HOWLINGMIST: Howling Ridge Always A Great Day Out

I was supposed to go to the Lake District this weekend but the weather forecast was a bit pish so at the last minute I chickened out and decided to relax at home instead. I was feeling a bit guilty for doing this but today was just the tonic I needed to put any melancholy behind me and I headed back to Killarney this morning on a perfect blue sky day. Frank suggested doing Howling Ridge and I readily agreed. Off we went (after the obligatory coffees) to Lisliebane and we were on the trail at 10.55. Blue sky and light wind there may have been but there was a decided chill in the air whenever we were out of the sun.

Heading in...what a morning

Francis looking fit

The ridges on the east face

Cnoc na Chuillinn

The ridge itself is a very nice hard scramble that starts at almost 700 meters and lasts for about 200 meters. It is a lovely outing that is an airy and exciting experience. Some care is needed as there is some loose stuff but good holds are plentiful and enjoyment rather than fear is the dominant emotion. It helped that the sun had worked its magic on the rock and it was nice and warm to the touch. We broke with tradition and enjoyed a lovely lunch high on the ridge and it was nice to sit on our airy perch and bask in the sun. After lunch we finished the ridge and slogged up to the summit. The views were wonderful and the lakes and sea were as blue as the sky and any lingering thoughts of the Lake District were dispelled. We finished off our day by crossing the Benkeeragh ridge and descending via Knockbrinnea back to the car. Just over 5 hours of stunning weather and climbing and in good company to boot. A good day!.