56 A Walk in the Garden-Ballineddan Traditional Cache
Hidden : 2/1/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:


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"Nature" is what we see—
The Hill—the Afternoon—
Squirrel—Eclipse—the Bumble bee—
Nay—Nature is Heaven—
Nature is what we hear—
The Bobolink—the Sea—
Thunder—the Cricket—
Nay—Nature is Harmony—
Nature is what we know—
Yet have no art to say—
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.
Emily Dickinson




A good starting rise to get the heart pumping along a route toward Lugnaquilla in the Garden County. In my opinion, this route across Ballineddan and Slievemaan toward Leinster's highest mountain is probably the easiest, quickest and shortest way to reach its summit.
Please be clearly aware that the gate at the start of this route MUST be kept closed. I was there one time when it was left open and the local farmer was not at all pleased and rightly so as he is generous enough to allow people to access through his land to the upper mountains.
It is just 2K to this cache with a total (stiff) ascent of 350m and the star rating applies to this cache alone. Obviously the length of the hike is considerably more if you care to go on and pick off the neighbouring cache on Slievemaan (not a difficult walk from this cache) but the star rating would rise again if you want to take on Lugnaquilla, Lybagh and Aghavannagh Mountain also.
I am including a second illustration above which shows a route of 20K (including a significant section on roads) with a total ascent of 850m during which you could claim all 6 caches including Hezekiah's Lugnaquilla.
There are good mountain paths from the car park given to both Ballineddan and to Slievemaan. If you wish to carry on to Lybagh then you need to continue on the track at the summit of Slievemaan (not easy to discern as the motorised brigade have made porridge of the area around the summit) in the direction of Lugnaquilla which should loom pretty obviously in most conditions. Very shortly you will reach a split (N52 57.575 W006 28.900) in the track where the main one goes on down to a boggy saddle and then up to Lug but another goes off to the right in the direction of Lybagh. The path becomes less distinct at times but it does reach Lybagh. To continue further as far as Aghavanagh Mountain the terrain gets considerably rougher (peat hags) for a short time and it is difficult to follow tracks but they are there ok.
From Mountain Views:
Ballineddan Mountain Mountain Wicklow County Sliabh Bhuaile an Fheadáin A name in Irish (Language) (Ir. Sliabh Bhuaile an Fheadáin [OSI], 'mountain of Ballineddan') Height: 652 metres OS 1/50k Mapsheet: 56 for top Grid Ref: T00258 90788 Amend Latitude: 52.958824 Longitude: -6.508858 ITM: 700185 690823 Prominence: 27m Isolation: 1.5km Rating graphic. Ballineddan Mountain is a townland. The name is derived from Buaile an Fheadáin meaning 'milking place of the stream'. Ballineddan Mountain is the 189th highest summit in Ireland.
Do not start the trek without all the proper mountain rain gear, waterproof boots and the guidance material, compass, map, GPSr with mapping etc.

Please note that all parts of this cache are hiked at your own risk. The cache owner takes no responsibility of any sort for any reason including accidents or mishaps.


Please be aware that cars parked in areas close to walking trails are vulnerable and they can be vandalised or stolen. Unfortunately this is an ongoing problem which is extremely difficult to solve, so there is a risk involved. I have heard recently that many hiker groups are parking at the nearest population centres and getting taxis to and from the start points at very little expense.

Please observe the country code to the best of your ability. Local landowners often generously allow access to upland areas across or through parts of their private property. Please, please be conscious of this and return the courtesy by keeping all gates closed, immediately and not on your way back!. Please use the gates where appropriate but if you have to climb over them then use the hinged side ONLY.
Please do not cause any damage of any sort to fences or barriers along the way.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Arne fznyy fgnaqvat fgbar

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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