LUG NA COILLE DECEMBER 28TH 2011
From Swords Cycling to Swords
Cycling Social, a 2 up Time Trial on Tuesday december 27th to Swords
Cycling - Walking and a hike up Lug Na Coille, highest mountain in
Leinster, on Wednesday December 28th. No rest for weary cyclists!
We started out from the airport at 9.30am and headed for Fenton's
beyond Donard in County Wicklow. A dry bright but windy morning, looked
good for a day in the mountains.
Got to Fenton's at 10.45 and headed out at 11.00 with sunshine and
a nice breeze. For anyone who hasn't been on Lug the first couple
of Km are the hardest, well that's what our leader Pam told us as
we, I should say some of us, struggled up the steep incline. At the
top of this section it leveled out somewhat and walking was much easier.
Very wet and boggy surface from here on make good hiking boots and
gaiters essential to stay dry and warm.
Great view back down the hill, photo below, view ahead a little daunting
as we could see the summit with some snow and the wind getting stronger
and colder. On we strode, stopping only to get a breath here and there.
As we neared the top we were into cloud and could not see very much.
The wind, a gale now, was blowing us up the hill and after 2 hours
walking we reached the mound of stones on the summit. A very quick
cup of coffee and a sandwich and we were back on the trail heading
down. It was very cold up there and with the gloves off for only a
few minutes the hands were frozen.
We were headlong into the biting cold wind now but as we came out
of the cloud and could see some brightness ahead it warmed the spirit.
Our spirits were soured a bit when it started to rain quite heavily
with hail and sleet. Fortunately this lasted only about 30 minutes
but we got a little wet in it. Back at the car, a quick change of
clothes and into Fenton's for a bowl of hot soup and whatever.
Nice to have the car to drive home and not have to get on bike to
ride home.
Great day's walking! Next event
- How about a 2 up Karaoke night!
