Enjoy summer Fridays with Mid Tipp Hillwalkers

Friday Evening walks

On June 8 Mid Tipp Hillwalkers' Friday evening walk headed to Aherlow.

The weather gods threw heavy torrential rain, thunder and lightning for a second Friday at us. Arriving in Aherlow Leader John G O'Dwyer decided we would have refreshments first and walk later if and when conditions improved. Thank you to the staff of Aherlow House Hotel for accommodating us. A group of 19 headed out on a lovely forest trail along the Bianconi Route for mail and passenger service dating back to 1815.

The group headed up to Christ the King statue and returned to carpark along forest track and road. A great evening had by all considering the weather.

The Friday Evening Walks are low level walks, from May to September of 2 – 3 hrs duration, mostly on forest track. We offer an easy introduction to off-road walking for anybody considering taking it up. Come prepared with sturdy footwear, rain jacket, drink and snack. Everyone welcome, old friends and plenty of room for newcomers. The walks are very sociable and usually we end our Friday evening walk by heading for a cup of tea and sandwich.

Meet every Friday at Slievenamon Road car park in Thurles at 6.20pm and leave at 6.30pm sharp. Walks are organised by Carmel Needham, Tina Bourke and Brid Ryan Bourke.

This Friday, June 15, we are heading to Latteragh.

Sunday Walks

Sunday, June 10, the 'A' walk was led by Eileen Ryan in Comeraghs. They parked at Mahon Falls car park and had a very steep uphill climb before heading to Coumtay and crossing to Coumfay. They crossed to the plateau near Seanbhean and on to Fauscoum before descending by a stream and crossing the Mahon river on way back to cars.

Starting next to the former Youth Hostel in Ballydavid a group of six walkers enjoyed the challenge of an interesting and varied circuit in the eastern Galtees on a C walk led by Eddie Morrissey. The group zig zagged their way along forest tracks up to the mast and out onto the hill. Making their way uphill the group negotiated a number of false summits capped with small cairns of dubious historical interest. As a fog descended they reached the stony slopes of Sturrakeen (541m). There was ‘no more climbing’ from there as the group descended and completed the circuit.

This Sunday, June 17, A and B walks leave from opposite the fire station in Cashel at 11am. The full programme of walks is on www.midtipphillwalkers.ie