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.
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| Leaving the car with Crohane ahead |
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| 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.
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| Looking towards Mangerton |
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| On the shoulder looking towards The Paps |
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| 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.
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| Looking up to the top of Bennaunmore |
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| Lough Nabrooda |
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| In the ferny glen |
