Crohane Benaunmore and The Cappagh Glen. A great way to start the New Year

On New Years Day I went for a hike in one of my favourite places...The Cappagh Glen. A late start (celebrations and late to bed) meant it wasn't until 11.30 when I left the car. I wasn't worried as this is an area that offers outings that are not long but can be as short as you like. The mild weather of yesterday had been replaced by a strong bitingly cold wind but it was dry so I opted to turn and climb Crohane (650mtrs) first. After just a couple of hundred meters from the car you turn left and leave the sheep pastures behind and climb up through a narrow band of gnarly native trees before then up some steep rough bracken covered ground and then finally entering the open mountain. Now all that remains is a long slog to the rather shapely summit which had some icy grass on the final slopes. A brief rest to take in the views before dropping south and then west to finally reach Crohane West Top 477mtrs. I was then faced with a steep section down to the outlet of Lough Nabroda which proved treacherous with my smooth soled boots but with considerable care I arrived intact. Next comes a steep 200mtr climb to the volcanic peak of Benaunmore which is a truly wild a rugged hill even if it is only just over 450 mtrs high. It is a fairly simple job to then drop into the wooded wonderland that is the southern end of the Cappagh Glen which is without doubt one of the most special places in Kerry. Once back on relatively flat ground I was able to relax and walk easier but of course that is where I went arse over tit almost immediately 😭. Thankfully new boots are on the way 😁. I enjoyed the walk back out of the glen and I was soon back at the car and feeling very glad I had taken the effort to get out today. A great start to 2017👍

Quite lovely approaching the summit

Looking south towards the south top Benaunmore and Mangerton beyond

The Cappagh Glen

Curve Gully Ridge In Winter.

A few years ago now but here's hoping for some white stuff this winter👀

Brassil East Ridge To Cruach Mór

On Saturday I was delighted to have the (all too infrequent) opportunity to have a day out with Kevin and we headed west for a gander on The Reeks. A nice early start saw us in the Black Valley and ready for the off at 08.30. We had a few options and we decided to do the East Ridge on Brassel (a spur that drops southwards into the Black Valley from the East Reeks ridge) and this promised to give a grade 2-3 scramble. We parked on the little lane just short of the few houses and after crossing a couple of fences we made our way up the boggy ground until the angle eases where we crossed the stream and made our way up to the base of the rocks. Short steep buttresses are the order of the day but some spicy sections can be enjoyed. About two thirds the way up there is a fairly formidable section that can be avoided or climbed (like we did) on the right edge and this I guess is the hardest bit of the route. A few more easy steps and then it's just a slog to the 575mtr summit. This is a lovely vantage point where you feel right in the heart of the range with superb views all around.

I'm psyched...Yippee

Broken spur but fun

Next up was the seemingly endless 450mtr slog to the summit of Cnoc an Cullain 956mtrs from where we turned and headed for Cruach Mor. The weather had taken a turn for the worse a bit earlier with cloud and some rain arriving but as we progressed the wind was at our backs and the clouds parted and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. From the grotto we turned and dropped diagonally across to the spur that drops from the shapely Big Gun and then back to the hairpin bends on the road which we followed for the couple of kilometers back to the car. It had been delightful to get out with Kevin again. The craic and chat never stopped and I was hoarse by the time we got back. So ended the outdoor trips for 2016.

Its all in the style really

Concentrating

Cruach Mór and the Big Gun (An Garbh)

Clearing up very nicely

Looking back from Cruach Mor

I wanna go that way