MOURNE RAMBLERS NEWSLETTER
July 2014
A message from the Editor
Welcome to the latest edition of the Mourne Rambling Group
newsletter. In this issue I hope you will find articles and items of
interest to you including:
 NEW MEMBER UPDATE
 THANKS
 A COURSE TO SUIT YOU – AN OPPORTUNITY NOT
TO BE MISSED
 C GROUP WEEKEND IN CONNEMARA
 UFRC HILL WALKING COURSES
 LEAVE NO TRACE
 SHORT WALK ON 29 JUNE 2014
 NOTICEBOARD
 MEMBERS 2014
Vincent Trainor, Editor
Welcome to the following new members
since the last newsletter (Feb 2014)
(up-to-date as at 15 July 2014)
Janet Muller, Jonathan Shields, John Patterson, Reg Magowan,
Stephen Dunlop, Wilma Dunlop
Please note: Mourne Ramblers get a discount on car parking (£3 instead of £4 per car)
when our walks start at Meelmore Lodge. Simply pay inside the café rather than at the
machine.
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A WORD OF THANKS
Since the last newsletter, there have been quite a few events organised by members
for the group. We would like to offer our thanks on behalf of everyone for the
following:

Slide Show (23 February). Thank you to Harry Goodman for once again
organising this event so well and to all the members who showed pictures or
attended.

Connemara Trip (02 – 05 May). Thanks to Harry Goodman for being
Leader/Organiser for this trip. We are deeply grateful to Trevor Russell for
writing up the report on what was a memorable weekend (see article below).

