Blayney Ramblers
A highly popular hillwalking club based in Castleblayney, affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland. Welcomes hikers of all levels to explore the local scenic routes like Sliabh Beagh, with occasional trips to other major Irish mountain ranges.
When and where
Blayney Ramblers meets every second Sunday. That works out at roughly twice a month. It meets at Various trailheads (meeting in Castleblayney Town), Castleblayney / Sliabh Beagh, Co. Monaghan.
Times and venues do move, particularly at the start of a new season and around bank holidays, so it is worth confirming the next date with the group before travelling.
What to expect
Blayney Ramblers runs regular group walks in and around Co. Monaghan. The single most important thing to check before your first outing is the grade of the walk. A harder grade typically means four to six hours over rough, unmarked ground with real ascent, while an easier one means a few hours on tracks and lanes. Turning up to the wrong grade is the most common reason people do not come back.
Bring boots with ankle support, a waterproof jacket and trousers regardless of what the forecast says, food and more water than you expect to drink. Irish hill weather turns inside an hour, and club walks generally go ahead in rain as a matter of course.
Many clubs will take you on a trial walk before you commit to membership. Check the grade, the start time and the expected finish with the group first, and tell someone at home where you are going.
Who it suits
Walkers who want company and routes they would not find alone. Match the grade to your current fitness and hill experience rather than to your ambition.
Going along
The group's own site carries the current schedule and contact details. The link is on this page.