MEET: Outside old Irish Press Offices, Burgh Quay, down from Spar shop.

DEPART Sundays 10.00 A.M. (or when the bus is full)

COST: Private bus. Cost €8.00.

NOTE: The leader has the right to refuse anyone who is not adequately equipped (i.e. without adequate rainwear, spare clothes, food, torch and hiking boots). The leader has the right to extend, curtail or alter the route from that described in the program. The leader sets the pace of the hike and walkers are expected to obey his/her instructions at all times.

During winter months it is essential to bring a (head) torch on all Sunday hikes and weekends away. Don’t forget to check your batteries and bulb.

Your club membership card MUST be carried and produced, if requested on all Sunday hikes. Numbered tickets will be given out on the quays by a committee member. People with a valid membership card and ticket will be given preference on the bus.

Mountaineering is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks. People who take part in our club activities do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. The Committee requests that anyone who is on medication or with a medical condition inform the leader before the start of the hike.

Try to reduce the erosion and widening of trails, e.g. do not walk on the edge of worn tracks; walk through the centre of the original track or go several feet into the scruff where the ground is untrodden, walking parallel to but not on the track.

Litter is unsightly and dangerous to animals. Even bio-degradable items like orange peels and banana skins take years to disappear. Bring all your litter home and try to include at least one extra item from each day out. Do not bury litter – animals will dig it up.

In the interest of safety and comfort please keep the pointed end of your walking stick covered, especially when travelling on the bus.

The annual An Óige Hillwalkers club Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 29th January, downstairs in Doyles pub.

The last ever club AGM came to a triumphant conclusion as the Editor was by popular demand elevated to the newly created rank of Supreme Grand Master. No sooner was the vote cast than his henchmen seized the other committee members and dragged them off to gulags in the barren Wicklow hills. With them went one or two of the Editor’s friends, persons who knew too much of his sometimes murky pass. As their screams of protest faded into the distance, banners were unfurled and martial music struck up, as the SGM proceeded to outline his vision of the glorious New Order.

Damn. Foiled again. The above was the account of the AGM I had prepared beforehand, in sure confidence of my impending victory. Alas for the curse of democracy. My fellow committee members, conspiring against me, united and packed the room with their followers, hiring the very drunks off the streets. It is even rumoured that they sunk to the level of inviting Moderates walkers and members of the Ramblers to come along and pose as Hillwalkers!!!

Among the matters that were properly discussed at Tuesday’s AGM were the following items:

After many years service, Martin Fagan has stepped from the committee. This is a momentous event as Martin has played a vital role in the club for years and there can be few members who have not had the enjoyment of one of the many successful trips and events he helped organise for the club. A possible successor was mentioned but as they were not present it remains to be seen if there will be future change to the committee. The remaining members of the committee were re-affirmed in their existing roles, though it was indicated that some of them might be interested in stepping down in the next year or so.

The attendance on the bus would be reviewed later in the year and if it is breaking-even financially, the price would stay at 8 Euro.

The take-up and benefits of membership was discussed in depth. The committee are to review what steps should be taken to encourage take-up of membership among persons attending our walks. Among members’ suggestions were: leaders checking membership, giving preference on the bus to members, charging non-members more for the walks, and handing out application forms to those without membership. We will inform you of any decisions taken.

The hike co-ordinator has asked that we take note of the following points of safety for the Winter walks, especially hike leaders:

All hike participants should carry suitable waterproof torches, reflective armbands or strips and adequate winter attire from the end of October until the end of the winter period (March - April 2002). Leaders should insist that all participants are suitably attired and using torches when required. Leaders should plan to finish all hikes between 1700 and 1730hrs (earlier if severe adverse weather conditions prevail). Every effort should be made (without dragging or hurrying the group) to reach a recognised safe track or road way before the onset of darkness. Leaders should slow the pace down when encountering any type of awkward or difficult terrain, steep or slippery inclines etc. Extra vigilance should be exercised during the periods of dusk, darkness, dense fog or mist, snow and icy conditions etc. Walks should be altered or shortened  to take account of adverse weather conditions e.g. possible flooding or icy roads.

Saturday Hikes – Meet at Messrs Maguire Bar, O’Connell Bridge, Dublin at 8.45 a.m.

