Carrauntoohil For The First Time in 2016 Part 2 (& Clara)

Two groups went out this time.

The first was a small group of those who couldn't go up Carrauntoohil last Sunday. Together with Denis O'Mahony our favorite  Mountain Leader, we climbed it today. For two of the group, Roseann and Stephanie this was the first ascent of  'The Big One' and they did very well.

We decided to follow the same route as the group of us who did it last week. Starting from Lisleibane we climbed up The Heavenly Gates hoping for the clouds to lift up, but we had no luck this time. 

The Boots at The Heavenly Gates

The cross was occupied by the group of Scouts from Dublin who were doing The Four Peaks 2016 Challenge and as a result of that we had to wait for our turn to take our group photo. But the cafe was ours, because we were faster than them and there was too many of them to fit inside (LOL). 

The Heffernan Gang: Roseann, Stephanie & Anna (almost Heffernan) at the top

No views from the top this time so the 2 girls will have to come back some day to see it.

Denis minding us on the Devil's Ladder

As we were descending the Scouts were behind us singing mad and having a great time. We were very happy that they decided to go down The Zig Zags, because they could move a lot of stone going down The Devil's Ladder(!) Big groups should avoid this route especially going down.

We descended carefully with no rush.

When we were down, we looked up and of course now the top was clear. We admired the north-eastern side of the Big One for a while, planning to do Hags Tooth and Howling Ridge(!) some day (only the hard core part of the club :) ) 

We walked back to the car and went back home stopping in Rathmore for a drink and a chat. We had a lovely day out and just can't wait to go back there as we love the place so much...

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The second group went up Clara, a small but lovely hill with gorgeous views of our beloved Duhallow.

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.