The Maumturks Challenge 2010

Saturday 3rd April 2010

The Maumturks Challenge Walk is one the strongest tests of endurance in the years calendar. As it occurs early in the season chances are the weather will be inclement to say the least with demanding navigation through thick mist a very real possibility.

Cut-off times are of paramount importance and available escape routes are few and just as painful.

This is an unsupported walk so everything you require for a long days Hillwalking including food and water you must carry yourself. All things being equal however if the sun shines down on you on “the Turks” you will truly have a day to remember.

Full and up to date information and registration form with a list of accommodation within close proximity of the starting point is available from the organisers at

www.nuigmc.com/maamturks/ 

Requirements: Walkers will be required to check in at all of the checkpoints along the route and have their Walk Cards punched. The cutoff points at Lough Mham Ochóige and the Col of Despondency will be implemented at 2pm and 5pm respectively. Unfortunately participants who fail to make these cut-offs will be requested to make their way to the nearest designated exit point.

 In the interest of safety it is required that all walkers should be properly equipped for a tough days hiking with strong boots, waterproof jacket/pants, warm clothing, and sufficient food and drink for the day. All participants, irrespective of whether they are a part of a group, are required to have their own maps and compass and be proficient in navigation. GPS is not to be considered a substitute. Transport Parking will be available at the starting point. A bus will be provided to return participants to their cars at the end of the walk.

All walkers are required to be properly equipped for a tough days hiking with strong boots, waterproof jacket/pants, warm clothing, and sufficient food/drink for the day. All walkers irrespective of whether they are apart of a group are required to have their own map(s) and compass and be proficient navigators (GPS is not a substitute). The maps which may be used are Tim Robinson's "The Mountains of Connemara" hiker's map, which covers the entire area, the Harvey SuperWalker map for Connemara and the Discovery series maps No.37, 38, 44 and 45 (No. 38, 44 and 45 are needed for the first section from Corcog to Mam Ean and from then on the No.37 is used.) Further information is available from the following sources:

Web:  NUIGMC Website  
Email: maamturkswalk@gmail.com 

             Basic Routecard

Report 2007

Report 2008

Report 2009

Report 2010

Safety on the Maamturks

• The rise up to Caobog Pond