Bring: Packed lunch, wet weather gear and torch

Wear: Boots, tracksuit bottoms (no jeans), hat and gloves

9^th February Stepaside to Shop River

15^th to 17^th February Glendalough Hostel – Map & Compass

Bring hiking gear, plus change of clothes and indoor footwear.

Meet at Planet Hollywood, 10.45 am Feb 15^th for St. Kevins Bus 11.30 AM.

Return time to be decided depending on Sunday’s activities.

Costs: Bus fare paid directly = 13 Euro approx (bring An Oige card for discount).

Overnights Cost: Under 18 = 26 Euro, 18 or over = 39 Euro. Booking through An Óige Head Office: 8304555.

Slideshows are planned for the following dates: Feb 19, Mar 12, and Apr 16. Next up is:

February 19^th, 8.30pm, Upstairs Lounge, Palace Bar

Meanwhile, if anyone would like to show their slides please contact Donal Finn.

Martin Fagan's trip in September 2001 was to Northern Italy; one week in the Dolomites, based in Riva on Lake Garda, and one in the Monte Baldo region. There was a party of 17 in all, including many of the usual suspects! 

Riva and the Western Dolomites lie in the province of Trentino, which was once South Tyrol and part of the Austrian Empire (until 1919). Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and a haven of popular resorts.  Riva is touristy but an excellent centre with many facilities. A local, but steep walk, on the first day got us going.  Three major walks in the Dolomites followed, two commencing at Madonna Di Campiglio (an Olympic ski-resort).  Here, we took a cable-car to an 8000 ft. pass - Passodel Groste - and  hiked across and down several passes to the attractive town of Andalo.  The route initially brought us through rocky karstic terrain with a wide variety of beautiful wild flowers.  We encountered many towering rock bastions, but thankfully didn't have to climb them.  A scree descent from Passo della Gaiarda was a feature of the walk, but the highlight was Rifugio Malga Spora (at 6150 ft.) - a summer dairy farm in a huge natural amphitheatre.  It is completely cut off by snow in winter.  We were given a warm reception here from the signora – and beer, cappuccino, tea, soft drinks were all available. 

Our second walk in the Dolomites was even better, reaching three rifugios (alpine huts), the third one, Rifugio Tuckett (7500 ft.), set spectacularly amongst snow-covered rocky pinnacles. The third major walk began and ended at Molveno, situated on the shores of a stunning blue lake.  Between the first two rifugios there was an exciting traverse up across a cliff-face with, fortunately, a supporting wire rope. We failed to get to Rifugio Tosa (8000 ft.), but managed to reach 7200 ft., meeting two Dublin "Wayfarers" en route. A day's rest enabled some of us to visit Trento, capital of the region and home of the famous Council of Trent (held as part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation), which lasted an amazing 18 years (1545-1563). 

For the second week, arrangements to stay in Garda had to be altered and we were accommodated in nearby Bardolino instead.  The walks in the neighbouring Monte Baldo area were affected by the fact that the anticipated cable-car was out of order (for major refurbishment), so, instead of just pleasant ridge-walking, we had to walk to the top and down again through forests.  A boat trip to 14th century Sirmione at the south end of the lake was rewarding. It's the most visited place in the area, being a 3km. long peninsula. Many enjoyed organised tours to nearby historic cities, viz., Mantua, Verona and Venice.  I found Verona the most rewarding, perhaps because the tour guide was so enthusiastic.  The opera season, held in the open-air colosseum, had just ended, but the arena was still worth visiting.  The house of Juliet Capulet (of Romeo and Juliet fame) with balcony and life-sized statue was another must.  Venice was slightly disappointing, due mainly to an indifferent courier.  It is extremely crowded and tourist-oriented, but the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Cathedral are simply magnificent. Ann and Ciaran made a day-trip to Florence, but the rest of us must wait another time to see this celebrated city. So, a packed fortnight, with its "highs" and "hitches", but overall some great memories which will linger.

Congratulations to Tom Kenny who has successfully completed his Mountain Skills course. You too can enjoy mastery of the hills. See details of the club Mountain Skills bursaries elsewhere.

Among weekends away currently planned for this year are:

Killarney, Co. Kerry, in March, to be led by Jim Barry (full details elsewhere).

Burren, Co. Clare, in May, to be led by Prionsias MacAnBheatha.

Westport, Co. Mayo, in August, led by Philip Hayden.

The Editor is currently in correspondence with Wicklow County Council about some dumping. Can anyone drop me a line or an email if they know if the Old Bog Road leading to Kippur is still strewn with burnt rubbish and cars.

