High Hopes Hiking

The Vanoise Alps lay close to the Italian/Swiss border of France
They provide fantastic hiking opportunities and are well serviced by many refuges
They soar up to over 3000m with glaciated peaks, which are retreating alarmingly over recent years
I spent 6 nights exploring the Vanoise glacier route, following along the GR55/GR5 reaching 2930m on Col di Masse the highest point of the trip.
Can highly recommend this adventure for short or multi day hikes. There are well laid paths and signage as long as you stay on the route
The refuges are basic but cater well for the weary hiker after long days exploring

Col de Masse 2930m Vanois Alps

It’s been a busy week at High Hopes Hiking
We welcomed a variety of groups from throughout Ireland and Uk on 4 different occasions
You might be tempted to say “don’t you get bored”
The simple answer is no
We love what we do and sharing this is our reward
Beats sitting in the office any day
Today we share some photos of our most recent outing
They speak for themselves ❤️

A very moody Benbulben greeted us early this morning with rain and fresh wind gusting already as we met at Luke’s Bridge
It was a day of many contrasts
On reaching the summit ridge the cloud descended obscuring the views and requiring careful navigation under extremely poor visibility
However we persevered and were finally treated to 360 views as the cloud lifted
It was great to welcome back returning clients and also those who experienced the uniqueness of Benbulben for the first time
I think we all agreed that in spite of the dubious weather earlier it in no way spoiled the enjoyment
Thanks to all who joined us today ❤️

Back up the mighty Benbulben again today, second time this week
Had the pleasure of guiding Tom and Louise from Oxford and enabling them to fulfill a long standing goal
A beautiful morning of warm air and endless views
As we returned back along the ridge to begin our descent we saw at first hand the importance of good navigation as the mountain became enveloped in thick mist and rain. All occurred within 30 minutes
It’s essential at all times to be prepared for the unexpected regardless of weather forecasts. Today was a perfect example of this
Have a look at the photos of the day see how suddenly the brilliant visibility turned to a almost zero all within approximately half an hour
We did enjoy the hike ❤️

Stunning hike today in south west Donegal❤️
Starting in the Gaeltacht village of Glencolumbkille we followed the trail to A Port. This trail is officially part of the infamous Appalachian trail which was included in 2013 as part of the International section
After lunch in the remote fishing village of An Port we completed our loop back to our start via Sli Cholmkille
This has to be among the most beautiful coastal walks in Ireland
Today we covered approximately 17k but with the scenery and fantastic company it was a perfect day ❤️

Yesterday on a day when a large percentage of the population of Mayo headed east for a very special occasion 💚❤️💚❤️ and others climbed the Reek, myself and few close friends headed for Mweelrea
Our chosen route was via the classic Ben Lugamore ridge
After a steep ascent heavy rain commenced combined with strong to gale force winds which remained for the rest of the hike
We completed the traverse under very difficult conditions and made our way down the ramp to Doolough, a very wet sodden but yet undefeated team 💪
Nevertheless our sense of achievement was multiplied on hearing the exciting new of Mayo winning the all Ireland final after the long years of waiting 🏆
Congratulations 💚❤️💚❤️

Yesterday we ventured into the Derryveaghs for a journey of discovery in remote wilderness environment only meeting one solo hiker throughout the entire day
The route we took started up the beautiful Poisoned Glen which after the recent dry spell was completely dry underfoot. At the top of the Glen we took the more direct route ascending a steep Gully which viewed from a distance looked impassable.
It consists of a mixture of boulders and heathery which required a hands on
On reaching the top we continue across the top of Knockafferin mountain clambering over large granite slabs with a number of lakes dotted here and there
Arriving at Lough Slieve Snaght we climbed to the summit cairn where we enjoyed views over the entire Derryveaghs and the Bluestacks range in the distance
Super view of the 7 Sisters range from Muckish all the way to Errigal
The hike was completed in just under 7 hours
No sightings of the Golden Eagle or the famous red deer which roam the area around the Glenveagh National Park
Well done to all on a massive achievement 👏👏👏👏👏👏