Lug Walk 2013

Gravale

The Lug Walk organised by the Irish Ramblers Club will be happening on Saturday 22nd June this year. Here's a link to the information for 2013.

http://www.walkersassociation.ie/node/469

If you have any queries about any aspect of this challenge walk please post here on this forum.

Gravale

Here's a video of the route:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3hgxnAXEmw

....and here's a map of the route:

Lug Walk (2).JPG

hmmm

Gravale wrote: »

If you have any queries about any aspect of this challenge walk please post here on this forum.

Hi Gravale/T, thanks for the information.

A couple of questions you might be able to help with:
1. How does it compare to the Art O'Neill in terms of effort?
2. Is there any intelligent way of avoiding the muck between Seefingen and Kippure?
3. Similarly at Conavalla!
4. Is it possible to leave a bag of food/drinks somewhere along the route with the organisers? Or is it all organise your own support?
5. Where's the point of maximum despondency?

Gravale

hmmm wrote: »

1. How does it compare to the Art O'Neill in terms of effort?
2. Is there any intelligent way of avoiding the muck between Seefingen and Kippure?
3. Similarly at Conavalla!
4. Is it possible to leave a bag of food/drinks somewhere along the route with the organisers? Or is it all organise your own support?
5. Where's the point of maximum despondency?

In terms of effort the Art O'Neill is much easier. While the distance of both is much the same, the Lug Walk has 51km mostly over rough ground from start to finish with a total ascent of 2590m. The Art O'Neill has a 30k road walk until you reach the hills and a further 10k of forest and other tracks to the finish, leaving only about 11k on rough mountain terrain. Also, it only has 1645m of total ascent over about four climbs as compared to fifteen ascents on the Lug Walk. Navigationally the Lug Walk is more difficult too. A decent Sunday hiker will manage the Art O'Neill but may struggle to complete the Lug Walk.

You can avoid the muck from Seefingan to Kippure by heading south-east over to a fence when you run out of ditch descending from Seefingan. After following the fence in the direction of sp.ht. 664 you'll need to head north-east to a coll to pick up a small ditch leading upwards to Kippure. To be honest I never do this myself, but rather carefully make my way after descending from Seefingan straight through the muck and before I know it I'm through it. Be careful, take your time, and you'll be glad you did.

From Lough Firrib make your way to sp.ht. 702. Then swing left in an arc which will get you around the muck. Personally I simply take my time from 702 and walk straight ahead alongside a muddy ditch to the right and soon I'm ascending Conavalla. Take your time, concentrate, and you'll be fine.

The organisers collect your change-of-clothes bag at the start and you pick it up at the finish. No other such facility is offered along the route. What you can do is to drive out by car to Sally Gap or Wicklow Gap (even Table Pass if you want to hike up to it) and leave supplies in one of the many heather-covered ditches in those parts. I've done this myself in the past.

The point of maximum despondency is usually at the Wicklow Gap. You will have come through very rough and tiring ground between Mullaghcleevaun and Tonelegee and reaching Wicklow Gap will tempt you to rethink going on to the finish. Many people also underestimate the journey from the Gap to the finish (thinking they're on the home straight) and then find themselves slowing down with tiredness as they struggle though very difficult terrain. By the way, if you don't reach Wicklow Gap at 2.30pm at the latest your control card will not be returned to you and you'll be requested to leave the walk. Some have foolishly refused to withdraw and found themselves coming down from Lugnaquilla around 11pm in the dark.

Alun

Looks like good fun, and as opposed to the Maamturks, I could navigate that with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back To be honest it's always been the road section of the AON that has put me off .. I can walk across rough ground all day, but 10km on the road and I'm finished.

Gravale

Here's the application form, folks:

There will be a limit of 200 applications accepted, in accordance with the Wicklow Mountains National Park guidelines.

BriangC

Sounds like a tough walk. I would consider myself fairly fit and have done the ridge walk 20km along entire reeks from Gap of Dunloe to Glencar a few times and plenty 30km+ low level walks but this route looks a very different animal http://www.activeme.ie/guides/walks/lug-walk-challenge-dublin-and-wicklow/

On the reeks once your up to 900m on the eastern reeks it fairly easy going, straightforward and obvious with some good scrambling. What would be a comparable route to train on in Kerry?

Great info above on terrain, etc

Gravale

I've been on the Reeks several times, Brian, but can't think of anything similar to the Lug Walk. The boggy up-and-down terrain of the Lug Walk makes it a tiring proposition, and if it's misty and raining then it becomes something else.

