Mountaineering club holding open day event
A local mountaineering club is reaping the benefits of more people showing an interest in the many walkways throughout the county.
Sligo Mountaineering Club was formed in 1974 when seven people in Sligo town with an interest in the outdoors came together to organise a walk.
The first tentative steps were to the top of Knocknarea, from where the group was smitten by the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Jimmy Giblin, chairman of Sligo Mountaineering Club explained: “The Club developed very quickly over the years and currently has 100 members, drawn from Sligo and surrounding counties. Thus reflecting the ever increasing interest in mountain walking. Indeed one of our founding members Michael ‘ Mikey’ Mulligan, who served as Secretary for 21 years, is still climbing yonder hills week- in week- out with the same vigour and passion.”
The club meets every Sunday throughout the year, and for the most part the Darty Mountains is their playground, with various combinations of treks to Benbulben, Benwiskin, Truskmore, Tievebaun. The Club also organises walks on Slieve League and Errigal; Mweelree and Croagh Patrick; Maumturks and Twelve Bins. In addition to these, there are weekend trips to the Mournes and Magillicuddy Reeks. The more experienced and adventurous have also climbed in the French/ Swiss Alps, the Dolomites in Italy and Norway/ Sweden.
Jimmy said: “Walks are graded ABC taking into account the level of difficulty and the length of the walk itself. An easier ( grade C) option is provided on a significant number of walks so that all levels of fitness are catered for. The first Sunday of each month is an open day on which people who wish to sample the joys of hillwalking are invited to come along to take part in a grade C walk. All aspects of mountain walking and the essential requirements with regard to proper gear and safety are fully explained. At the end of the walk newcomers have the option to become members.
“Walking on mountainous terrain is fraught with difficulty which can be compounded by sudden deterioration in weather conditions. The Club places a big emphasis on training so that members are capable of looking out for themselves and colleagues at all times. Navigation Skills and Mountaineering Skills courses are run each year by our accredited training officers Fran and Liam Lynch.
“Perhaps the highlight of the year is our annual slideshow at which members make presentations of different treks undertaken during the year. Other fun activities include the ‘ Mince Pie’ walk, 2 night hikes, overnight camp and a barbecue.
“The Club continually promotes hill walking, the benefits of which are enormous both for one’s physical health and mental wellbeing.
“The social aspect of the Club further enriches the lives of members. “The next Open Day is next Sunday 2nd April. Meet at Tubs and Tiles Sligo at 10.45am before heading into the hills to sample the beauty and the wilderness on our doorstep. More information and contact details can be found on our website www. sligomountaineeringclub. com”. There is another Open Day scheduled for May 7th.