Hill Walk Cooley Mtns.

Meeting Point: Lane opposite Lumpers Pub, (OSI Sheet 36 J099108) HERE

Meeting Time:  8:30 am (Driving time from Skerries approx. 1 hour)

Walk Starting Time: 8:45 am  

Route: Round Mountain (269m), The Castle (383m), Carnavaddy (475m), Foyles Way

Ascent: 490m approx

Distance: 12 km approximately 

Duration: 5 to 5 ½ hours  approx. (including stops)  

Leader’s Note: 

This is an undulating walk as we will be summiting three peaks, with some short steep ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is required for this hill walk and the pace will be moderate. Weather permitting we will have amazing views of the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough, Dundalk Bay, the Cooley Mountains and much more. The terrain includes forest track and a lot of uneven rough ground, grassy paths, wet boggy ground, streams, boardwalks, fences and the final section, descending the spectacular river path along Foyles Way, where we will criss-cross the stream via small wooden bridges. Waterproof hiking boots are essential. Hiking Poles are strongly recommended.

For ease of communication and updates a WhatsApp group will be set up. If you do not wish to be included in this WhatsApp group please let the leader know when you get in touch to book your place. 

Please text Máire Jones (087 9676094) by Friday 28^th August 2020 if you would like to go on the walk. Before the walk you will be asked to confirm a) you have not been outside the country in the last 14 days, b) you have no symptoms of Covid-19 – cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste, c) you have not been in contact any confirmed case of Covid-19  or have been told to self-isolate in the last 14 days. 

Covid-19 restrictions are causing problems with regard to parking at popular hillwalking locations, since we cannot car-pool outside our households. To avail of limited parking places, we need to start the walk earlier than usual.   

Please ensure you bring your own face mask, hand sanitiser and gloves on walk (in the event of an emergency when 2m social distancing is not possible). 

Please do not car-pool with others outside your household. 

Please observe 2 metre social distancing at all times on walk. 

Walk is limited to Skerries Walking Club members only. 

Directions:

Location of meeting point for parking is HERE

Take M1 Northbound. Toilet facilities available on M1 at Apple Green Service Station. Take exit 18 off the M1, take 3^rd exit at first roundabout, to cross over M1 and then 2^nd exit off next roundabout onto R 173 towards Carlingford. Pass Ballymascanlon House, then take a left at the Flurry River,  Ballymascanlon Bridge (signposted Ravensdale) onto the L 3085. Continue along this winding road to a T junction. Turn right onto R174. Pass graveyard on your left.  Continue for 1 km past the Ballymakellet Junction. Then take the first right turn immediately at the end of the bridge just before Lumpers Pub J100107.  

1. Please ensure that, at the very least, you have either hiking boots or walking shoes (no trainers), and depending on the weather forecast – multiple layers including a warm jacket/fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a flask with a hot drink, sandwiches/snacks, a litre of water and a small rucksack. If you are unsure about your gear check with leader a few days beforehand as anyone turning up with inadequate gear will not be permitted to walk. 
2. It is highly recommended that you do not wear any clothing made from DENIM/CORDUROY/COTTON on the hike. 
3. The club is a supporter of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign so please ensure that you leave no litter (of any sort) on the hike route. 
4. NEVER go ahead of the Leader without being sure of the way!