Carrauntoohil -- For the First Time in 2016

For our latest excursion we decided to go up the 'Big One' and we had the great luck to pick a near perfect March day. Eight of us struck off at 9.30 am from the Lisbiebane Car Park. One great advantage starting from here is compared to starting from Cronins Yard is that you get a chance to loosen out the legs as there is a short steep early climb coming up from Cronins Yard where this way is mostly level.

On we continued in the main trail until we cut straight across at the mouth of Lough Gouragh. Our chose route was to go up the Heavenly Gates Route as the other probable route on this side of the river was the O'Sheas Gully  and our leader Denis O'Mahony reckoned there was snow up that side of the ridge and also it was quite windy at this point of our journey.

The Heavenly Gates Route is probably our favourite route up as it's a bit easier than the others and certainly at this time of the year more sheltered. The last leg from O'Sheas Gully to the top might be hard for some and it's more exposed. On we went with a bit of scrambling along the way as there is on all the routes.

Today we had two members who were on their first ascent to the Summit. Bernie Collins & Pearse O'Dwyer were the two who were on their first Carrantoohill excursion, the most amazing thing is that Pearse is not only a Kerryman but also a Killarney native and he had to get a few Cork renegades to show him the way, but he was in good company with Denis looking after us.

We are not the quickest group that you will ever meet but we get there and as preceded along up the ridge the day was clearing as we went along with the usual bantering & giving out other people sticks but sure you will have that. 

There is one thing coming this way by the time you get to the plateau you think you are nearly there and then some. To your right the last leg to the top appears and this one can really rip your insides out. Finally the cross appears and one thing sure on this day I was really hungry and by good fortune there was a seat available at the dinner table. One downside of this day was the fact it was quite cold at the top. Grub eaten & the group photo taken plus 2 singular photos for our first timers to cherish. No matter how many times you do it, it is always a thrill & achievement to get to the top especially for the first time. 

Downwards we go.

When we got to the plateau, the weather at this point was really nice and the views were spectacular. The decision for our descent was to go down The Devils Ladder. The first part of this is quite steep and for me it is down on the backside time to slide down a bit at the time. Going down the Ladder means two things, yes it is quicker but it also means a lot of scrambling from rock to rock. At this stage of our journey the day was really bright and we got some lovely photos. No matter how often you come here this place can always stun you with beauty.

One thing bad about the Carrantoohill trail is that when you get down off the mountain you still have nearly an hour back to the car but thankfully we all got back safe & sound which is the most important thing. Like the last day up Galtymore when we had Ger Morrissey, today we had Denis to guide us safely. From us all to both we really do appreciate what both of you do for us. Thanks!

Finally the most important part of the day. The aftermath synopsis, the pit stop to refuel and not to be forgotten slagging match where stories of the day are told & excuses are made and kept for.

Galtymore From Kings Yard

SEMRA preparing for training

We decided to climb Galtymore from the south this time for change as we usually do it from the north side. We parked our cars at King's Yard, where a group of mountain rescuers from SEMRA was preparing for training. Ok, we are safe today even if we get lost in the deep snow! ;) To get to Kings Yard from Mitchelstown continue to Kilbeheny and through the village, then turn left.

Galtymore

There's a stone road from King's Yard which becomes very boggy after the sheep pen and ends later at some point. To avoid that boggy part, the best idea is to turn right at the sheep pen and follow the fence until you see a stile, then cross it turning left and continue to the top of Knocknagalty and further to the ridge having a gorgeous view of the valley and western Galtees on your left. It's a very straightforward climb, you can't go wrong. Just go straight up until you reach the main ridge and then turn right to the summit of Galtymore.

Nearly there...

The conditions underfoot today were tough with knee deep snow in places and hidden holes full of snow close to the ridge. After turning right to the summit the path was well traveled and quite easy to follow but slippy in places. Real winter conditions, cold and dry with wind chill making you feel like in different world. White and bright tops contrasting with green lands below and some dark clouds above making the scenery very dramatic and absolutely beautiful.

The group photo by the summit cross

Five of us reached the summit today. We met walkers from Cork Mountaineering Club doing the full circuit from the north taking Slievecushnabinnia, Galtymore, Galtybeg and Cush. Fair play to them doing that today in that tough conditions! After lunch we headed back the same way. Going down was a bit slippy, so each one of us landed on the bottom a few times followed by great laugh of the others. Going back home we stopped at Firgroove Hotel for some tea and hot soup.

Really enjoyable day with some winter fun, we can't wait to do more!