Annual Picnic (08 June). Santa’s Cottage was not available and sadly the
weather on the day was wretched, windy and wet. Nevertheless, there was a
very good turnout. We extend our sincere thanks to Carmel Quinn and Toni
Taylor for their super efforts in planning and providing the party. Thank you
to everyone who came along and made the most of the day.
A COURSE TO SUIT YOU – an opportunity not to be missed.
On Saturday, 4th October the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs has organised two
courses in Tollymore Mountain Centre that we think will be very helpful and useful.
The first course is GROUP MANAGEMENT IN THE HILLS – this will be a
practical course designed for both those considering leading groups for the first time
and those wishing to refresh and update their group management skills. The cost of
this course is £40.00 – however, the committee has agreed that our club will pay all
the course fee for new leaders and 50% of the course fee for experienced leaders
(subject to club funds). This course will provide an excellent opportunity for you to
acquire all the skills you need, to ‘brush up on’ your present skills and to have any
leadership questions you may have answered by knowledgeable and friendly
Tollymore Mountain Centre staff.
The second course is MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION – this course has been designed
for those new to navigation in the hills who wish to learn basic navigation (Basic
Skills level); and also those wishing to refresh their present skills and develop more
advanced techniques (Advanced Skills level). The cost of this course is £40.00 and it
is likely that our club will help to subsidise this course also.
There is also the possibility of an ‘in house’ navigation course later in the year.
You can find out more about both courses by looking at the UFRC web site
(www.ufrc-online.co.uk) or by speaking with George (028 93340642). Also, see the
UFRC article below.
Yes, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
George Acheson
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C GROUP WEEKEND IN CONNEMARA
2 – 5 MAY 2014
NEVER MIND THE WEATHER SO LONG AS - - - - - - - - - there is still a group of optimistic Mourne Ramblers heading off to the West of
Ireland to see what the Atlantic can hurl at them.
They arrived on the Friday having read the promises of all known meteorological
services that high pressure would dominate the weekend – Harry Goodman, Anna
Carragher, David Coates, Trevor Russell, Peter Magowan, Aileen Finch, Pam Quiery,
Toni Taylor, Marie Hoeritzauer, Joan Hulme, Dermot MacDermott. Dermot, as always,
kept his carbon footprint to a minimum by careful use of train and cycle from
Roscommon and pulling in after his ride from Westport with rucksacks fore and aft.
A group of earlybirds made use of a stunning afternoon by stretching legs up
Tievenabinnia (379m) across from the hotel on the other side of Killary Harbour.
Access was from the wood at the rear of the Delphi Mountain Centre. It was an
excellent point for taking in a panoramic view of all the local ranges – Partry, Sheffrey,
Northern Maamturks, Twelve Bens and the Mweelrea Circuit.
Leenane Hotel was an inspired choice by Harry. Walker-friendly, modern bedrooms,
sitting rooms and bar with a bit of history, easy access to mountains and fine cuisine.
Five stars for the porridge which was sufficiently glutinous to stick to the ribs for most
of the day yet creamy enough to demand second helpings. Our stay coincided with a
walking festival which added to the general craic and liveliness of the bar of an
evening.
Saturday morning explained why the mountain behind us rises from the Col of
Despondency. The plan was to take in the Devil’s Mother as one of the two big days’
walking. Visibility was very poor and despite Anna’s attempts to find just one
optimistic forecast on her iPad, it was gloom all round and set to become gloomier. So
it was Plan B – over Leenaun Hill, almost the same height as Devil’s Mother and still
shrouded in mist down to 150m but with easier navigation prospects. (This change of
plan was much to the relief of one veteran C walker who had read Harry’s copious file
on the Devil’s Mother route and was struck by the phrase “a challenging walk for even
the fittest and most experienced hill-walker”).
Going up the Maam road out of Leenaun/ Leenane we took a lane to the right and
followed a track upstream. A fence would take us most of the way to the summit with
deviations for the occasional waterfall and crag. A feature of the Maamturks is that bog
gives way quite abruptly to a cap of quartzite, leaving shattered, sharp and slippery
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stones on the summits. This led to the occasional bruised knee, ungainly fall and on one
occasion crack on the skull. At 618m the summit was fairly featureless and after the
customary photo op. we moved round the horseshoe in thick mist and speculating on
the views that might have been. The reward came on our descent, when we emerged
from the mist at 250m and surveyed Killary Harbour and the islands beyond in full sun.
A couple of viewstops and checking out the wildflowers around the stream, we passed
some derelict cottages and onto the Western Way. A short walk along the Way and we
were back at the hotel – some of the girls to luxuriate in the seaweed baths thoughtfully
provided by the hotel.
Preparations for the next day centred on the age-old, brain-numbing challenge for hill
walkers. How to plan a linear walk from A to B with x walkers, z drivers and y-1 cars.
On this occasion we resolved the problem by cramming Peter into the boot of one of the
cars but surely some technophile could come up with an app for the situation.
The route for Sunday was to cover the first stage of the Maamturks Challenge Walk (
24k and a total ascent of 2336 m and reputedly walked in the past by some Mourne
Ramblers – article for next newsletter please). Our starting point was the car park NW
of Lake Maumeen and again a kindly fence helped us up to the first summit of
Corcogmore (609m). The weather was worse than the previous day so we settled for
continuous rain and visibility of 20/30m as we traversed the ridge. Moving round the
summit pond we took a vertiginous cliff path which is clearly best done in thick mist
(or with blindfold) and took in Mullach Glas NE Top before tackling Mullach Glas
(622m). Approaching our final summit Binn Mhor, navigation became critical because
of the steep cliffs surrounding our final descent. By this stage visibility had worsened
and Harry, ever the perfectionist insisted on touching the trig point before taking final
readings and off we set on a one in three descent, made the more tricky by the loose and
sharp stones.
