The Hags Glen Horseshoe

Yesterday I went too the Reeks and decided to do the Hags Glen Horseshoe. This is a substantial outing which involves about 1600mtrs of climbing and covers a distance about 15 kilometers. The weather starting out was not great with low cloud and occasional drizzle. The brisk breeze meant that the day had a distinct autumnal feel. I parked at Lislebane and used the new bridge to cross the Gaddagh river. The combination of a few beers the previous evening and the inclement weather didn't make the long slog up to Cruach Mhor any more pleasant than usual, so it was head down time and I just pushed on. Upon reaching the summit, the dearth of any views and the conditions meant I headed straight along the ridge. I forsook the rock arret and stuck to the path all the way to Cnoc na Peasta. By now the day was improving and views down to the glen displayed themselves.
The walk along the eastern ridge proved very pleasant and I quickly reached Cnoc an Chuillinn. The wind was for some reason quite strong here so I forsook my usual lunch spot and continued on easily over Cnoc na Toinne and down to the Devils Ladder. Normally by now my legs feel quite tired but today I felt strong and the awful slog to Carrauntoohil's summit passed easily and I made great time to the top. There was a fairly sizable group on top but I found a quite spot and enjoyed my lunch. The arrival of a large group of noisy French students hastened my departure and I went quickly down to the top of O'Sheas gully. On over the Beenkearach ridge in blissful solitude and I was soon at the top. The descent over Knockbrinnea was good and the day was now good and the views to the Dingle peninsula lovely. There was a good crop of Blueberries to be had and I made frequent stops to taste some and even collected some for home. I arrived back at the car at four fifteen on the dot so the full round was done in five hours. This is a very good time and I was well pleased with my fitness and the day.

Ceann Cibeal and the Three Sisters

Well back home again after a few days in the dingle area with Margaret. The Ballyferriter area is a lovely mix of mountain scenery and wild coastline. I did a walk that I have been meaning to do for a good few years. That is a coastal walk along the Three Sisters. I left our hotel in Ballyferriter and ran the five kilometers to the rough boggy ground behind the golf course and headed up left to Syble point. There is an eighteenth century watchtower on the summit. A series of these were built to guard against a possible invasion of Ireland by Napoleon. The view from atop this 210mtr cliff is wonderful and extensive. To the southwest lies Eagle mountain, south the Blaskets protude from the ocean. to the east there is nothing but sea all the way to America and to the north the way ahead to the Three Sisters and beyond Mount Brandon. The day was sunny and pleasently warm.

After a lengthy stop I sauntered along a reasonable path which runs the length of Syble head. From point 156mtrs the ground improved and I was able to break into a run down to the col and most of the way up to Binn Hanri at 134mtrs. Mostly running interspersed with some walking and the final top Binn Diarmada soon arrived. The view from here accross Smerwick harbour towards Ballydavid head and to Brandon beyond causes one to linger and savour the day. Again after a lengthy stay I turned and ran down the slope towards Smerwick and then along to Dun an Oir[ the site of a massacre of 300 Spanish soldiers by English forces in 1580]. At roads end a kilometer along Smerwick beach to rejoin another road and back to Ballyferriter. A return run of 7 kilometers. Total distance about 16 kilometers and three hours that I will remember for a long time.

Three ridge walk 2010

On sunday about 14 went on the Killarney Mountaineering Club walk of the Three Ridges. This involves climbing thr Hags Tooth ridge, then down to the first level in coumeenoughter and up to the Heavenly Gates for the climb of Howling Ridge, then from the summit of Carrauntoohil cross the Benkeeragh ridge and back down via Knockbrinnea. Variable cloud but dry weather made it an enjoyable day out. It had been a while since I had been on Howling and it was as much fun as always. There were a few rock virgins but with the security of the rope they all made it up and enjoyed themselves immensely. I must do this climb more often.