A new bridge has been completed over Bloody Bridge River at the river junction.  It does look somewhat unflattering to the landscape at present but will soon weather in .  It was cynically criticized in "Mountain View's " by one of its correspondents, perhaps unfairly , it provides safe crossing at the right spot and will look better with time .  Money is tight at present and an architectural gem was unlikely to be forthcoming. 

YOUR IDEAS ARE IMPORTANT TO US ..... Training 2012.

On a beautiful early autumn day in 2011 twenty-seven members from our clubs enjoyed two very successful mountain navigation courses at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. Now, as we reflect upon these and begin to consider courses for 2012 the question is “What’s next”?
After this year’s courses we asked participants to let us know what courses they would like in the future. Here are some of their suggestions ..... intermediate level map and compass work, developing GPS skills, mountain photography, historical relics in the Mournes and wildlife in the hills. Perhaps you can suggest others.
A few years ago the UFRC worked closely with Tollymore Mountain Centre to create a one day event which embodied a variety of courses – a sort of walkers’ menu from which participants could select two, or maybe three topics. What do you think of this idea? –  if you think it is worth following what topics might it include?
So, please put your thinking caps on – talk with your walking friends and then let us know by contacting Simon Reardon, 23 Innisfayle Park, Bangor, BT19 1DR or administration@ufrc-online.co.uk  by the end of February.

Bearings, Bouncy Balls and Baked Biscuits ..... a report on our navigation courses.

The title includes a combination of things you would not normally expect in the mountains – however, they were all there on Saturday, 24^th September when twenty-seven members from UFRC affiliated clubs descended on Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. The focus of the day was mountain navigation – a subject many walkers find challenging and perhaps, a little intimidating. However, like many things that appear difficult – once tackled, and with a little help, they become less daunting and perhaps, even easy.  This was very much the case on this lovely autumn day.
After a warm welcome the participants divided into small groups, each with its own friendly and knowledgeable instructor. Those involved with Basic Navigation were soon getting to grips with grid references, bearings and contours whilst those who had selected Advanced Navigation considered the subtleties of pacing, attack points, aiming off and many other things.
After these “classroom” sessions tasty packed lunches were stowed into rucksacks and we all headed into the hills to put into practice our newly learned skills. The sun shone, compass bezels turned, magnetic variations were added and subtracted – and yes, it all worked – even watching an imaginary bouncy ball rolling down a slope (intrigued? – ask one of the advanced navigators, or better still, come along to the next course).
In the late afternoon twenty-seven very happy participants returned to the Centre – happy in the knowledge that they had not just learned many navigational skills but that they now felt much more confident in applying these when walking in the mountains. And happy with the “easy” way everyone had joined in and helped each other.
What about the baked biscuits?  They had nothing to do with navigation – but, the smell and the taste of the freshly baked biscuits waiting for us on our return was just ...... great.
Enough from me – what did other people think?

“Instructors were lovely and friendly; they had time for individual queries, they were patient and encouraged the group”

“The practical aspect was just right – challenging but achievable and good to learn in a small group”

“Level way spot on”

“Good mix of theory and practical”

“Good lunch and cookies just out of the oven”

“Good from start to finish. Loved the freshly baked warm biscuits at the end”

From UFRC Chairman  26th Oct.
Good news – Yesterday David Flinn had two copies of the UFRC on access/occupiers liability submission adopted and fronted by the partners of A & L Goodbody and delivered to Commissioner, Mr Robert Hunniford.

Our thanks to David for his hard work and expertise and our best wishes to the Flinn couple on their  pending departure to the Annapurna Region of Nepal.  Chill out and have a good one!!!

There should be around eight other submissions on a similar vein, cementing our arguments.

