The annual Drimarone to Glenties walk on New Years Eve is being planned.
This walk is 16 km moderate and will take 5 to 6 hrs. We usually have soup and sandwiches on arrival to Glenties and a bus to return us to Drimarone. There will be a charge (exact amount to be confirmed).
We’re taking numbers now so as to plan appropriately. Please contact Peter Wright (0861054283) or Joe McNulty (0872861482) by Dec 2nd at the latest. Booking is essential.
Also, a note to new members: Please contact the walk leader in advance of any walk undertaken to discuss any individual needs, fitness, nature of the walk etc. It is important also to review the list of essential equipment which is outlined on the website.
Dear all, the Christmas night out will be on 17th December at 7 pm in the Harbour restaurant, Donegal Town. All members are welcome. We need final numbers by 17th November. Anyone who wants to go, please contact Marie Wright or Mary McNulty. The cost of the meal will be €35, menu bellow:
Dear all, it is getting towards time for renewal of membership for 2022-23.
Now that we are associated with Mountaineering Ireland, the financial year starts 1st November and runs till end of October. Fees are due to paid by the end of October at the latest and can be paid anytime from now. It is important payments are made by the end October as this will ensure continuity of insurance on an individual basis. The fees remain the same as last year at €50 for full members and €15 for associate members. Electronic bank transfer is preferred, but cheques and cash are accepted too. Please let me know when paid so I can update the mountaineering Ireland database. Also complete a new application form (available for download from our own website) and return to club email.
Hope you are all enjoying the summer season our on the hills and crags. I just wanted to link in to let you know about a number of events and programmes that we are running in the coming weeks that may be of interest to your members and the club diary.
Club Leadership Hillwalking Programme – All clubs that have applied for the hillwalking programme for 2022 have now been allocated their requested number of club leaders to be trained and assigned an instructor – some instructors have yet to hear from their clubs. If you have not made contact with your instructor, please link in with them as soon as possible, as this training needs to be agreed/completed in 2022 and available dates for the instructors are filling up fast.
Happy Hiking – Hill Skills Day –This is a great opportunity for anyone new to the hills or those who want to learn navigation, to join a qualified instructor for a full day’s training and gain useful information and skills that will help keep you safe on the hills. This programme is also open to club members. The main focus of the day will be on movement skills, basic navigation, map reading, equipment and safety considerations with a focus on our Happy Hiking information: https://www.mountaineering.ie/hillwalking/HowToStart/default.aspx . There are currently over 30 days organised throughout 17 locations. Please share with members that may be interested. Click HERE for more information.
Skills Workshops in Scrambling, Rock Climbing & Teaching Navigation – 1 Day Workshops in 3 Disciplines in 4 locations: Skills training Workshops for individuals, club members, trainers, award trainees and providers. Click HERE for more details.
Club Committee Support Meetings – Join us for this year’s Club Committee Workshops.
These workshops are aimed at club committee members that are new to the committee or those who just want to refresh or learn something new. Each of the four workshops will cover a different topic related to running your club. This is a great opportunity to engage and ask any questions that you might have on the specific topics to help support committees to run a club effectively. Click HERE for more details and to book your spot.
National Walking Day (see attached) – will be held on Sunday the 25th September 2022 – organise a club walk or open day to celebrate! Keep the day – More Information to follow at www.mountaineering.ie
Autumn Gathering – After a long break due to the pandemic we are delighted to announce that there will be a 2022 Autumn Gathering. We believe our members need an opportunity to gather and connect with each other and of course enjoy some fantastic walks organised by our host club. This year’s event will be hosted by The Wayfarers Hiking Club from the Glenview Hotel & Leisure Club, Glen of The Downs, Delgany, Co.Wicklow from the 7th – 9th October 2022. Keep the date. Bookings to open shortly click HERE for more details.
Valuing recreation in the MacGillycuddy Reeks
The MacGillycuddy Reeks Forum is doing a survey amongst hillwalkers and climbers to put an economic value on what recreation brings to the area. The results of the survey should assist the Forum in making the case for funding to help care for the Reeks and to support the sustainable management of recreation in this important area. Mountaineering Ireland is encouraging members to complete this short survey – Click HERE . Please share this within your club and with others involved in hiking or climbing.
Please keep dates, share this with your members and we hope to see you all soon.
A new phase of a walking trail which links Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with the Appalachian Mountains has been launched in a bid to attract more international visitors.
The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster–Ireland is part of an international walking trail that follows the Appalachian Mountain terrain, which existed on the super continent Pangaea before the Atlantic Ocean formed that broke up the continent.
Members from many of the organizations involved in the new phase of the IAT Ulster-Ireland at a national launch recently
The Ulster-Ireland section totals 279 miles (449 km) in length, was established in 2011, launched in 2013 and continues the trail after it leaves the North American continent.
It starts at the Slieve League cliffs, passes through Glencolmcille, traverses the Bluestack Mountains in Co Donegal before crossing into Co Tyrone. Here it picks up the Ulster Way, taking in the Sperrins, the north coast and the Glens of Antrim.
Walkers along the Mid and East Antrim section of the IAT Ulster-Ireland
The next phase of the walking trail has now been launched, which includes a number of improvements including newly installed pieces of art, new trail furniture and updated information panels and improved facilities at many locations.
A marketing campaign has also been launched to coincide with the trail works, promoting the walk to audiences across America, as well as in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, incorporating videos, photography and offers from local businesses. This campaign will be carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland.
Dear All, Further to the decision at the recent AGM and subsequent approval of our affiliation application to Mountaineering Ireland, please note that anyone who has not yet submitted their completed application form with payment of the appropriate fee should do so immediately in order to activate your Mountaineering Ireland Insurance which is now a requirement prior to undertaking any walks. The Application form, completed and signed, together with the appropriate fee should be submitted to our Secretary, Peter as per the details on the form are attached. At this stage, I would like to thank everyone for their participation at every level in club activities throughout the year and to wish you all a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas and look forward to another good year ahead.
Joe Mc Nulty Chairperson Bluestack Ramblers Walking Club
Bluestacks are on Instagram! Yes, you heard it right! We would love to share the beauty we see every Sunday while walking across this beautiful country. Follow us for weekly photos.
Bluestack Ramblers 