Category: Walks

On Wednesday 17th October, the RTAI Hill walkers had an invigorating hike in the Knockmealdown mountains, ably led by Veronica Curran.

As is now established custom, we assembled in Barrons Bakery, Cappoquin for tea and scones prior to the hike. Then we drove to our starting point at Bay Lough. From our scenic parking spot we could anticipate the wonderful views that awaited us as we climbed higher.

After a steep and challenging ascent, we levelled off to a gentler climb, with plenty of opportunities to stop to admire the panorama below us. We were straddling three counties: Waterford, Tipperary and Cork. For quite a distance we followed a fence which divides County Cork from County Waterford. Veronica pointed out landmarks along the way, showing that she knows the hills like the back of her hand.

We stopped at the summit (630m), for our “sos beag”, and after refuelling we were glad to move down from the windy height!

As usual, there was lots of chat along the way, as well as opportunities to walk in silence, appreciating the privilege of being far removed from the busy world below us, just enjoying being one with Mother Nature.

One could surely say that this was a loop walk, as we finished where we started – back at Barrons Bakery! We thoroughly enjoyed the delicious soup and sandwiches that were laid on for us. Thanks to RTAI for subsidising the cost of lunch!

Thanks to James Doolan for the photos.

Doneraile Park

The first of our walks for the month of May, was a very popular guided walk through the grounds of Doneraile Park. This walk was organised by Mary Fitzgerald, and took place on Thursday 10th May. Once again, we were blessed with a fine day. Mary had engaged Mr. Michael O’Sullivan to be our local guide.  It was a fascinating outing with a  superbly informed and good-humoured guide who delighted in calling ‘ciúnas!’ and invited us later to visit his own historic home, Creagh House, formerly the abode of the estate agent for the St. Leger estate at Doneraile. The sun shone too and we enjoyed a tasty lunch. Thanks to Mary for an excellent outing, enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Joe Carroll and Elizabeth O’Connell for the photos below:

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Glenshelane Woods

On Wednesday 16th May, the hillwalkers gathered in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford,  on a beautiful sunny morning. We were being taken to nearby Glenshelane Woods, ably led by Helen and Dick Waide. The walk followed the course of the Glenshelane river, through dappled forest paths, under the canopy of new leaves, and bordered by bluebells and wild garlic.

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Luckily our guides knew the forest well. When we came to a spot on the path where a man was employing some machinery, we had no option but to turn back and find an alternative path. No bother to Helen and Dick!

This is a beautiful forest path, not too difficult a walk. It crosses the river at various points on well-maintained bridges. There’s a scouting centre too, in a perfect clearing.

We stopped for sustenance (corporal and spiritual) at the grotto near Mount Mellaray. After that we returned through the forest, to Cappoquin, where we had a delicious lunch in Barrons Bakery. Many of the group members took the opportunity to buy some of the freshly baked goods to take home.

Thanks to Elizabeth O’Connell and Mags McCarthy for the photos.