Climbers capture incredible scenes from the Comeragh Mountains in Waterford

Members of Comeragh Mountaineering Club took advantage of the snow on the Comeragh Mountains this week whilst traversing over Coumshingaun Lake.

The club’s walks on Sunday last were cancelled due to an orange weather warning and advice from SEMRA (South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association). A number of members were, however, able to tackle the climb on Tuesday, taking advantage of sunny, clear conditions and smooth roads.

Six club members took on the challenge to capture the incredible views and to refresh their winter mountaineering skills.

The group consisted of very experienced climbers, with snow and ice plus winter mountaineering experience from Wales, Scotland and the Alps.

One member who made the trek was John Foley, who said that significant planning and care went into the enjoyable walk.

“We were dressed for cold conditions, and carried ice axes and crampons for the frozen snow conditions. We would have a careful look at the weather before going, and we were lucky because the roads were completely clear. We were lucky in that many of our mountaineering friends in other areas cannot get near their mountains.” 

The group did the Coumshingaun horseshoe loop route, starting at Kilclooney Woods.

Speaking on the conditions, John said: “The snow was very hard and frozen, which would be quite different to other years. I haven’t seen it that hard in quite a long time, the snow had frozen like concrete. 

"But wearing crampons that’s no problem, you can actually walk very quickly on it.”

All photos are courtesy of John Foley and Comeragh Mountaineering Club.