Strabane Ramblers’ walk in Donegal gets off on a high note
Thursday, 19 January 2012
The members of the Strabane Hillwalking and Rambling Club had a great view of Mount Errigal during their latest hike in County Donegal at the weekend. SU0308JR
STRABANE Hillwalking and Rambling Club's walk in County Donegal this week started on a high note as they got chatting to the Glenveagh Ranger from the previous week, who informed members that Tommy's 'dead' Golden Eagle, was, in fact, a stunned juvenile White-tailed Sea Eagle - a massive bird which has been re-introduced to Ireland via County Kerry.
It was known that a juvenile was in the area, but was thought to have died as its radio tag malfunctioned, so this proved an important sighting.
At the weekend, the members looked forward to getting out onto the hills as the cloudless blue sky was reminiscent of a summer's day. Out of the cars, however, reality struck as the cold winter air had the hikers reaching for warmer gear! All was forgotten as they viewed the target for the day - Dooish (the black ridge), a bull-nosed mountain guarding the road to Dunlewy.
Leaving the ranger at the Sand Lough car park, the Strabane group were straight into the climb. Wet and boggy underfoot soon turned to harder, rockier ground as they attained the ridge some 130m above the lough.
“Just below the ridge we had come across a weather station recording rainfall and wind speed, with the stiff south-westerly keeping the dial spinning furiously. Stopping at Edenadooish (521m) the views were immaculate. Even at this height, the Derryveaghs stood proudly showing off," said a spokesperson.
One more climb and they reached Dooish (652m) allowing uninterrupted views of Muckish, the Aghlas and Errigal, as they reached for the clear blue sky.
The area just south of their position was the source for Astelleen Waterfall - last week's objective - and they could clearly identify Astelleen Burn starting its journey towards Glenveagh National Park. Getting here quicker than anticipated the members delayed tea and decided to head for Saggartnadooish (501) further east.
After a quick descent off Dooish, past Lough Aleahan, they revelled in the shelter afforded by their loss in height before, all to soon, ascending into the wind again. On the summit a large boulder dominated - a perfect sheltered spot for tea!
Although the size of a garden shed, it provided no protection at all due to the wind's direction. However, a series of smaller rocks on the lee side of the hill proved just the ticket. Returning to the lough, then turning west, the ramblers contoured Dooish back to the Sand Lough, satisfied with their first real foray of the year.
Next week, Brian Conway will take the members on an 'A' (easy) walk to Murvagh waterfall at Maghera strand.
For more information, check out the Strabane Hillwalking and Rambling Club on facebook or on the group's website at: www.strabaneramblers.co.uk
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