BarryD

When you've done, then's the Double Lug or perhaps the Hart Walk http://www.simonstewart.ie/Longwalk/HartWalk/hc_hart_walk.htm

Put us all to shame in days past.

Gravale

http://www.simonstewart.ie/Longwalk/lugwalk99.htm

BriangC

Gravale wrote: »

http://www.simonstewart.ie/Longwalk/lugwalk99.htm

Ha, thats feckin crazy .... one person with hypothermia and one guy walks 150km in one go and in only 30hours? he looks pretty fresh faced

saying that, I just finished the surprisingly good Everest book by Bear grylls and what some people do is just amazing

Gravale

He had actually been walking non-stop since 8pm on the previous Thursday when he reached Wicklow Gap at 2pm on the Saturday. At that point he still had another six hours before he reached the finish - for the third time. Unfortunately he pulled something in his knee when finishing the second Lug at 2am on Saturday morning and hobbled painfully from there on the official Walk all the way to the finish. To date he has completed 74 Lug Walks and will be going for his 75th this year.

Gasherbraun

Three Lug's back to back.Crazy stuff and probably only one man who would attempt it.

Gravale you posted your Lug training schedule a while back and that may be good for people (particularly those local to Wicklow) to see and get a feel for the event. I cannot find the link at the moment but maybe you could put it up when you get time.

Good luck with it this year as well.

Gravale

Here's a list of training hikes during which you'll cover 99% of the Lug Walk route. Their main purpose is familiarisation rather than claiming to provide all the physical training required for the challenge. The occasional longer hike around 30k would be helpful.

The Route:

Lug Walk (2).JPG

Gravale

Here's the updated Lug Walk brochure:

....and registration form

Gravale

Here's the latest amended Application Form with the option of transport from Wicklow Gap if you have to withdraw at that stage.

SeanieCork

Anyone know if it is full at this stage or if there are still places, left before I send off our forms and cheque?

Gravale

There are plenty of places left, Seanie. When we're full I'll post here.

SeanieCork

Many thanks.

Gravale

Here's the brochure:

.......and Application Form

Alun

Well, I've put my application in .. let's hope for some decent weather

Gravale

Oh, I forgot to mention that dry and sunny weather is guaranteed for the day.

Lug Walk 1999.

245 people started the walk this year. The weather deteriorated after most walkers had gone into the last third (after Wicklow Gap). For "conservation reasons" the walk had been re-routed via Benleagh, which also added perhaps 30 min to the walk. Given poor visibility, a longer route and a reasonably large number of people who had made it into the last third, there were difficulties.

These included a case of hypothermia, one participant and two organisers staying out over night and various organisational difficulties. The organisers were, to put it mildly, up into the early hours of the next day. 185 finished.

Alun

Gravale wrote: »

Oh, I forgot to mention that dry and sunny weather is guaranteed for the day.

I would expect no less

Alun

Well, that's me registered ... no backing out now I'm only number 19, so plenty of places left.

Gravale

There's always a rush in the week beforehand, with people begging for a place at the last minute.

Gravale

If anyone is skilled at using their gps I can send them the gpx file for the Lug Walk. It's not meant to be a replacement for good navigation skills but may be of help. Private message me with your email address and I'll send it on.

Siobh73

Are there still any places available this year?

Gravale

Yes, Siobhán. Here's the brochure and application form:

snowy393

Hello,

I am interested in taking part in the lug walk this year. I have walked up lug a good number of times from baravore car park. I did the coumloughra horseshoe loop in kerry also recently. I would not have the navigational experience to complete this long route by myself and I dont know anyone else who would be interested in taking on this event this year. Are there any guided groups that can be joined or does everyone/every group navigate their own route.

Gravale

I'm afraid there's no organised guided group, Snowy. Everyone navigates for themselves, though many without navigational skills attach themselves to friends who can guide them on the day. On a clear summers day you might get away with following the crowd, but over 51km you could find yourself on your own at some stage. The average finishing time would be 14-16 hours, and if your navigation wasn't great then it could be a long day. You have to reach Wicklow Gap (30k) no later than 2.30pm, by the way.

snowy393

Thanks for the info Gravale.
I did the Blackstairs walk last weekend which was 32km, 1500m ascent and I completed it in 8 hours. I think that I would be fit enough to complete the lug walk after dong this. I didnt have any real navigation to do on this walk as I was close to a bunch of people for most of it.
I am still thinking of signing up for the lug walk and getting one of the garmin gps map devices to aid with my navigation if I get into trouble with the map and compass. I will do a few parts of the lug walk in the coming weeks to familiarize myself with sections of the course.
I have walked to the top of lug in fog and whiteout conditions and understand how dangerous the hills are when visibility is low. I could drop out at some of the checkpoints if the weather conditions proved too testing, like fog or cloud cover for the entire course, even at the lower parts.

