The first third of the boulder is now on the mountain! More will be chipped shortly for you to join in the effort.

On Saturday 25 November four volunteers gathered at the boulder and filled their bags with rock. They carried on at pace to meet those waiting at Bohernabreena for the first Rock to the Top night walk. We spotted some impressive wild mushrooms growing in the park; and some dumped fitness equipment. The trees were silhouetted in the eerie light of sunset on the mountains as we passed through Kiltipper Park. The vegetation had died away so the river was visible for the first time since the walks began. Fionn’s seat, Seefinn Mountain, was sprinkled with snow in the distance.

Our Dublin Mountain Rangers with the rest of the walkers joined us at the Bohernabreena carpark. People met each other for the first time and started talking about adventures. They collected the remains of the rocks which had been carried on October’s walk. We spotted a wild stag and doe in a field. The night was clearing and the partial moon was emerging among the tall trees as a night fell on the lake. The walkers took up their loads, lit their torches and headed for the top.

It felt mild in the shelter of the valley. As we climbed and the city lights came into view in the distance, the cold wind asserted itself. Un-forecasted sleet came at us horizontally for a short time. The outlines of white horses were spotted sheltering in the heather.

We added our rocks to the cairn as the paths iced up. Back in the shelter of trees nearby, the walkers warmed themselves by a small fire. They toasted marshmallows, and passed around hot drinks. On the return the stars came out. We carpooled back to the city, invigorated and ready for dinner.

On Saturday 16 December there will be a daytime Stop Shopping and Head for the Hills Hike.

Check www.incontext4.ie for details of walks, or email rocktothetopdublinmountains@gmail.com to register your interest and receive updates.

Rock to the Top is commissioned under IN CONTEXT 4 - IN OUR TIME, South Dublin County Council’s Public Art Programme for 2016-2019 under the Per Cent for Art Scheme.

Thanks to RUA RED, Dublin Mountain Partnership Rangers, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Bohernabreena Waterworks (DCC) and Glenasmole Community for their support.