer to carry a second lightweight torch so they don’t need to change batteries in the cold or the dark if the head torch packs up.

Equipment Checklist (minimum)
• Sturdy footwear with a good tread
• Food and warm drinks
• Waterproofs
• Map and compass and ability to navigate
• Hat and gloves
• Torch and batteries
• Extra layers to keep warm and dry
• Fully charged phone and spare battery
• Bivvy bag or group shelter and first aid kit
• In snow and ice conditions you will also need an ice axe, crampons and winter skills!

If you need to call out mountain rescue, first make a note of all relevant details:
• Location (with a grid reference if possible)
• Name, gender and age of casualty
• Nature of injuries or emergency
• Number of people in the party
• Your mobile phone number.

Dial 999 or 112, then ask for ‘‘Mountain Rescue’.
Give all your prepared details of the incident and STAY WHERE YOU ARE until contacted by the rescue team.

For more information on mountain safety click link below:
https://kerrymountainrescue.ie/mountain-safety/

16/11/2024

The first day of Lowland Leader Award training in conjunction with Donegal Sports Partnership Inishowen Development Partnership & Active Inishowen, and the weather was perfect!

Thanks to the Sliabh Sneacht Centre for providing a great venue.

Our journey (by day) took us out on to one of the North West Community Development -NWCD trails, which has a new parking area at entrance, great work folks!

15/11/2024

Heads up folks!

13/11/2024

If you are a rock climber, you’ll appreciate what is shown here!

10/11/2024

Worth a read.

Callout 10.11.24;

At 1540hrs this afternoon, we received a request via Police for two walkers that had become separated and distressed.

Using SARLOC technology, the team were able to identify the walkers location on the summit of Slieve Bearnagh, and while providing guidance by phone, the pair were reunited.

With further guidance, the pair were able to descend towards the Hares Gap where they were met by responding team members due to the onset of darkness.

With advice given, and hopefully received, the pair were transferred by team vehicle to Trassey and their car.

On this occasion, both walkers dialled 999 for assistance when they realised the difficulty facing them and in doing so ensured that the situation didn’t deteriorate and the team could assist in a timely manner.

A total of 7 team members were involved and stood down at 1817hrs.

We posted the following recently but feel it necessary to share again…

If you’re heading out into the hills, please be prepared… consider your ability and route carefully, have an appropriate means of navigation that you know how to use, and don’t rely on memory and/or technology alone as both can let you down!

Likewise be aware of seasonal risks… lower temperatures, higher rainfall, excessive windchill, less daylight hours and the impact any one or a combination of these could have on you and/or the terrain and your ability to safely negotiate a route.



Library pic

08/11/2024

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE MOURNE GATEWAY PROJECT

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is proposing to construct a gondola from Donard Park to Thomas’s Quarry on the lower slopes of Slieve Donard and a visitor centre in the quarry.

Mountaineering Ireland has many concerns about the proposal, including the cost of the project and the knock-on impact it will have on Slieve Donard and we are calling on the Council to consider alternative options for the Gateway Project.

The council has appointed consultants who are hosting an informal public engagement event in O’Hare’s, Central Promenade, Newcastle, between 1pm and 8pm this Thursday (7th November). If you live, hike or climb in the area, go along to learn more and to give your feedback.

If you haven’t already signed the petition against the gondola, please consider doing so here - https://my.actnowni.org/petitions/stop-the-mourne-mountains-gondola-project
Read Mountaineering Ireland’s submission to the Council here -https://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/1-Mountaineering-Ireland-Mourne-Gateway-Submission---April-2023.pdf

18/10/2024

How many of Dan Bailey’s hillwalker observations can you identify with?

We've all seen it, and most of us probably indulge in it - strange behaviour that only makes sense (if at all) up a hill. Here are our Top 10 walkers' quirks.

17/10/2024

A very interesting video about litter in the Welsh mountains that provides details about the number and type of items removed.

15/10/2024

We had a great day out last Sunday looking at what it takes, and means, to be a Lowland Leader. Thanks to all the gang for attending, and to Kevin from ‘Active Inishowen’ Inishowen Development Partnership Donegal Sports Partnership and Maggie in the Sliabh Sneacht Centre for making it happen!

23/09/2024

KMRT have a very important message in this post for all hillwalkers and mountain users…

20/09/2024

Some more information on this funded Lowland Leader training and information day on October 13th.

https://inishowen.ie/events/lowland-leader-training/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3dLVNFSVB5l3pai-7XRnQzSkFjt-pXAHuc5OE2cZQcOlgWwBoJPyKNOC0_aem_gapUpC2GT8Zfr2XcQ8zXtw

We are inviting you to be a part of an exciting opportunity within the Active Inishowen Project, managed

20/09/2024

I will be delivering the Lowland Leader award training on behalf of Inishowen later this year. Register your interest and attend the pre-training day to learn more.

‼‼‼‼‼

We are inviting you to be a part of an exciting opportunity within the Active Inishowen Project, managed by IDP and Donegal Sports Partnership .
We are currently recruiting for a number of participants from across Inishowen to undertake the Lowland Leader training course governed by Mountaineering Ireland.
We are looking for applicants with a passion for walking, heritage, and community engagement.

Incentives:
• The Active Inishowen Project will cover costs associated with training saving approximately €700.
• Accredited Lowland Leaders will be insured & compensated for future guided walks under the Active Inishowen Project.
• Trained leaders can use their certification for any independent work they wish to partake in outside the project or continue their training with Mountaineering Ireland.

An initial investment from participants is required of €104 to register on the course with Mountaineering Ireland (not needed until after application and introduction day).

The training will take place in Sliabh Sneacht Centre on 16th & 17th of November

For Further Information or to download the application form See: https://inishowen.ie/events/lowland-leader-training/
or email kevin@inishowen for more information

16/09/2024

Our beach lifeguard course for Donegal will take place over two weekends in early November! Make sure ready for season 2025! Book now on atlanticcoastlifeguards.com

03/09/2024