A Good Route on the Galtee Mountains

 Sunday July 13th;

 After a week of stellar weather where a fresh breeze was coupled with temperatures in the high twenties I decided to head on Sunday morning to the Galtee Mountains. I was confident that these normally wet and boggy mountains would offer a much drier experience today. Yesterday temperatures had hit the low thirties (a rarity in Ireland), but it promised to be about five degrees cooler today before low pressure and the usual mix of cool Atlantic air and showers too over and we could once again complain about the rain rather than the heat.

Towards the Knockmealdowns from Monabrack

I arrived at Kings Yard before 8am and I was on the move by eight. It certainly was cooler than yesterday and, with a nice breeze on offer, it felt very pleasant as I set off up the sunken track that eventually reached the open mountains. It felt great to be back. I followed the trail into the deep valley towards the spot where a footbridge used to span the river (it was removed by the landowner who was driven to distraction by people bringing their dogs onto the mountains) and once I was across I set off up the steep slope towards Monabrack (630 metres). I should point out that while the river was quite easy to cross today after the very dry weather, it would normally offer a more challenging prospect and a climb to a point much higher up the glen would be needed to find an easier crossing. Anyway, all I had in front of me now was the 300 metre climb to my first summit of the day. Straight away the going is steep and it only gets steeper until after climbing 200 metres things ease back as you near the broad slopes that rise gently to the top. What a wonderful morning to be out. Despite it being cooler than yesterday it was still warm and I made sure to regularly drink some water. The views were a delight. I was immersed in the heart of the mountains now. Galtymor loomed large to my right and Knockaterriff rose across the deep cut to my left and behind me, beyond the Suir Valley, the Knockmealdowns looked wonderful. I was in heaven.

From Temple Hill towards Galtymor

After a brief stop I set off down and headed for the next top of the day, Knockaterriff (691 metres). On the way down I passed through a cloud of flying ants, quite a few of whom managed to get inside the neck of my t-shirt. They weren't happy about it and let me know in the best way they knew how, ouchy. Anyway once down in the remote glen under Knockaterriff I took a direct line up through the rocky outcrops towards the top. This was steep but it enabled height to be gained quickly and before too long I was up over 650 metres and walking along the broad crest to the top. What a morning it was. Cruising along in shorts and T-shirt, a nice breeze keeping it pleasantly cool and conditions underfoot wonderfully dry. I also had the whole area to myself and I didn't see another soul until I neared the summit of Galtymor later on.

I had been debating with myself whether I would include Temple Hill (783mtrs) in my day as it is a bit of an outlier and requires an out and back trek to include it. Of course, when up on Knockaterriff it looked too good to leave out and I headed for it. Easily down to the wide boggy saddle that was simple to cross today in the super dry conditions, before climbing the 180 metres to the summit. I always get a bit nostalgic when here, as this was my first mountain hike more than quarter of a century ago. Back then I was in the wind and rain and totally bereft of views, but I had still loved it. Today the world lay at my feet and I lingered to soak it in. I returned to the saddle again before a gentle rising traverse saw me reach the climb to Lyracappul (825mtrs). I was starting to feel a bit tired by now but I consoled myself that once up on top, I would have nearly all the climbing done for the day. To be fair it isn't too bad and soon enough I was on one of my favourite spots in the range. The views to the north are spectacular as the ground drops steeply for 2000 feet to the green plains below. There were lots of wasps buzzing about the summit so I didn't stop and continued for several hundred metres and stopped for a bite to eat.

The only place where I saw any other people all day..Galtymor

It it easy walking along the gently undulating ridge until I reached the col above Lough Curra. Now the final climb of the day looms and I set off towards Galtymor. Once again it isn't too bad and before long I was on the top of Dawsons Table enjoying the wonderful views. There were a few others milling about and as I preferred the solitude I didn't stop and began my descent straight away. I headed directly south towards the place where three streams meet. It is a fairly steep drop and 500 metres height is lost but eventually I reached the stream. I found a nice little pool and wasted no time in shedding everything before immersing myself and enjoying the cool water. Reinvigorated, I enjoyed the remaining few kilometres back to  the car. It had been a lovely outing and I had really enjoyed it. It had taken just less than six hours to cover the 19 kilometres with nearly 1500 metres of ascent. I wonder when I will enjoy such dry underfoot conditions again on the Galtees given the amount of rain that has fallen in the intervening few days.

Sorry, no pics of me in it.

Crohane Bennaunmore and the Cappagh Glen

 

Friday June 20th;

I visited the Cappagh Glen several weeks ago in poor weather with Jerry, and discovered, in spite of my fears, that walkers were still welcome, I was delighted to return today in glorious sunshine for a more extended visit. I planned to do an old favourite of mine by climbing Crohane and including a climb of Bennaunmore before exiting through the rugged Cappagh Glen.

