Do any of you guys use crampons and ice axes? Are they a safety necessity or a luxury???
Definitely a necessity for safety and covering terrain when the conditions or environment calls for thier use. I've never used them in the Mournes if that's what you mean? I remember reading a few days ago that a forum member bumped into people using crampons up Donard.
The main idea is to get up either Donard or Binnian on 2nd April for a summit camp. Fingers crossed there is plenty of snow still up there by then. Wound rather have and not need than have to turn back.
Crampons are only really needed for hard ice. Certainly the glen river trail and the steps up to Donard saddle can have sheet ice on them when it's cold, but I just went straight up the side of the mountain in the snow.... I could see the heather poking through, so it wasn't a high avalanche risk.
An ice axe can be more useful as you can steady yourself, arrest a fall/slide (important!), and also cut steps with the adze if you do meet icier ground.
Crampons also take a bit of practice to use effectively. It's easy to tear your trousers or stab your leg.
There's usually a clear enough route in the Mournes, or the snow is such that you can kick steps with your boots. I certainly imagine there will be a good thaw during the week, leaving a few white summits and wall drifts. If you do feel like a bit of extra protection, a simple walking axe is the cheapest and easiest solution. eg DMM circque.
I've met a few people using crampons in the mournes but they've only been testing them out. I've used the ice axe a few times, mainly as a walking pole to steady myself coming down, or simply to tie the dog up so she doesn't eat my sandwiches ;D
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/P1280250Small_zps017a66a0.jpg)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/P1250677Small_zpsbfc0edea.jpg)
needed the ice axe for this gully at the glen river, used it as a walking pole rather than an axe, snow was soft so crampons not needed
Love the dog lead idea. Did he take the last photo? :P
Looks like you'd need tennis racquet shoes in that snow.
Great advice and as always very much appreciated! I think I will go for the DMM Cirque! At least I will have it if I need it! Love the photos Liam! Great idea for keeping the dog away from lunch! ;D
Phil