Our Trip To Caherbanagh

Today on our third trip of 2016 we went to Caherbanagh. We did it earlier as our last trip of the year 2015 in very bad weather conditions. This time we were more lucky - no rain and the top covered with soft fresh snow.

Caherbanagh is a mountain which lies between The Paps and Clara, or otherwise down in the flatlands between Rathmore and Millstreet above Ballydaly. Caherbanagh also lies very close to the Kerry county bounds.

Today we had 10 in the group with the usual of Anna, Padraig, Jer, Sheilanne, Bernie, Denis who brought his daughter with him, Celina plus a few new and welcome recruits in Geraldine, Nuala and Margaret.

We set out to do the complete Loop of Glanaprehane and Caherbanagh at about 10 am. Off we set and the first part was to climb to our right which today was tough - wet and slippy, until we reached snow-covered part nearer the top and then the higher we went the deeper the snow got but certainly not enough to stop us in our tracks. We got to the top of the Plateau and the next pat was level enough all the way around the loop.

Group photo at the top of Caherbarnagh

Coronation Of The President Of Kanturk Hillwalkers & Mountain Climbers ;)

After a short break for a few photos at the top off we strolled again to our eating point which was a well sheltered spot. After the grub we descended away down and as we did so the skies were starting to clear on all sides of us. By this time the top was clear and in front of us the valley and as always spectacular view of Duhallow and Kerry to our West

.

We descended safely but had to watch our steps as it was slippy, finally back to the cars to refresh and decided to call to The Wallis Arms in Millstreet for a little something and a chat. 

https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.0682846,-9.1812105,945a,20y,180h,81.87t/data=!3m1!1e3

Mushera again

Back to Mushera again this week. Last week I went on my own to check it out and got some good views on all sides, this time unfortunately there was no views at all to be had. The morning remained dry but overcast and Mucky and quite windy when we got to the first peak to the west where normally you can see to West Cork and the Kerry range, nothing today. Underfoot it was fine in most places for January, in some places the paths were a bit soggy so all you had to do was to walk on the grassy verges and away you go.

Today we had 12 varying from Girls & Boys from the young to the not so young and while we may not have got the weather or views we still had a great day out in that the Craic was good thrown in with a bit of banter.

Mushera -- Checking it out after all the rain

After lunch today I needed to get out and take in a whole lot of fresh air. Next thing was where would I go. Had done Clara in Millstreet and Mout Hillary near Banteer and needed more than The Island Wood. Mushera came in to my head. Next thing was, how wet was this route. Only one thing for it ! Had to check it out.

To get to the Mushera(more) to be precise , you park your Car at the gate of Millstreet Country Park, cross the road and your on your way

There is a few ways of doing Musheramore

1. The Route which takes you basically up and down to the Cross
2. The Half Loop -- This once you cross the stile you head across country for the peak furthest to the right, one thing about this there is no defined path but just head straight for the peak furthest to the right. The first few hundred yards can be a bit mucky but after that today I found it okay. for January !!
3. The Full Loop --Today I decided after checking my watch and the fact the weather was good I said I would do the Full Loop.

Today once I got to the peak I found it quite windy, the view was as good as ever. To the South you can see all the way into the Deep South and if you are lucky you can see Inniscarra dam. To the West you get to see a lot of the Kerry Ranges including along the way Clara, Caherbanagh and The Paps. Facing the other way the view stretches to Rochchapel and to your right Galtymore. Ya it is good !!

On my way again I head back over my shoulder and head for the real peak passing by the Old St. Johns Well and then up to the peak. Today I got a surprise in that the pathways were a bit wet but not too bad and all you had to do was to walk on the grassy verges and on with you to the top.

Here you have a choice you can turn left and go straight back down to the start point, which is the same way if you just wanted to go straight up and down or continue on to do the Full Loop.

What this means I keep going straight on heading on in the Lyre direction and connecting up with The Duhallow Way. Again going across the top I found it reasonably okay to travel, taking everything into account. I connected with The Duhallow Way posts at the furthest east part of the Loop and headed for the car again. This part of the journey was where the Winter really told its story in that the pathway was wet and mucky all the way back. The water coming off the Mountain was like a continuous stream all the way, only a small stream but annoying, but just get on with it and back to the car and the finish of my Trek. 

Summary -- good most of the way considering it is still January but the end of the route is very wet and mucky, nothing to stop one but you are waling in puddles a lot.

Padraig

First Trip Of the Year | Mangerton

We took off on our first trip of the year to Mangerton near Killarney.To get there you go out the Muckross Rd. and turn left after Molly Darcys pub, so it is not too far away.

