At the top of Fairy Castle
We had a very successful expedition in the Dublin Mountains June 21st/22nd. The main goal was to support our Chief Scout Award candidates who need to complete a 25k hike and camp over a period of two days. The Chief Scout Award candidates had to plan the route for the hike and had to pack and carry all their own gear on the hike including tents, cooking equipment, meals for the two days etc. Anyone who has done this will tell you that hiking with 10 or 12 kilos on your back is very different to hiking with a light day bag. We were very lucky with the weather, it was hot and sunny for virtually the entire weekend. It's always a great boost when you're setting up and taking down your tents in the sunshine! Luckily we all brought plenty of water and there were no issues with de-hydration. On Saturday we set off from Johnny Foxes in Glencullen in the mid afternoon. Hugh led this leg. After a short walk on a quiet contry road we followed the Dublin Mountain way into the forest. We stopped briefly for a drink of water at the remains of an ancient passage grave in the forest. It was very atmospheric! From there we went to three rock mountain. We were in no hurry so the guys scrambled over over the rocky tors and generally chilled out for a while. From there we climbed up to the highest point of the hike, Fairy Castle on the top of two-rock mountain. After stopping for a photo and a snack we headed to the junction of the Wicklow way then followed the Wicklow way back to Kilmashogue car park and then into the back of Larch Hill. Callum led this leg.
Our scouts on the Dublin Mountain Way
When we arrived at Larch Hill, it felt great to take off our packs and sit down for a break in the evening sun. We couldn't rest for too long though, the tents had to be pitched and the dinner cooked on portable alcohol and gas stoves. While most of us brought trekking tents, Sarah opted to be extra adventurous and slept in a hammock under a bivvy tarp! Being Summer Larch Hill was busy with people on annual camp. We had a great chat with 73rd Raheeny Scouts. We also got talking to the Girl Guides from Sallins who kindly shared their hot chocolate with us.
The next morning we were joined by Alice, James and Evan. We struck camp, shouldered our packs and set out on the next leg of the hike. This took us through the fabulous Massey's glen, thickly wooded with some spectacular trees including giant redwoods, european larch and lime. Shane led this leg. From there we cross Cruagh Mountain where James took over leadership and decided to take the low road rather than the high road. We stopped here for a picnic lunch. From there we hiked up to the top of Tibradden mountain. The views from there to the Wicklow mountains were spectacular. We took a break in yet another ancient passage grave at the summit. Cormac took on leadership from the top of Tibradden and from there we pushed on to the Wicklow way junction with the Dublin Mountain Way. At this point Alice took over to lead the final section back to Larch Hill again. A great day was had by all and we can be justly proud of our Scouts.
