An Cosantóir

5 NOTICEBOARD NOTICEBOARD UNIFORM SERVICES Medal Mounting Service: Competitive prices, contact Murty Quinn 087 939 4680 Lanyards made to measure: Competitive prices, contact Brian 087 297 1982 The Army Ranger Wing SOFQ article recently published on the members area of military.ie (available here-https://www. military.ie/!D6YXIN) explains some of the qualifying tests required during Ranger Selection. We at An Cosantóir decided that this might be a perfect opportunity for you to go and find out for yourself what this test might be like. A very challenging and rewarding day is guaranteed, whether completed with the 45lbs/20kg (plus water and rations) for our younger and fitter readers or as a tough hillwalk for us outside of the ARW selection demographic (Don't forget your compass, map (sheet 56), first aid kit, whistle, torch, fully charged mobile phone, sturdy walking boots and your usual warm and waterproof gear). The route begins (and ends) at Tonlagee Car Park, located on the road between Sally Gap and Laragh, just at Glenmacness Waterfall. There is no gentle beginning and this challenging walk, with nearly 1000m of ascent, begins straight out of the carpark.From the carpark we head directly to the col between Kanturk/Brown Mountain and Scarr, then follow the spur due south to ascend Scarr (641m), you'll need to stop here to catch your breath and on a clear day you can see north as far as the Sugar Loaf and views over Vartry Resevoir. From Scarr you continue due south, heading downhill toward Paddock Hill and on to join the Wicklow Way, highlighted by the yellow markers. The Wicklow way takes you across the Military Road (R115) just outside of Laragh and to the lowest part of the route (170m), a very scenic pedestrian bridge over the Glenmacnass River (which later joins the Avonmore, Avonbeg and Avoca rivers before entering the Sea at Arklow). We depart the Wicklow Way, taking a right at the second cross roads (be aware that different versions of sheet 56 show different track patterns) after the bridge to enter back onto Brockagh Mountain through a marked gate, following the spur North to .470 and onward to Brockagh Mountain, taking in the views of the Spink and the Glendalough Lakes to the south. It is only at Brockagh Mountain (.557) that you really encounter the first intimidating view of that steep ascent to Tonlagee. Continue North West following the high ground, here the terrain is tough going and potentially very difficult in fog (Take a bearing to be sure). Taking off a few layers at the base of Tonlagee is advisable as you begin the ascent to 817m. The thoughts of doing this on tired legs really hits home and I can see why this single test results in 40% of SOFQ failures during Module 1. On arrival at the peak you will find a Triangulation Point. This concludes the «Test» section of the walk. From here you can see the entire span of the Wicklow mountains from Lugnaquilla (925m) out to the sea. But for a special view, and some shelter, take a walk over to view Lough Ouler, a famously heart shaped lake. Our top tip here is to take a bearing from the Triangulation point at Tonlagee, it is very easy to head off in the wrong direction, even in fine weather, and find yourself accidently heading towards Stoney Top (.714) to the north and a significant further walk back to the Car Park! Take a minute as you look over Lough Ouler to look east to see your start point at the Car Park and also the first section of your route, up Scarr Mountain. The route home is completed by following the spurs on either side of Lough Ouler and joining the Lough Brook river, where a trail will lead you down to the Car Park. The total route was 23km and was completed in a moving time of 5hrs and 32 minutes. The «Test» section took us 4hrs and 19 minutes. Why don't you challenge a good friend and give it a try together this summer? If you do complete the walk then please tag An Cosantóir on your social media to let us know how you got on. Finally, best of luck to all who are considering SOFQ in 2021. For higher resolution map please click the link: www.military.ie/!D6YXIN Foreman-Aftman ARW SOFQ Test

• Cover