Torc seen from Mangrton path

The first thing we noticed yesterday when we arrived at the starting point was the amount of cars that were there, I have often been here both in Winter and Summer but never had to conquer a parking problem like the one on Sunday. Working off the Christmas and New Years Resolutions, I suppose they had a big bearing on the parking issues.

We had 9 in total that is including a few young boys so we had a nice handy crew for our first day out in the year and hopefully we will have more the next day out.

Going up to the Punch Bowl

The reason why we chose Mangerton was there is a defined stony path nearly all the way to the top and once you get over the first few hundred yards you are nearly over all the really mucky parts and that is one major advantage Mangerton had over most other places. After the low down section there is a stone path all the way up to a lake called the Devil's Punch Bowl.

Yesterday the higher you went the deeper the snow was getting and especially after the Punch Bowl to the summit in places if you strayed off the snow path you could find yourself knee deep in snow, it was just take your time and get there safely.

Mangerton Summit above the Devil's Punch Bowl

Near the top

Most of the way up the views once the sky is clear are as spectacular as ever and it leaves you with no option but turn around and take the scenery in, this all helped for an enjoyable day out to clear the head and get some fresh air in the lungs as well as get rid of some of the Christmas excesses.. It is no wonder people from all over the world come to visit. The only thing the view on the plateau at the top was fairly blurred and it was quite blustery so we did not hang around as there was a mist coming and our intention was to get back down to the Punch Bowl quickly. 

The Boys at the top

One of our group Anna did the complete loop of the lake where of the 5 that got to the top went back down the same way as it could be a bit icy and slippy on the descent doing the complete loop of the lake. But yes we had one brave soul.

The day that was in it we did not hang around having chats, so we headed for the cars and back down. Not much more to say on Mangerton that I have not said before. A good challenge, as probably safe as you can get taking in the height, not that mucky and one thing I always find great about this place is that there is always loads of people around if for any misfortune of something going wrong especially like us with a few young hikers.

2015 - The Highlights Of The Year

From Mangerton to Caherbanagh | First to Last | Hungry Hill To Galtymore | South To North | Carrauntoohil To Clara | High To Low

We have been there and took those pictures

I have to start off about a trip to Mangerton during the Holiday period at the Start Of January, this was done during a very frosty spell but it was fantastic and certainly the start of a good year. The view that day overlooking The Lakes and back towards 'The Big One ' was special and once you had a pair of gloves and a good 'wooly' cap, things were grand.The crowd on the mountain that day proved that people really like to ramble.

The next stop was very close to home, the day 3 of us went and did 'The Mushera Loop ' with a deep layer of snow but in some ways that makes things easier as you are walking on top of the snow and that is better than having a muddy underfoot. This day was mostly done with 'Blue Skies' but with a bit of a cold blow, but just put on the gear and get on with it. It also proves you do not have to go that far to find this scenic spot with a view to Galtymore on one side to the Kerry Range on the other side and overlooking Inniscarra dam to the South. A good trip.

This trip I did on my own, the day I went to Galtymore doing it from the Southside starting at Kings Yard, to get here you just take a left after Kilbehenney and follow the signs but you will get a good welcome when you arrive at the Starting point with good facilities available for before and after. The day I was there was sunny and to me the most notable thing was the calmness and quietness and yet you were looking down on one of the busiest roads in the country in the main Dublin To Cork road. Apart from the fantastic view the stand out was when I was near the top that I was level with a group of hang gliders. From the top the view is wide taking in Cork, Tipp, Limerick, Waterford, Clare, Kilkenny and Kerry. Fab 111.

The next stop was Carrantoohill for the First of Four times in 2015. I can not say a lot about this trip only that it is always an achievement for me to get to the top, I am not the quickest but do get there but then I have good travelling companions who go by the motto that the group only goes as fast as the last person. Well done to Anna, who was 7 months pregnant that day. This day was cloudy, damp, foggy and no good photos.  You will have that, onwards and upwards, take the good with the bad. 

The next highlight for me from 2015 was the day Mary Boyce from St. Colmans Boys National School asked me to help out and take a few up Clara in Millstreet. A grand handy one and close by. The Default button was to to Take The Taspie out of them, but but sure what are they but but a bunch of lads. Twas a good day we had and as far as I know all enjoyed. Most got to the top easy enough and some came went around the back to link up with The Duhallow Trail and back down again. It is important on these days to hand out tips to the younger brigade, most of these I have learned from personal experience and falls.

Torc | Winter

Torc | Summer

The next highlight to me was Torc on a good summers day. Heaven!!! . Torc is a relatively short route and as well as that easy and safe as for most of the climb you have Sleepers to mark your way which makes things easy. A grand short one with absolute ' Stunning Views' on a good day overlooking 'The Lakes' . A picture tells a Thousand stories.So I will show you 2 pictures of the same place, one in Summer and one in Winter.