Would you be happy to allow someone enter with this approach?

Gravale

You seem to have a good level of fitness, Snowy, and I reckon that you could complete the Lug Walk if you paced yourself correctly.

If you do get a gps device there is a track available for uploading onto it. The Garmin Etrex 10 is a cheap but excellent model and comes highly recommended:

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/10998270/art/garmin/etrex-10-hiking-gps.html

You need to get to the Wicklow Gap (30km) no later than 2.30pm on the day, so starting at 5am you have 9½ hours to get there. You then have another 21k to the finish over some tiring terrain.

Good luck!

loobylou

Hi Snowy.
I'm signed up for the walk and will be doing it on my own. Drop me a pm if you wish, maybe our pace is compatible, if even for some of the walk.
Never done it before but am reasonably fit and comfortable with the navigation.
Was down on the Blackstairs too on sat., we may even have already met:D
PS Despite the username I'm male:o

SeanieCork

Hi, is it ok to park in Darcy McGee’s Pub car park for the day? Or (driving up from Cork early in the morning) is there another or better option? Thanks!

Gravale

I'm glad you asked that, Seanie.

Unauthorised cars left in Darcy McGee's on the day will be clamped. However, we have received a dispensation from the place and you'l be given a ticket to display in your car to prevent such an occurrence.

I'll post further details when they come to hand.

Alun

I was planning on getting the missus to drop me and one or two of my fellow walkers off at or as close as possible to the start ... that's not a problem, I take it? The road is a bit narrow IIRC, so if there were any parked cars it might make turning round a bit tricky.

Gravale

You can do that, but be prepared for the fact that many others will be doing it too on this very narrow road which will also have two large buses bringing walkers to the start. Try to get your missus to avoid doing her car turn-around at the actual start/check-in (she'll be discouraged/prevented), but rather to drop you off then proceed further onwards before making her turn at a suitable spot.

Last time some inconsiderate drivers decided to occupy the space at the start which caused great hassle to the other participants. When you get there just get out of your car with your gear and let your driver proceed immediately - after a few kisses and hugs, of course.

Gravale

SeanieCork wrote: »

Hi, is it ok to park in Darcy McGee’s Pub car park for the day? Or (driving up from Cork early in the morning) is there another or better option? Thanks!

A message from the main organiser:

Re driving from Cork and leaving his car at Darby McGees - All I can say is that the Manager of the pub Harry Farrell said it would be ok to park near the entrance. We are issuing parking cards to everyone who intends to park there for the day. I will talk to the Manager again coming up to the event and remind him about the day. Get Seanie's phone number and I'll ring him before the day to let him know for definite whether he can park there without being clamped.

trellheim

Gravale can I get the gpx from you please ?

Gravale

Send me a message with your email address and I'll send you the gpx file.

BarryD

Hi Gravale,
just out of curiosity, why does the list of kit required for the Lug Walk, list 'Wicklow Sheet 56' as in 'have windproof, waterproof clothing, a rucksack and wear proper hiking boots; have a first aid kit, and emergency food and drink, have a compass, whistle and Wicklow Sheet 56'??

I presume people can use my EastWest Mapping publications for Wicklow, even if it means they need to carry three sheets? Or either OSI or EastWest digital maps on GPS devices etc.

Might be more helpful to just say 'suitably detailed mapping' or along those lines?? Thx

Gravale

BarryD wrote: »

Hi Gravale,
I presume people can use my EastWest Mapping publications for Wicklow, even if it means they need to carry three sheets? Or either OSI or EastWest digital maps on GPS devices etc. Might be more helpful to just say 'suitably detailed mapping' or along those lines?? Thx

You are quite correct, Barry. By default I usually carry your maps. The only advantage of the OSI 56 map is that the entire walk (apart from a tiny bit of forest trail at the start) is illustrated on it. If people were to purchase your three maps and walked the Wicklow Hills regularly then they would be of great value, as I've found out myself. Others who don't walk the Wicklow Hills might not be inclined to make the three-map purchase. We'll certainly take your suggestion into consideration when indicating the items required and mention your excellent maps.

Those of you who would like to contact Barry regarding his excellent maps might like to visit his website: http://www.eastwestmapping.ie/

BarryD

Thx and yes of course, I understand your point re coverage.

Alun

Gravale, there seems to be a few discrepancies between the information sheet supplied together with the application form and the Control Card I received.