Leaving the car with Crohane ahead

A short but magical time in the wood

The forecast was for it to be a hot one with temps up to the high twenties. I was a little disappointed to see some cloud and a stiff breeze when I left the car. Still it was glorious. After a few hundred metres through the sheep paddocks I exited to the left and headed into the woods and made my way through the steep rocky bluffs and bracken until I reached the lower slopes of Crohane. Now a steady pull up through the boggy hillside eventually saw me reach the shoulder of the north spur. Now as well as the delicious views of the nearby mountains that stretched away to the west I was treated to a wonderful view of The Paps and more as the high ground stretched to the east. A stiff 100 metres pull saw me reach the summit shoulder and a final 50 metres and I reached the elegant top. I always enjoy this airy spot. The views in all directions are a delight and usually you will have the place all to yourself. The ground is a little unusual in that the lower you go the steeper and more rugged it gets. After a brief rest and pause to enjoy my surroundings I descended to the south and headed for the southwest top.

Looking towards Mangerton

On the shoulder looking towards The Paps

Starting the climb and the views to Bennaunmore and the entrance to the Cappagh Glen are great

After an initial steepish descent the going is easier as you swing around on the broad boggy ridge. It can be very wet at times but today, after the sunny few days, the ground was nice and dry. I soon reached the southwest top and I enjoyed a bite to eat before I continued on the steep descent to the notch between Crohane and Bennaunmore. Care is needed in places on the descent. Steep heathery slopes between rocky outcrops twist and wind their way down. It is always a little bit of a relief to reach the bottom. Mind you, the relief is short lived as now a steep 200 metre climb is required to reach the top of Bennaunmore. The heather on this slope is longer than I remembered and it was tough going initially pulling and wading up through it. Once I reached rocky scree patches things improved and before too long I was approaching the top. After the top I turned and made my way down the rough ground to reach the back of the Cappagh Glen. This wonderful spot , with its petrified ancient oak woods, rivers and cascades is a joy to visit. It draws the eye as you make your way down and before too long I reached the level shady floor of the glen. It was a much tamer prospect today than a few weeks before. Then there were waterfalls everywhere and the streams and river were raging torrents. Today things were very serene and the river was but a shadow of its former self. It was still wonderful to be there and I delighted in my walk through this wild and wonderful place. Before too long I was exiting the glen and I reached the farmland again. It hadn't been a bit outing, just 3 hours 30 minutes to cover the 10 kilometres and 800 metres ascent. After a quick change of clothes, I was away. It was such a delight to revisit one of my favourite places.

Looking up to the top of Bennaunmore

Lough Nabrooda

In the ferny glen

HAG'S TOOTH RIDGE HOWLING RIDGE CARRAUNTOOHIL AND BEENKERAGH

Friday May 16th;

 We have been enjoying a wonderful spell of weather recently and today I decided to venture back to the Reeks and enjoy some of the best scrambling and climbing that the country has to offer. I actually cannot remember if I climbed Howling Ridge last year and I know that it is seven or eight years since I did the Hag's Tooth Ridge so I decided to do both today.

To say it was a stunning morning wouldn't do it justice. Warm, blue sky and just a hint of a breeze promised warm rock and an ideal hiking day. It was just 10am when I left the car and it was already warm. I was feeling good and looking forward to the outing .Entering the Hag's Glen is always a joy and with unrestricted views it was especially nice. I turned right and crossed the normally wet (but now crispy dry) ground and headed towards Coumeenoughter. When I crossed the almost dry stream I turned right and enjoyed some great climbing on the rocky outcrops that presented themselves as you head to the Tooth. These steps vary from five to ten metres and you can test yourself and make things as hard or easy as you like. I made enjoyable progress and before too long I reached the point where the rock becomes narrow and more consistent as it soars to the tiny top. It was a joy to climb. I stuck pretty faithfully to the crest except for one overhang which I passed on the left. When I reached a hole in the rock I climbed above it and continued up to the summit. To say I had enjoyed the route would be an understatement and it won't be so  long before I repeat it this time. A steep drop from the airy top and I descended steeply towards the first level from the notch just just beyond the Tooth. This isn't too bad and once a little care is taken it offers a swift way to access the first level. 

Always a joy.

Looking down some of the rock steps

Superb sustained quality scrambling

Once down I wasted no time in heading for the Heavenly Gates and Howling. I was still feeling strong and once I reached the Gates I wasted no time in turning and starting up the route. Careful and steady was the motto and I must say it was a joy to climb. The rock was warm and sticky and I stuck to the true route and enjoyed quality climbing all the way. Once I passed The Finger the nature of the route changes. A sharp slab is negotiated until a sharp crest is reached and a series of pinnacles bar the way. Care is now required as there is some loose rock in these but once you avoid these there is some of the best climbing of the route to be enjoyed. All too soon the last of the difficulties is passed and the steep slog to the summit is endured. Well perhaps that is too harsh a word as today, with such gorgeous weather and views to be enjoyed, there was pleasure to be enjoyed all the way. A good  feed on the summit sustained me for the remainder of the outing. I dropped to the top of O'Sheas Gully and crossed the Beenkeragh Ridge. An initial narrow and spectacular crest provided some excitement but it ends all too soon. The remainder of the ridge provides an easy but still spectacular passage until the final 100 metre climb to Beenkeragh reminds you of all the climbing you have done. I had the spectacular summit all to myself and I relaxed for a little while and soaked in my surroundings, both near and far. The descent over Knockbrinnea went well and finally I crossed the dry expanse of bog that led back to the car. It had taken four and three quarters hours to complete the route and I had enjoyed every minute. Ten kilometres covered and twelve hundred metres climbing made it a worthy outing. 

Looking up at the pinnacles

Looking down towards The Finger