All I can say is that they are both from the same place that is just back the road, sometimes so close yo do not appreciate it.

For me the next most notable was taking two 13 year olds to Carrantoohil for their first time. A bright clear day out with one stand out moment when at lunch time in the stone fort a Kerryman lead a sing song with a blast of 'The Banks'. A Kerryman singing The Banks at the top of Carrantoohill on a good clear day with a bunch up for the first time including my own young fella. How could you get much better than that. Then we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to Anna. She couldn't wait any longer than 5 weeks after having a baby and she had to spend her birthday on the top of Carrauntohil.

The next place I have to mention is Mount Brandon. On a few different days with a few different tales. The first was a day I was in Dingle on holidays, and off I went and up on a damp, foggy day out and a brings to light the dangers of the places we go. At the top a few young ones running around not knowing that there was a good 300ft drop within yards of them. Told them, picked up my bag and left. That is why when we take our younger members, we always tell them to respect the mountains and its dangers, Went again another day while on holidays, this day a most stunning of days. The first time I saw the top of Brandon clear and guess what, lost most of the photos due to a computer malfunction. Got some but lost most so back we had to go again

This time we were hopeful most of the way but so near yet so far as things were clear and good for most of the way but the minute we got to the top of the gully to head for the last step to the top the fog came down on us . But we still had a good laugh and a good day out by all.

Back to Galtymore remembered by a Crowley on his threadmill and his backside with a picture of the three amigos with their legs over a small stone wall which is the Tipperary & Limerick county bounds

Going back to highlights, our first trip to West Cork was another one, all the way to Hungry Hill. This trip even though it was long, most certainly worth it, looking out at Bantry Bay and Mizen and back towards Kenmare on the other side. This place will have to be revisited.

It is that time of the year again when we start lining up everybody to do the Charity Climb. It has been decided to back to Brandon.This is a tale of 2 very different Sundays. The first one It Rained And It Rained and that is all it did. We went as far as we could. We did try to get as far as the lakes at the bottom of the climb but even that was beyond us and for safety we turned back. At that stage I think I had a bucket of water in my boots.It was the day God threw a bucket of water on us. Back home we go to come back again next Sunday.

Oh What a difference. The minute we turned towards Cloghane you could see the tops of the peaks and this day did not disappoint. The only thing you felt sorry for were the few that got soaked the week before. There was seasoned climbers in our midst who never knew where the cross was from down in the Valley or ever had seen the Top clear. On this day we got it all and in the process we raised €6500 to be divided amongst Marymount Hospice and Kanturk Hospital.

 

Well Done To All on the Climb and on to The Alley for a few well earned pints and a bit of grub and a bit of banter.

Our next stop was back to Carrantoohill on the day Ireland were playing Argentina, that explains why the place was so quite for such a calm, clear day and virtually no one here. I have seen more people here on a wet windy day and after all of that Ireland were being beaten thrown into the bargain. The one funny thing after coming up The Devils Ladder, we looked over our shoulders and a Cloud had followed us up and as we headed for the top, here was John Cronin from Cronins Yard running down against us mocking the Cork boys as he ran.

One great thing that was happening especially after the Charity Climb was that more people were coming on our trips and this was highlighted on the day we went to The Paps. We had a total of 11, we were getting closer to having our club in place. This day started out very foggy which continued for most of the way up but as we got to the top, first of all we found ourselves over the clouds and that the view to the North was clear and as anyone knows this is always great, the only trouble was as we headed for home we had to go back through the cloud again but I think no one minded as all you could think of was that beautiful time while at the summit. 

The end is nigh and winter is coming. The forecast was for some showers but down it came but at least the trip was short and we were close to home. We had visited Caherbanagh, a place not always open as people had in the past abused the privilege and brought dogs against the wishes of the landowners who have sheep. One rule always respect the landowners wishes. This route even though close to home I was never here but at least now with the use of hike trackers it shall be revisited.

That seems to be the end, well at least of highlights anyway as we may go out but not to anywhere really special. We have more planned for next year and we are getting closer to forming a Club. We have all the maps, most of us have some experience under our belts and we also some other well experienced that often give us a hand out which is always gratefully appreciated. Thanks to those who help us out.It is a case of onwards and certainly upwards for 2016 and making more new and good friends along the way as well as having a fun day out.Remember our motto says that Hillwalking is all about Exercise, Fresh Air and Scenery and you can take those words in any order you want.

Padraig