As on the previous day we emerged into sunlight above the Pass of Maumeen (Pass of
the birds) and saw the little chapel and holy well sitting behind the lough. Caps off to
those for whom this was only the first stage of their 24k trek. Looking back it was quite
a hairy descent in the conditions- perhaps a good thing that we did not realise it at the
time. Once again the Western Way brought us back to the cars past some very
distinctive finely layered rock formations– just 7:30pm.
A sumptuous dinner rounded off the weekend and it was thanks to Harry for organising,
managing and leading another memorable event. And yes – we’ll be back for more.
Trevor Russell
June 2014
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Further to the article from George earlier in the newsletter, the following has been
received from UFRC.
Subject: Re: UFRC Hillwalking Courses
Reply-To: reardon.simon@yahoo.com
Hello Club Secretaries
Please circulate to all club members.
Hillwalking Courses 2014
MOUNTAIN NAVIGATION
This is a reminder to all club members that the UFRC have designed a course for those new to
navigation in the hills who wish to learn basic skills (Basic Skills level); and also those wishing
to refresh their present skills and develop more advanced techniques (Advanced Skills level).
This course will take place in the Tollymore NOC on Saturday 4th October 2014; details on the
UFRC website.
At the beginning of the course participants will meet with Tollymore NOC leaders to consider
with them their current knowledge/experience and decide which level of course the
participant should attend.
If any person attending has a particular aspect of navigation they would wish to look at in
more detail eg re-location techniques please contact George Acheson (Tel: 02893340642)
beforehand. In this way Clubs/individual walkers can help design the course programme and
ensure topics important to them are covered. A morning classroom session will be followed
by practice in the nearby hills.
Basic Skills level will include Orientating the map, contour interpretation, measuring distance, taking a bearing and walking
on a bearing.
Advanced Skills level will include:
Much finer detail contour interpretation, navigation tactics, pacing and timing and re-location
techniques.
Group Management in the Hills
This course has been designed for both those considering leading groups for the first time
and those wishing to refresh and update their group management skills. If any person
attending has a particular aspect of group management they would like covered please
contact George Acheson (Tel : 02893340642) beforehand. In this way Clubs/individual walkers
can help design the course programme and ensure all aspects important to them are fully
addressed. A morning classroom session will be followed by practice in the nearby hills.
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Aspects covered will include: know your group, planning beforehand, route card and risk
assessment, briefing, group management “on the move”, suitable terrain, steep ground
management, handling an incident. Possible scenarios will be considered.
GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE DAY FOR BOTH COURSES
09.00 Arrival and Register – enjoy tea/coffee and biscuits
09.30 Meet up with instructors followed by a morning classroom session
12.30 Light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be provided
13.00 Practical sessions in the nearby hills
16.30 Return to Tollymore NOC – consider what has been learnt.
17.00 Depart
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Tollymore NOC will supply any technical equipment required – however, those attending
should bring their usual hill walking clothing and equipment.
As a minimum this should be proper hill walking boots, warm clothing layers, fleece jacket,
waterproof jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, 1 ; 25,000 Mournes map, Silva
type compass, small first aid kit and any personal medication, torch, notebook, pencil, and
small day pack @ 30 litres.
Perhaps a change of clothes in case wet weather.
A flask with a warm drink may also be useful – and any other small snacks you normally carry
on the hills.
These courses can be quite static so it is better to come prepared and keep warm and
comfortable.
Should you require more information please contact George Acheson (tel: 028 93340642).
Kind regards
Simon Reardon
Simon Reardon
Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs
Tel: 0750 4895 204
Email:administration@ufrc-online.co.uk
Web: http://ufrc-online.co.uk
Mail to: Mr Simon Reardon, 23 Innisfayle Park, Bangor, Co.Down, BT19 1DR.
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Leave No Trace
There is an increasing amount of litter being left in the Mournes. Plastic bottles, paper
handkerchiefs, sweet bags and wrappers seem to be commonplace and in abundance
at such places as Hare’s Gap, The Shelter Stone and the summits of most of the
popular hills.
Whilst I am certain that the Ramblers are not the culprits I feel that it is up to us to
continue to set the standard and be vigilant. We should not have to clear other
people’s litter but I am aware that many of you do this as responsible walkers. We
will, of course, continue with our ‘Bring a Bag Day’ which this year is at Cock & Hen
on 24 August. All I can say is - see you there and make sure it’s a big bag!
Another aspect to this litter problem is that such items as banana skins, orange peel
and apple cores are regarded as litter. They are unsightly and take longer to disappear
than most of us realise.
We must take the title of this article quite literally! Hopefully our efforts, and those of
other responsible walkers, will lead to a cleaner environment on the hills.
Ray Gray
Environment Officer
SHORT WALK ON 29 JUNE 2014
This walk was organised to meet the requests from some of our members
for the occasional shorter and less strenuous walk.
In the event, 12 ramblers (plus 4 apologies) turned up at Carrick Little
Car Park. The walk coincided with a Rambler Bus walk and it is likely
that 3-4 of those present would have been at a ‘normal’ C walk. Trevor
Russell led a walk up the Blue Lough Track and back over Bignian
Lough. Walking time was 4 hours at a leisurely pace.
There was unanimous agreement that a recommendation should be made
to the Committee for monthly D level walks. Such walks would meet a
definite need within MRG and we should consider organising a D group
walk on ONE Sunday each month. The walk would start at 11: 00 am
with 3-4 hours walking time and no more than 500 feet height gain.
This is obviously an issue for discussion at our AGM but in the meantime
if any member wishes to express an opinion, please pass this on to a
member of the Committee.
Trevor Russell
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NOTICEBOARD

