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 |
