A Sunny Interlude On The Comeraghs...Counshingaun

Lets face it weather of late has been shite. Storm after storm bringing nothing but wind and rain to add to the depression of the short days and long long nights so it was super to be able to join Kevin Ring for a sunny day on the hills in a place I hadn't been before, Coumshingaunon in the Comeragh mountains. Kevin has been super busy of late with a new job and three young babies to mind so our opportunities to hook up have been scarce and when we have it has been for a quick run or somesuch so it was great to have the luxury of a day to ourselves. As per usual the craic was great and after a coffee en-route we were good to go by 10.30. Coumshingaun is widely considered to be the finest coum in the country and it is indeed an impressive sight with its perfectly shaped bowl surrounding a large lake some 300+mtrs under the rim. The route itself is quite short but today was about having a catch up so we set off at a leisurely pace from Kilclooney and rose gently up to the spur on the southern side of the coum. Higher up there are many good scrambling bits on offer on outcrops of conglomerate rock which Kevin took full advantage of. We reached the top and Kevin pointed out the many options for winter fun that are to be had on the gullies that cleave the headwall. 

The impressive coum coming into view

I think we should go thataway

Some nice scrambling options on the way up

Do you really have to??

Up on the plateau

A very exfoliating wind brrr

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We descended the northern spur and dropped down to the lake side and we followed the stream back out. There are lots of amazing spots here to camp which we hope to make good use of in the future. Back to the car and more coffee and back to the train station where we went our separate ways. As always it had been a great day out and I was hoarse from talking. Roll on the next outing.

Galtymore from Kings Yard with James

After the battering from storm Desmond on Saturday it was a relief to venture out to the mountains on Sunday morning and especially nice to welcome back James to the great outdoors. He has been plagued by injury over the past couple of years and a recent family bereavement only added to his woes but finally things seem to be returning to normal for him and he was anxious do get back in the proverbial saddle and get back into an exercising regime. Mindful of his lack of recent outings I opted for a short hike on the Galtees as a nice way to get the ball rolling. We met early doors and headed to Kings Yard and we were on the move before 08.30 and heading for Galtymore. It was dry and after the battering of the recent gales we were pleased to have just a chilly breeze to deal with today. Despite his lack fitness James made great progress and we reached the summit well before 10.30. As you would expect the wind on top was much stronger and really quite cold so after briefly enjoying the views we headed directly down the south side of the mountain to the lovely confluence of the three streams (rivers today) and returned easily to our car. The three and a half hours hadn't knocked a bother out of James and I will have to pick a more challenging outing for the next one, which hopefully won't be too far in the future.

Tomies and Purple and the Magical Gap of Dunloe

It has been chilly the past few days and I had been hopeful that there would be a dusting of snow on the Kerry mountains so I decided to head to The Reeks for a taste of winter walking. Alas as I neared Killarney it was apparent that there was no snow to be seen (the cloud was hovering over the tops of The Reeks) on the hills so I decided to turn instead for the Gap of Dunloe and climb Tomies and Purple. Here at least everything was below the cloud and I would be able to get some views. I had briefly considered joining the Killarney club of their walk on the East Reeks but, since the dog and cats would be inside all day I thought a shorter outing which would enable me to be home early might be best. Anyway my disappointment at the lack of snow soon disappeared as I got into the meat of the outing as I rose up towards the chimneys and Tomies Rock. I was moving well and was soon at the top and the strong chill wind ensured I didn't stop too long anywhere to admire the lovely views. Onwards to the top of Tomies and next to Shehy and finally Purple. I opted to continue from the summit to the head of the "Gap" and walked the few miles back to the car on the narrow little road. This time of year it was very quiet and it was a true pleasure and privilege to walk in such stunning scenery. It was just a 3.5 hour outing but I really enjoyed it. Next time I must do the full circuit of the Gap which would include Strickeen as well.