Firstly the start .. is it at O 075 207 as per the control card, or at O 073 201 as per the information sheet?

Secondly, the cutoff time for the Sally Gap CP is shown as 09:00 on the control card, and 09:30 on the information sheet. Which is correct?

And finally, on the WAI website there is mention of another cutoff at Turlough Hill "Upr" (wherever that might be!) at 15:30. Does that exist?

Gravale

Alun wrote: »

Gravale, there seems to be a few discrepancies between the information sheet supplied together with the application form and the Control Card I received.

Firstly the start .. is it at O 075 207 as per the control card, or at O 073 201 as per the information sheet?

Secondly, the cutoff time for the Sally Gap CP is shown as 09:00 on the control card, and 09:30 on the information sheet. Which is correct?

And finally, on the WAI website there is mention of another cutoff at Turlough Hill "Upr" (wherever that might be!) at 15:30. Does that exist?

To confirm, the starting point is O:073 201. You cannot fail to miss it as it will be very obvious on this lonely, narrow stretch of road. Note, however, that Coillte are felling a lot of forest in that area and they might have disrupted the access to the first mountain, Seahan, by June 22nd. No problem though, as we will just make a slight adjustment on the day.

The cut-off time for the Sally Gap checkpoint (which is at the car-park north of Sally Gap) is 9am. Note also that the distance from the start to here is only 12k with 517m of total ascent, so that gives plenty of time for people to get there as the first checkpoint opens at 5am. Even my granny could manage that.

You must arrive at the Wicklow Gap no later than 2.30pm. There will be no Turlough Hill cut-off point, but there will be a cut-off point at Table Track at 5.30pm.

Good luck.

Alun

Thanks Gravale, it's not a big deal, although it might be an idea to make the powers that be aware of the inconsistencies nonetheless.

Regarding the Sally Gap cut-off time, I heard from someone who did it one year who said the buses from Darcy McGee's left late meaning they didn't get moving until long after 6, in which case that extra half hour could be the difference between making it and not, depending on fitness levels of course, and no, she wasn't my granny

Gravale

Alun wrote: »

Regarding the Sally Gap cut-off time, I heard from someone who did it one year who said the buses from Darcy McGee's left late meaning they didn't get moving until long after 6, in which case that extra half hour could be the difference between making it and not

Yes, I remember that instance with the late-arriving bus. We'll take into consideration any similar occurrence and exercise flexibility at the Sally Gap checkpoint. We have to be fairly strict at the Wicklow Gap with the 2.30pm cut-off time though - unless you can present a good case for being allowed to go on, namely being fit enough to reach the remaining checkpoints before they close. It's 21k to the finish from there (as much as six hours or more for some tired bodies) so our volunteers won't fancy hanging around beyond their allotted time. One couple who had been advised to not continue at Wicklow Gap didn't arrive at the finish until nearly 11pm last time. Nobody was there to greet them, of course. In 1999 one guy had to stay out overnight near Ben Leagh because he got lost.

Gravale

Hi Guys,

I recently sent some of you a file for your gps units. However, I'm investigating tomorrow the huge felling of trees which has just occurred at the start of the Lug Walk. This may result in a moving of the start to a point about 500m south on the same road. I'm doing the full Lug Walk tomorrow and will re-send you the file again which will be then be up-to-date.

By the way, I forgot to mention that the original file I sent you was the route in reverse. I usually start at the finish (Fenton's pub) and make my way back to the official start in Co. Dublin. So if you plan to use it before I send you the new one then reverse the track on your gps.

Cheers

TheBody

Hi Gravale

Just wondering if there are many places left? I hope to be able to send off an entry for 2 people next week.

Alun

Yes, we've been up there too recently recceing the start. We were originally planning on starting from the official start at the top of the rise in the road, but had to move because of a timber lorry wanting to get access, so started from the more southerly one. We followed the obvious track from there, and then managed to find a way through the remaining trees to the edge of the forest at the base of Seahan but it wasn't great, as the path marked on the E-W maps is blocked by fallen trees from the edge of the forest at the start. Plus even when you do get out of the trees, you then have to clamber over loads of loose branches and stuff before you get onto anything like open ground. Coming from the original start, the track you took seems to have developed into two huge deep ruts in the ground which would be OK in the dry but turn into a quagmire in the wet.

EDIT: Just read your post more carefully, so you're talking about moving to another point further south .. I was thinking about the point further north, sorry. Will be interested seeing your track!

Gravale

TheBody wrote: »

Just wondering if there are many places left? I hope to be able to send off an entry for 2 people next week.

Yes, there are plenty of places left.