Locals to climb with Charlie - with preparation!
The hills will be extra busy on Saturday, 2nd April this year, with ‘Climb With Charlie’ (Bird) taking walking groups and solo hikers, amateurs and experts up to the heights around Ireland. Raising funds for Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), many people will be enjoying the sights and experience of the uplands across The Avondhu region. A little preparation, however, will make sure the day goes smoothly and the worse that will happen is tired legs.
The Galtees, Knockmealdowns and Comeraghs are sure to be well visited on the day and with so many walkers about, some useful tips to bear in mind have been provided by Mitchelstown’s Chris Pires, a SEMRA member. The South East Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA) will not be stationed for the day, but are prepared for any call outs.
Chris admits, however, that lost walkers are unlikely to be a problem with so much foot traffic around! However, that isn’t to say anyone should not be as prepared as they can. Water, hiking boots, appropriate clothing, water, food, a map and a route are all basic, but truly essential when entering the hills.
“It’s still a few weeks away, so I would advise people to start building up their fitness now. For anyone organising a walk, I would recommend that they think about the duty of care they have towards people who join them, and any insurance they might need.”
Chris stresses the fundamental importance of a fully charged phone, and a battery pack.
Anywhere there is sheep, do not bring dogs. In some places, they are not allowed whether on a lead or not, and Mountaineering Ireland recommend that dogs not be taken into the hills at all.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Consider car poooling, or being dropped off and collected. Parking is extremely tight at many popular hiking spots, the Black Road to Galtymore for example. At others, like Lake Muskry, the road to the trail is rough and a traffic jam is not the way anyone wants to start the day! Be mindful of not blocking access for farmers or emergency vehicles.
Finally, Leave No Trace isn’t just about plastic bottles. Orange and banana peels take months to break down and must be taken home, not left on the ground. Walkers are encouraged not to leave the trail, otherwise new trails form on virgin ground which is unhelpful to the environment - ‘leave no trace’ effectively means that there should be no evidence come Sunday, April 3rd that anyone was out and about on Saturday!
MANY LOCAL GROUPS SET
The Rhododendron Walking Festival are running two walks with 50 people each along the Crohan West peak in the Knockmealdowns (which is now booked out) and a ramble in Glengarra Woods. All proceeds will be going towards the two nominated charites, Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).
Meanwhile, Knockmealdown Active will be leading people on a 12km route from Mount Melleray. Again, there is a charge to take part, but all proceeds go towards the same two charities. Knockmealdown Active assure would-be walkers that there is plenty of parking available, as the monks in Melleray will be opening up some of their fields to accommodate extra parking. However, no pets are alllowed for insurance reasons.
ALSO SUPPORTING JER
Mitchelstown’s Carmel O’Gorman will be walking with a group up Galtymore from King’s Yard, and they are currently collecting sponsorship for the family of Jer Spillane, a Kilbehenny man who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019. Over 100 sponsorship cards have gone out and refreshments will be served afterwards in Kilbehenny Community Centre.
Stewards will be on duty, Carmel noting that experienced climbers will be there to guide people up Galtymore. Everyone will be asked to sign a declaration form before the climb, and will be doing it at their own risk.
“I’ve never climbed Galtymore before; there’s about twenty of us and we’ll all be doing it at our own pace. My son runs it every Sunday morning, and the main thing is that we raise some money for the family and his (Jer’s) two small children. I’d like to thank Moss Fitzgerald and the community council in Kilbehenny for helping me, and also my hubby John.”
Carmel is welcoming anyone who would like to join to contact her on 085 777 8375.
Other local walking groups are sure to be busy on April 2nd and 3rd, as well as soloists, families and friends. For more information on any of the walks that feature in this article, please visit the relevant group on social media.