Mount Brandon via The Faha Ridge

The Reeks

Having returned home from Sneem and still with holidays to spend I went for a hike on the Reeks for the first time since before I went to the Pyrenees. Unfortunately the weather forecast was for cloud and some rain and as usual when the forecast is poor they got it spot on.

A new arrival at Cronins Yard

I started in Cronins Yard. It is a hive of activity here at the moment as they are expanding their facilities. It is great to see them making such a success of the business and it couldn't happen to nicer people. Even arriving at 09.15 on a dreary Saturday morning the carpark was nearly full, things are hectic on Carrauntoohil. After a chat with John I set off into the Hags Glen and decided that I would climb the NNW spur. The cloud was down to around 500 metres so there was nothing in the way of a view but navigation is easy. Once you cross the Black Stream then head slightly left and stick to near the stream coming from the coum above. Once at the lake take the right hand spur and after a slog you reach more interesting rocky ground that offers some nice scrambling. I was anxious to give my new Mammut boots a test and they coped very well on some small little placements. Higher up the ridge becomes more defined and in the clag the drop to the left was impressive. All too soon the fun is over and a short slog sees you reach the summit.
As is often the case I found myself all alone on the East Reeks. Right from once I reached the ridge all the way until I arrived at the Devils Ladder I didn't see a soul. I really enjoyed that section as the earlier drizzle had stopped and the wind was not too strong and to be honest, sometimes it is simply nice to enjoy walking in the clouds. From the Ladder to the summit of Carrauntoohil really doesn't have a great deal to recommend it. It is a long slog that gains over 300 metres and with no views then it is just a case of putting the head down and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I kept up a comfortable but solid pace and after 25 minutes I reached the busy top. It was breezy, chilly and noisy so I didn't delay in setting off towards O'Sheas Gully which I had opted to use for my descent. Once out of the wind I enjoyed a bite to eat before dropping down the quite badly eroded gully. The descent went smoothly and I arrived back at the car five hours after setting out. Hopefullly I will get the chance to experience some proper winter conditions on these mountains before too long.

Not a lot to see on the way in.

Howling Ridge makes a misty appearance

Clouds lifting..a little too late

Brandon..

I had toyed with the idea of making it a two day trip and heading from the Reeks as far as Cloghane and climbing Mt Brandon on Sunday but I must be going soft as the lure of home comforts was too strong. 

Jacob Richmond is a young guy who lives and works in Snowdonia. I had enjoyed his company on a lovely winters outing in the Carneddi in January 2016. He was enjoying his honeymoon in Glenbeigh and keen to climb Mount Brandon so I was delighted to take the opportunity to head back and accompany him. 

On the way up..looking across to Benoskee

Benagh Summit Views

We met at the church in the village and set off at 11.10. The cloud of yesterday was long gone and the whole range was on view in its complete glory. We set off up the Dingle way until we turned and headed for the grotto. After stopping for a decade of the rosary 😂 (Jacob wasn't sure if I was joking when I suggested this 😂😂) we followed the normal route until we could rise up onto the broad approach to Benagh (822 mtrs) and once on the crest the already great views just got better. One of my favourite things is when you accompany someone who is a new visitor to one of your favourite places. Jacobs pleasure and wonder was great to see, especially since he is well used to seeing beautiful mountains where he comes from. The slog up to the broad top seemed interminable but the chat flowed freely and we were both having a fine old time. Once on the top the full expanse of cliffs that guard the east face of Brandon and its outliers was revealed. It is fair to say that Jacob was impressed and he rightly likened it to something you would see in the best of Scotland. 

Some Ridge Views

Well that was fun

From here the fun begins. Easy at first, without too much exposure, you make your way along the arret. A few drops needed care on the slick rock on the shady side but it was more fun than stressful. Things get narrower and narrower until you come to the spot where, in order to avoid the final rock spur, you drop to the right. Super slippy rock and quite a bit of exposure meant care had to be taken on each move but once your head is okay it isn't difficult. A good but narrow track eases you past the final difficulties and we spurned the rock ridge (slippery rock) and climbed up the steep trail instead. One fabulous thing while we crossed the ridge was that some cloud had bubbled up in the coum to our right and  we were treated to perhaps the best display of Brocken Spectres I have ever seen. When we reached the main ridge Jacob was then treated to the fabulous views down to Brandon Creek, The Three Sisters and The Blasket Islands beyond. We turned and climbed the short distance to the summit of Brandon (952 mtrs) where we enjoyed a bite to eat. 

I made sure to nab the high ground 😊

Jacobs new wife was waiting for us (a baby on the way 👏😊) in the village and we were keen not to overextend our stay on top. We hot footed it along the path towards Brandon Peak (840 mtrs) and time just flew by. The 200 odd metre pull up to the peak was broken by a chat to a local landowner and once on top the ever increasing cloud mostly obscured the views. I decided that the best descent route from here would be to cross to Gearhane (803 mtrs) and descend the steep western spur around Loch an Mhónáin. This provided yet more spectacular ground but it does go on a ways as you lose over 600 metres in one go. Reaching the lake we joined the good track that soon reaches the road. An easy three kilometres follows and we were happy bunnies when we arrived at our cars five hours after setting off. A short final chat and we said our goodbyes with both of us hoping that if some good winter conditions arrive in Snowdonia then I will head over and we can renew our friendship. It had been a superb day and it was made all the better by Jacobs great company. Thanks my man 👍 

There are usually a couple of fine waterfalls back there

Evening Light