It’s the time of year for plotting and planning the year ahead. I hear there are some very organised people who begin this plan before the previous year ends, but I embrace the brand new feeling that 1 January brings.
While there are many complaints about January being dull and dreary and passing by all too slowly, I welcome the tiny sliver of light that is appearing in the dawn sky and later at dusk too. It means we can get out walking the roads and hills again.
In January 2014, I drew up a list of the county tops across our island. My resolution that year, was that I would have all 32 peaks ticked off by the time New Year’s Eve reappeared.
The list is still on my noticeboard and there are not 32 ticks on it. I need to resort to Google to verify what is on this list because the sunshine has faded some details.
Motivation
The manifesting experts tell us on social media that if you want to achieve something, you must keep images of your desired outcome nearby and visualise your goal until the universe achieves it for you.
Based on my experience, I can’t say this is entirely accurate when it comes to climbing mountains but keeping the list by my desk has given me cause to smile as I get work finished and reminds me to phone walking buddies and book B&Bs of the destination for bank holiday weekends or holidays.
A list of county tops written by Caitríona Bolger in 2014 faded by the sunshine.
The universe won’t climb mountains for you. You have to do that yourself.
The thing about hill walking is very simple really. It all boils down to putting one foot in front of the other.
Standing in the car park, all set ready to go, the thought has often occurred to me, "How am I going to get to the top of that?" When you see the height or size of the peak – or more daunting – the long, protracted route that winds around the mountain's side, it is only natural to wonder these things.
Away from the hills, something might come up; a new task or project or something might happen around the house and I will be wondering “How on earth am I going to do this?" and I would think about setting off to walk a mountain: ‘just put one foot in front of the other,’ get one thing done and move onto the next section. It works!
High point highlights
Peak highlights that I have managed to conquer so far are Donegal’s Mount Errigal at 751m.
I have been lucky enough to walk this a few times and I found the hardest part of this route is the peaty trudge from the car park up to the path. I hear a track is on the way and I look forward to revisiting.
Caitríona Bolger standing at the beginning of Errigal mountain walk after walking in soft peat up to her knees.
Galtymore (919m), the highest point of both Tipperary and Limerick, very nearly got the better of me. Only for the long summer’s evening, I was very close to becoming a statistic on that one. This is not a hike you do unless you are with someone who has a very good understanding of the area.
To walk the horse shoe ridge at the top is a very special experience and I found myself swelling with pride knowing this is home to me (Ireland, not Tipperary or Limerick I mean).
As we settle into 2023, I sense a renewed air of optimism after a few restricted and cautious years.
I am looking forward to visiting our northern counties to take in the views from their peaks and I might even gear myself up for a big one; Mweelera, I am talking about you!
Read more
The Donegal rambler: life in the hills
Stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this festive season
It’s the time of year for plotting and planning the year ahead. I hear there are some very organised people who begin this plan before the previous year ends, but I embrace the brand new feeling that 1 January brings.
While there are many complaints about January being dull and dreary and passing by all too slowly, I welcome the tiny sliver of light that is appearing in the dawn sky and later at dusk too. It means we can get out walking the roads and hills again.
In January 2014, I drew up a list of the county tops across our island. My resolution that year, was that I would have all 32 peaks ticked off by the time New Year’s Eve reappeared.
The list is still on my noticeboard and there are not 32 ticks on it. I need to resort to Google to verify what is on this list because the sunshine has faded some details.
Motivation
The manifesting experts tell us on social media that if you want to achieve something, you must keep images of your desired outcome nearby and visualise your goal until the universe achieves it for you.
Based on my experience, I can’t say this is entirely accurate when it comes to climbing mountains but keeping the list by my desk has given me cause to smile as I get work finished and reminds me to phone walking buddies and book B&Bs of the destination for bank holiday weekends or holidays.
A list of county tops written by Caitríona Bolger in 2014 faded by the sunshine.
The universe won’t climb mountains for you. You have to do that yourself.
The thing about hill walking is very simple really. It all boils down to putting one foot in front of the other.
Standing in the car park, all set ready to go, the thought has often occurred to me, "How am I going to get to the top of that?" When you see the height or size of the peak – or more daunting – the long, protracted route that winds around the mountain's side, it is only natural to wonder these things.
Away from the hills, something might come up; a new task or project or something might happen around the house and I will be wondering “How on earth am I going to do this?" and I would think about setting off to walk a mountain: ‘just put one foot in front of the other,’ get one thing done and move onto the next section. It works!
High point highlights
Peak highlights that I have managed to conquer so far are Donegal’s Mount Errigal at 751m.
I have been lucky enough to walk this a few times and I found the hardest part of this route is the peaty trudge from the car park up to the path. I hear a track is on the way and I look forward to revisiting.
Caitríona Bolger standing at the beginning of Errigal mountain walk after walking in soft peat up to her knees.
Galtymore (919m), the highest point of both Tipperary and Limerick, very nearly got the better of me. Only for the long summer’s evening, I was very close to becoming a statistic on that one. This is not a hike you do unless you are with someone who has a very good understanding of the area.
To walk the horse shoe ridge at the top is a very special experience and I found myself swelling with pride knowing this is home to me (Ireland, not Tipperary or Limerick I mean).
As we settle into 2023, I sense a renewed air of optimism after a few restricted and cautious years.
I am looking forward to visiting our northern counties to take in the views from their peaks and I might even gear myself up for a big one; Mweelera, I am talking about you!
Read more
The Donegal rambler: life in the hills
Stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this festive season
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