Going by some of the other interested parties drafts, a point of note on the UFRC submission:

Dogs and motorbikes not welcome on the hills

Farmers who have grazing rights on Anaverna, Ballymakellett and Doolargy mountains on the western side of the Cooley Mountains recently met with hillwalkers, cyclists and the local National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger to highlight their frustration with dogs, motorbikes and quad bikes disturbing sheep.
People who visit the Ravensdale area for recreation are asked not to bring dogs (even on a lead) onto the hills, to close gates, respect property and to minimise the impact of their activities on farmers’ livelihoods. This is a critical time of year as sheep are pregnant, and very vulnerable if chased or worried by dogs. The presence of a dog, even on a lead, can be distressing to sheep. Farmers are entitled to shoot any dog that worries their livestock.
The NPWS Ranger explained that most of this area is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to protect flora and fauna. New regulations were introduced during 2010 banning the use of off-road vehicles on the SAC due to the damage they cause. If caught, offenders can have their vehicle confiscated, and if convicted, they can be fined up €5,000 and given a jail sentence of up to six months.
The hillwalking and cycling clubs that attended the meeting, from counties Louth, Down, Monaghan, Meath and Armagh, supported the farmers’ request for dogs and motorised bikes not to be taken onto the hills at any time of the year. The meeting was chaired by Helen Lawless from Mountaineering Ireland, the national representative body for hillwalkers and climbers. David Sloan, Secretary of the Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs also attended.

12^th February 2011

This statement has been issued by Mountaineering Ireland on behalf of the farmers and the clubs that attended the meeting held in Ravensdale on 3^rd February 2011.

Our Hon.Secretary  is David Sloan.
David ,Secretary of  UFRC , has been involved in hill-walking since his time as a Scout Leader in 5th Dundalk - Buion Setanta . While on a cross-border Mountain Leader Stage 1 and 2  training initiative during Dec 1992 , organised by Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) in Shannaghmore Mountain Centre, David met enthusiastic members of  'Wee Binnian Walkers' while out practising skills.
The following January (1993), he joined the club, then in its infancy, with just one walk leader .As he was training as a walk leader, he was able to help out.  As the club expanded, David has been actively involved on the committee as Chairperson, and as Membership Secretary for a number of years. He also write the Newsletter and keeps the website up to date.

Since being elected to UFRC Committee four years ago David has helped in compilation of the UFRC Newsletter and  provided website information.  David has huge enthusiasm for, and experience in ,all aspects of walking, club development , training and administration. He should prove a very able Secretary . 

Secure car parking is available at Cnocnafeola Centre, Attical

Occasionally people walking in the Mournes have problems with parking. Car windows have been broken and items stolen, the occasional car has even been burnt out .
Safe and secure car parking is available at Cnocnafeola Centre for people who wish to stay overnight on the Mountains. The cost is  £3 per car per night . Before leaving they could ensure we know the car reg and other details etc. We will ensure the gate is closed. We will leave a form to fill in on return. We can offer showers etc and a cup of tea on return.
 Walkers can arrange with Cnocnafeola Centre to be left out to the hills (at a little extra cost).
Contact:
Web-site  
[info@mournehostel.com]
 

UFRC Update

Update on  Inquiries into access problems on the North Coast at Ballintoy

Moyle District Council had asked the Inspector to confirm a Public Path Creation Order for assured access between Ballintoy Harbour and Whitepark Bay.
Article 12 of the 1983 Access to the Countryside (NI) Order requires the Council to be satisfied of the need for a public path, the effect of such path on landowners and whether a path can be created by local agreement.
As this path has been used by walkers for many years, with no formal indication that its use was only by permission, the Inspector’s view was that a public right of way may already have been established by this use, creation of a new path thus being unnecessary.
The Order was therefore not confirmed.
The Inspector recommended that Moyle DC should consider gathering evidence of path use, with a view to formal assertion as a Public Right of Way. Thus the decision as to the way ahead now rests again with the Council.
The Federation awaits developments ,with interest.
Meanwhile, barriers remain in place, perhaps as a stark reminder of Northern Ireland’s complex legislation and walkers still have no legal right of access to this beautiful area.
Holywood Gates dispute-from Edwin Muir
I have received an update from North Down Borough Council. Will continue to press for action.

The Solicitor has now passed seven signed affidavits to Council’s appointed Barrister in this case. This is sufficient for her to move to draft proceedings, to be stamped by the Court (Chancery Division) and subsequently to be served on the landowner in question; this process is happening at present and should be completed within several weeks.  Five more affidavits are outstanding but these are not required to proceed.It is our intention, regardless of whether the landowner subsequently removes the fencing, to proceed to have this case heard in court, as he has shown that he is capable of going back on his word previously. If the court upholds Council’s assertion that this is indeed a Public Right of Way (PROW), and the landowner subsequently blocks the route again, further proceedings would then be drafted to bring him before the court for contempt.