Our Annual Bring-a-Bag day will take place on the walk from Cock & Hen
Car Park on Sunday 24 August. On that day members are encouraged to help
clean up an area of the Mournes by taking off the mountain some of the litter
they encounter. Bags will be provided for the purpose. Thanks in advance to
Seamus Gilmore.

The Annual General Meeting of the Mourne Rambling Group will be held on
Sunday 05 October at 5.00pm in the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre.
Formal notification and an agenda will be forwarded to all members nearer the
time. Members who wish to bring forward motions to be considered at the
AGM are advised of the procedure to be followed. Ideally, proposals should
be passed in writing to the Secretary, George Acheson, 26 Ballymena Road,
Doagh, Ballyclare, BT39 0QR, by 31 August, in order that that they may be
included in the agenda circulated to the membership. However, the
Constitution allows motions to be added to the agenda at the start of the
meeting, provided a majority of members agree. All motions must have a
Proposer and Seconder, at least one of whom must be present at the meeting.

The Christmas Dinner will take place on Sunday 07 December. Details will be
forwarded nearer to the time. Please make a note of this date in your diary. A
big turnout of Ramblers for this festive occasion would be very welcome.
Further details will be given soon.

The next issue of the club Newsletter will be in November.
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MEMBERS 2014
The list below contains the names of all members who have paid for 2014 (up to and
including 16 July 2014). Please check to see that your name is on the list. If your
name is not on the list, please forward your subscription to the Treasurer, Gary
Browne, 3 Knock Eden Park, Belfast, BT6 0JF. If your name ought to be on the list
and has been omitted, please accept our apologies. Please contact the Treasurer on
028 9064 6506 for clarification.
Acheson
Allister
Bradley
Browne
Browne
Calvert
Carey
Carragher
Carragher
Cauley
Coates
Connolly
Connolly
Coyle
Creed
Cummings
Curlett
Curry
Dunlop
Dunlop
Elliott
Farrington
Fawcett
Finch
Gilmore
Goodman
Gorman
Gray
Greaney
Green
Green
Gunn
Hamilton
Hanratty
Henderson
George
Peter
Kerry
Gary
Geraldine
Joan
Barbara
Anna
Fionnuala
Irene
David
Patricia
Raymond
Loretto
Tom
Thomas
Tommy
Alex
Stephen
Wilma
Martina
Gerry
Laura
Aileen
Seamus
Harry
Maire
Raymond
Ellen
Doreen
Wilfred
Philip
Joan
Patrick
Helen
Hoeritzauer
Howard
Hughes
Hulme
Keating
Keenan
Keown
Knox
Knox
Longmore
Loughran
MacDermott
Mackey
Magowan
Magowan
Magowan
McAllister
McCavera
McComish
McCreery
McDowell
McEnroe
McGivern
McGowan
McKeag
McKenna
McKibbin
McKnight
McMahon
McManus
McParland
Moore
Mulholland
Muller
Murphy
Marie
Minetta
Teresa
Joan
Marion
Eileen
Ann
Marguerite
Victor
Maureen
Margaret
Dermot
Francis
Reg
Rodney
Terry
Catherine
Dora
Domnall
Gordon
Yvonne
Yvonne
John
Peter
Maeve
Vincent
Andrew
Joe
Hilja
Owen
Alice
Anne
Deirdre
Janet
Shelagh
Newell
O'Donnell
Oldfield
Osborne
Overend
Parkinson
Patterson
Patterson
Patton
Pridgen
Proctor
Quiery
Quinn
Reid
Reid
Reid
Roulston
Russell
Savage
Scott
Shields
Sloan
Smyth
Smyth
Sochor
Stuart
Taylor
Taylor
Templeton
Thompson
Trainor
Tumilty
Tweed
Webb
Sarah
Noleen
David
Robert
Martin
Alan
John
Wendy
Norman
Maggie
Ian
Pamela
Carmel
Chris
David
Ken
Robert
Trevor
Maura
Barry
Jonathan
Liz
Hazel
Raymond
Cecilia
Ian
John
Toni
Helen
Kingsley
Vincent
Pat
John
Donna
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 2014
Job
Joseph
Magowan
Mary
Reid
Maureen
Trainor
Anne
HONORARY MEMBER
Christina Mackle, President
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