Report by Jamie Roberts
Cover Photo: Niall McLaughlin
Henry’s Cottage: Niall McLaughlin
Standard of 2020, anything nice had to be either cancelled or adapted so our annual Christmas dinner this year was changed to a day-hike followed by some festive snacks and drinks at Henry’s Cottage. The start of the walk was also at Henry’s Cottage and was to commence at 1000 on the dot in a military fashion. Naturally, it took until 1030 for everyone to arrive…
The Misty Accent: Jamie Roberts
By sheer luck the weather was prefect for the time of year, crisp, cold and sunny, with minimal amounts of winds. As a group of 14 we knew this would be a leisurely walk, besides, it was Christmas time! We just wanted to enjoy the mountains with friends before coronavirus would take that away from us again. Our very own man of the mountains, Niall McLaughlin, lead the group towards Eagle Mountain while we chatted away with each other on the way up.
Before reaching the summit of Eagle, we came across its crag which is notable for having a few amazing routes that are rarely climbed. Owen talked about cleaning some of the routes here - and they certainly need it - however, it would involve hanging on a rope in the cold, damp, dirty, dark conditions. Ain’t nobody got time for that! After enjoying the view we headed for the summit, which was only a short walk away.
Lunchtime at Batts Wall: Jamie Roberts
For the last part of the walk to the summit we were immersed in cloud, with the wind picking up, making it a bit chillier. We sheltered behind Batts Wall and we all enjoyed our lunches while socialising a bit more. Once finished, we descended Eagle via the wall and reached the bog at the bottom. Here we had the chance to head back to the cottage, but nay! The whole group decided they wanted some more mountain action, so we started ascending the steep slope up to the summit of Slieve Moughanmore.
The descent of Eagle, followed by the ascent of Moughanmore: Niall McLaughlin
After warming up a little (a lot for me), we reached the summit of Moughanmore and commemorated the occasion with a photo of the group (cover photo). Alas, the sunlight was limited, and the group had had enough of socialising in the mountains and now wanted head back to cottage… for more socialising with food and drink! Excited at the prospect, we headed down Moughanmore and followed the valley back to the cottage. The walk back took us through an extensive bog, where a lot of boots got soaked through. One point of interest was a (potentially) new boulder problem put up by Owen, with a rapid second accent by Niall. A mantle with the aid of a jug, on a rock I would struggle to even describe as boulder due to its diminutive stature, which likely has a grade lower than V0. I suggested Owen should put it on UKC.
Once we were back at the cottage, seating was arranged outside due to coronavirus restrictions and we started chatting again. Eva and Lisa supplied the festive treats, which I had plenty of, while Robyn set the mood with some related music. Some mulled apple juice was concocted by Eva, following a recipe inspired by Lisa’s mum’s recipe that she never ended up handing over (an onsight attempt perhaps?). It was delicious to say the least and hit the spot just right. Before the sunset we all parted ways, having had a fun day out. It was a no thrills adventure, and that was all we needed during these times.
Roybn checking out Eagle’s crag with the summit, in the distance, in cloud: Jamie Roberts
Batts Wall down Moughanmore: Niall McLaughlin