Out of interest his legal advisors have been in touch with our solicitor only today and discussions are ongoing. I believe THEY may seek to resolve the matter without going to court. Regardless, my intention is to proceed with this one to have the PROW asserted in law .I will update you all further in due course.
The Mourne Rambling Group is the latest of our member clubs to initiate a web-site

Public Path Extinguishment Order
Public Right of Way at Dog Kennel Lane leading from Upper Damolly to Kenard Villas in Newry

Chairman, Alan McFarland attended this meeting on Thurs 10^th June and gave evidence for objectors on behalf of UFRC.  He had the opportunity to challenge evidence of some of those supporting the application.  The Inspector, Roy Hickey, posed searching questions and displayed authority in subject matter resulting in a thorough inquiry.  All parties had the opportunity to put points and evidence on an equal footing.
UFRC was concerned with the cavalier attitude of the parties which blocked this Public Right of Way and the manner in which the Council attempted to extinguish the path after the event.  A number of legal irregularities raised were poorly answered as council planning officials and contractors were not represented.
The developer who constructed playing fields over part of the path was represented by Paul Shevlin of Thompson McClure Solicitors, Belfast.  The developers have built a super new ‘academic village’ that the PROW cuts in two if not blocked by the school fencing, erected on school security and pupil safety grounds.

Some residents supported the extinguishing order on the basis of anti social elements that used the previously uncared for and discarded path.
However the challenge to the haphazard and ‘expedient’ manner behind the Extinguishment request , was vindicated when it emerged that other property owners in the area may lose vital access rights if PROW status is removed.  Likewise, property owners were reminded that police public order enforcement powers and legislation are based on persons being in a ‘public place’. 
 Without the PROW, congregation and disorder is a matter of the land owner.    It was also pointed out that new maintained paths in other urban areas have seen a decline in anti social behaviour and congregation of youths.  
Walkers and advocates of proper procedures and principles on PROW’s, are indebted to Newry and Mourne councillors, Cairan Mussen and Tony Williamson, who gave evidence opposing the decision on grounds of principal not dissimilar from those held by the UFRC.  UFRC member Cahal King, submitted results of a survey he undertook in the area and gave evidence of walkers using the path. 
Alan accompanied the Inspector to a final site meeting at the end of the inquiry hearing. 
To summarize, the rationale behind the school fencing is reasonable, but it can be argued that a fenced path could be reinstated where the two schools  are joined by pitches and it is probable that it would be used by residents from both Kenard Villas and Damolly for recreational use.
The Inspector cannot alter or amend the application, merely endorse or refuse it and his report will appear in due course.  If the Inspector refuses the application, it is likely that the school will look for an amendment to include the section taken over by the school. 
 In such eventuality, the Executive will have to decide whether to pursue pressure on the council to reinstate the path in full through the grounds or, run with what would be, in effect a closure as the size of the joint schools acreage does not offer a circular route.

One of our clubs, fairly recently, had the experience of an injury to one of its members after a slip.  Most of us have been in this situation at least once in a walking lifetime.  We have been provided with a number of salient points worth bringing to the attention of our members. 
You just never know when something like this might happen.

1.    The time from the emergency call to his hoist aboard the helicopter was about one and a half hours--conditions were good-- light wind, no rain and good visibility. Had they been bad this would have taken much longer and exposure could have been a problem.

2.    There were 8 phone-calls made during the rescue so a fully charged phone is essential.

3.    The fact that it was possible to give them a grid reference of  the location helped enormously. It's not always the case that you know exactly where you are.

4.    There was a good mobile signal in that location.

5.    In spite of the good weather conditions the casualty was beginning to feel cold--even with full walking gear and a survival bag wrapped round his shoulders.

All in all everything went well but even small changes to things could have made the situation much more serious.

To find out more about the programme can visit the USA site where the principles were developed by clicking logo.

UFRC BELIEVES STRONGLY IN TREATING OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH RESPECT,
ALL WALKERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE CODE FOR OUTDOOR BEHAVIOUR.

Leave no trace principles -see 'Principles of Outdoor Ethics'