Supreme Grand Master: Warren Lawless

Chairperson: Donal Finn

Secretary: Frank Rooney

Treasurer: Prionsias MacAnBheatha

Sunday Hikes: Jim Barry

Membership Secretary: Gerry Walshe

Training Officer: Joe Kellegher

Young Hillwalkers: Dave Rooney

Distribution: Cyril McFeeney & Pearse Foley

Webmaster: Matt Geraghty

The Hillwalkers Club annual membership fee is 19 Euro.

Most of you will be due to renew your membership from this month onwards. The club intends giving preference to members for places on the Sunday bus, so please be sure to renew your membership now. An application form is enclosed and should be sent to the membership secretary at the following address: Mr. Ger Walsh, 15 Summerfield Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Walking holiday articles and pictures must be in electronic form where possible or at least typed, and should be a maximum of 500 words. A stamped addressed envelope should accompany any photographs or printed articles to ensure their return. Articles will generally be published in order of receipt.

A prize will be awarded for the best article and best cover photo featured in the newsletter at the annual club Christmas party.

Current and back issues of the Hillwalker available at online at:

Since its founding in 1993, the Hillwalker's Club has organised a popular Map and Compass programme each year. The course aims to provide a comprehensive grounding in Mountain Skills and it typically involves three indoor evening sessions followed by three outdoor training weekends. The syllabus covered in the course is similar to the Mountain Skills courses (MS1 and MS2) prescribed by Bord Oiliunt Sleibhe - Irish Mountain Training Board and offered by the various Irish outdoor adventure centres (eg, Tiglin, Delphi, etc).

In order to further promote and develop mountain skills amongst club members, financial support in the form of bursaries will be made available to members who successfully complete a Mountain Skills Assessment in 2002.

The Mountain Skills Assessment (MSA) is based on a skills evaluation programme and is held over a weekend. It involves a number of stages as follows:

1. A written (multiple choice type) assessment on general navigation issues.
2. Practical assessment of day navigation skills.
3. Practical assessment of night navigation skills.
4. Near and far feature recognition.
5. Steep ground awareness.

To undertake the Mountain Skills Assessment (MSA), it is necessary to fulfil the following requirements:

1. to have completed at least 30 hill walks in Ireland or Britain over a period of 24 months,
2. to present a Mountain Skills log book detailing the above walks,
3. to hold a valid Rescue and Emergency Care (REC2) certificate or its equivalent (Basic First Aid Certificate).

The National Adventure Centre at Tiglin, Wicklow (www.tiglin.com) amongst others, organises the MSA at a current cost of £125.

The financial resources to support these bursaries will be made available from the surplus associated with the Club's annual Map and Compass training programme. Support in future years is contingent on sufficient funds being available from this source.

Further enquiries from Donal Finn or Joseph Kellegher.

It is the smallest Youth Hostel in Ireland with just 16 beds. It is surely the most primitive hostel in Ireland and you would find it difficult to find its equal worldwide. The running water is the river that passes the front door, the toilets are the 'old fashion type' and you cook and eat your meals by magic gas light.

Will we close Glenmalure Hostel? Well, just now that this winter depends on you, the membership of An Óige? We need voluntary wardens immediately, only for weekends in the winter months! The hostel has operated that system for many years but fewer people are helping this ‘spirit of An Óige’ work.

If you are available to help out one Saturday night in the coming months, please contact Head Office with your details at 830 4555.

Eddie McCrane

Hostel accommodation: Small private 4 bed rooms/limited to 50 persons

Booking: EUR 50 NON REFUNDABLE deposit to An Óige Head Office by credit card or cash deposit (8304555). Booking facilities available from 1^st Jan 2002.

Cost: EUR 100 (includes 4 bednights & Transport costs)

Meals: available locally – more details later.

Food: bring sufficient amount for at least one breakfast.

Bring: Winter rain wear/change of warm clothing/ sheet bag/towels/toilet gear/ flask/torch/ first aid kit/camera/binoculars/ valid An Óige membership card.

Departure: Thursday evening from Custom House Quay at 4pm/ 1600hrs sharp.

Return: Monday evening /arriving Dublin City centre at 8pm(2000hrs) approx.

Please note that the walking programme may be altered or curtailed at the discretion of the leader to take account of adverse weather conditions and walkers capabilities.