Have you always wanted to climb the Galtees? Are you a regular trekker?
CLIMB & DINE: JOIN LISA & CIARA ON THEIR FINAL TRAINING CLIMB BEFORE THEY HEAD FOR THE SUMMIT OF KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA ON SEPT. 15TH
In association with Mitchelstown/Ballygiblin Juvenile GAA, St. Fanahans Camogie Club & Mitchelstown Ladies Football
*Guided climb starting from the Black Road, Skeheenarinky at 10am on Sunday 28th August - groups leaving every 30 minutes until midday
*Experienced walkers welcome but we're also keen to take people who've never climbed the Galtees before
*Parking available at the top of the Black Road, at the start of the walk
*Free BBQ for all climbers in The Tavern, Mitchelstown at 5pm incl. prize draw for WEEKEND FOR 2 AT KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL
*Coincides with Mitchelstown Food Festival, which runs 12-6pm
http://www.mitchelstownfoodfestival.com/
DIRECTIONS:
From M8 take exit 12, follow signs for Kilbehenny, drive through the village and follow the road to Skeheenarinky
On arriving in Skeheenarinky, drive through the village, passing Jackson's pub on the left, the next sign you'll see will be for the Galteemore trail and the Black Road is the first left turn outside the village.
Drive up the Black Road for about 3km until you reach the parking area at the start of the walk.
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=203877697276877650583.0004a9d4245afccda4a21
Small print
Tickets 10 euro, includes parking, BBQ at The Tavern and entry to prize draw
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Reaching the summit of Galtee Mor is weather dependent at the time of reaching the midway point (The Cairn)
ARE YOU A GALTEE VIRGIN?
Unsure whether you're ready to attempt the climb? Read on to find out more...
The ascent of Galtee Mor is broken into 2 parts. The first half is a stoney path which is very easy to follow, steep in parts but pretty manageable. It should take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete this section of the walk and you know you've completed it when you get to the large pile of stones (The Cairn).
The second half of the walk is off road - you get to take to the mountain and create your own route... This is where the guides come in!
Starting out from here the climb isn't too steep but it can be a bit wet and boggy in parts. But it's really just like walking through a field. The higher you go, the more amazing the views get ('appreciating the view' is a good excuse for taking a break when it gets a bit steeper!). This section also takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly you want to run up the mountain!
On the final ascent to the summit of Galtee Mor the grass thins out and the terrain is more rocky. There's quite a steep climb for about 10 minutes and then you're there!
The views from Galtee Mor are absolutely stunning on a clear day. It's quite flat at the top so you can sit and have you lunch in the shade of the rocks and walk around to admire the view. On a clear day you can see for miles around but the weather up there can be quite mixed and even if it's sunny when you get to the top it's often quite windy and it doesn't take long for the clouds and fog to come in - but again, the guides will be on the watch out for that!
MINI KILI PACKING LIST: Not sure what to bring?
WHAT TO WEAR
Footwear: Ideally you should have hiking boots or shoes - the ground can be wet and mucky and it will be uneven in places so sturdy footwear is very important to protect your ankles - we don't want any of our star players getting injured!
Clothing: Weather on the mountain can be very mixed so its best to layer up. It's often very windy at the top so best so bring the following: lightweight top, fleece, windbreaker/rain jacket, gloves, sun hat, wooly cap. Think all-weather gear!
A note on weather: We are going on an adventure in the great outdoors therefore we are subject to the elements. There is always a chance that fog could descend over the Galtees and if that happens we will be unable to reach the summit. Each group will have a guide who will be keeping a close watch on the weather and will advise you if they believe there is any risk.
WHAT TO BRING:
Drinks: You'll be amazed what thirsty work climbing is! Make sure to bring at least 1 litre of water with you - if you can manage to borrow a Platypus from someone these are really handy but otherwise a good old fashioned bottle will do grand!
Food: And it's definitely hungry work! If you're planning to go to the summit of Galtee Mor you'll need to bring a packed lunch to celebrate getting to the top! It's also good to have a few treats with you to keep you going like fun size bars or if you prefer a healthier option - nuts or a banana. Sadly there is no shop at the summit (!) so please pack whatever you think you might need - you can always bring it home again if you don't.
Other items not to forget:
*Sun tan lotion
*Camera
*Sunglasses
So I know it looks like a long list but you'll enjoy the walk so much more if you come prepared. If you're a first timer and have any questions about the route, what to bring, start time etc please drop me a message.
CLIMB TIMES
In order to make the climb manageable and enjoyable for everyone we are going to set off at the following times:
10.00 - Experienced walkers
10.30 - Experienced stragglers
...11.00 - First timers I
11.30 - First timers II
12.00 - Family walk
Once you reach the midpoint of the Cairn which marks the end of the stoney path you can decide whether you feel up for an attempt at the summit or if you've had enough for one day it's very easy to return to the car park.
During the week we'll be announcing who is guiding which groups.
Ciara
