Mount Bannian April 1st. 2013

Silent Valley

I set off yesterday morning (April 1st 2013) to meet Tim just beyond Swords, a few miles north of Dublin. We were heading for the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down. More specifically we were going to climb Mount Bannian approaching it from Silent Valley. Tim has climbed all the peaks in the Mourne mountains including Donard. 

We had both been checking the weather forecast all week and I had a last look just before setting off. We were, according to the forecast, going to have full sunshine from early morning right through into the evening.  

When we met at around 8:30am we were greeted by a bitter cold breeze. We were still hoping the weather would pick up as we drove towards the North. We arrived in the Silent Valley car park around 10:30. It was very cold with dense grey clouds occluding the sun. We set off along the pathway through the Silent Valley as far as  the Dam on the Ben Crum Reservoir. The pathway was covered with snow which would not have been any concern to us. We were however bothered by the ice under the snow at this low altitude. We took a short break to take a few photos and grab something to eat  before taking to the mountain. 

The mountains at the far end of the reservoir were completely covered with snow and there was definitely a white haze across the whole area suggesting some snow showers in the distance. As we set off it was clear that nobody else had ventured along this mountain as there were no footprints to be seen. Neither was it possible to make out where the path was. Going was very difficult as the snow was getting harder and clearly frozen solid just below the surface. 

So That's what Crampons look like
Now if you know me you also know that my hearing has not been great since our adventure a few months ago. Tim was talking away and the wind was getting stronger so you can imaging how surprised I was when Tim mentioned the challenge would be more manageable if we were wearing 'Crampons' With my hearing defect I did not hear Crampons but a similar word and one not normally associated with our gender. I was not sure what he was on about and thought the altitude was getting to him. Neither was I concerned until he mentioned he had a couple of mini crampons on him. He suggested I perch myself on a rock protruding from the dense snow so he could fit me with a crampon. I broke out in a sweat and I was unsure which way I was supposed to be perched. Then he showed me what he was talking about and my heart rate began to slow down again. Now I know what crampons look like.

Within minutes Tim decided we should turn back. We could not find any path and the surface was becoming more dangerous and steep. Tim's main concern was that should be reach the summit the descent would be very difficult and dangerous due to the frozen surface. I did not argue with him. I had mixed emotions, disappointed we would not reach the summit but relieved that we were not attempting the climb without the essential crampons and pick.

Tim stepped backwards using the imprint we left behind. I went down on my backside, the easiest way for me. Once we got back to the dam we had a very enjoyable walk back to the cafe in the park. Hot Soup and toasted sandwiches were just what we needed.

The magnificent Mournes We drove towards Newcastle and back round the Mournes to have a look at Donard and other peaks. You can see some of my photos on Flickr: Photos, Mournes and surrounding area.