2019...Coomloughra and the Galtees...Keeping Buzy

It's been a funny old winter..no snow, little wind, very little rain and very little sun has given the past month a somewhat surreal feeling but I have been getting out and about. A new toy for Christmas arrived in the shape of a GPS watch and this has proved to be both interesting and informative as I continue my running efforts.

A Fine Galtees Round

On December 29th, after working all through Christmas I was determined to get in some fresh air so I headed to The Galtees. I arrived at Kings Yard at 10.30 and wasted no time in setting off. It was a mild morning with little wind and the cloud shrouded the hills to low levels. It felt great to be out. I set off up the track and entered the deep glen under Monabrack. After crossing the footbridge the steep 300 metre climb to the summit of Monabrack (630 metres). Despite oozing sweat, the breeze up here dispelled any notion of removing my jacket. I dropped down to the west into the deep glen under Knockaterrif (691mtrs) and climbed directly up through the rocky outcrops to the broad rather featureless top. No views means no delays and I turned and headed across the broken, peat hagged ground, until I reached the slopes of Lyracappul (825 mtrs). Up here I was on the main ridge and the breeze had turned to a wind. Mist scudded across the ridge that threatened to soak through my jacket (insulated not rainproof). It is always a pleasure to walk this section of the ridge and when the weather allows the views from here are tremendous. The ground sweeps steeply to the north until the fertile agricultural plain 2000 foot below and on a clear day the sea on the southern coast can be seen as well as planes landing at Shannon. Not today of course  but it was still super invigorating. One of the joys of hiking in the Galtees it the relative solitude you can find there. When you explore the glens and tops to the south, chances are that you will have them to yourself. Even while on the main tops you won't meet many and Galtymor (918mtrs) itself is seldom very busy. I followed the wall around and up the easy slopes towards Galtymor and before long I was on the top. I had it to myself but with the wind strong and no views I continued on to my final top Galtybeg. I returned towards via the Black Road initially before dropping to that magic little spot where you cross the Attychran River and you can return to the car. Normally I take the forest road back but today I decided to head towards some old farmstead ruins and return through them. The first one I came to was a magic ruin, surrounded and shaded by huge Beech trees and all the rocks and stones were completely covered in moss. It was a beautiful and poignant reminder of tougher times past. It was my first time there and was a delightful end to the outing. I arrived back at the car at 15.30. This outing had covered 19 kilometres and climbed nearly 1300metres. Just the ticket👍.

A wee bit magical

Coomloughra Horseshoe.

On December 31st I headed back to Kerry and once again opted for the Coomloughra Horseshoe. Light winds, dry weather and cloud shrouding the tops greeted me when I arrived. I wasn't too bothered about views though. Today was all about getting out and catching the maximum amount of light in these shortest of days. As is usual for me more often than not, when I arrived at the unseasonably shrunken lake at the end of the Hydro Road I turned left and headed for Skregmore first. This gets the steepest of the climbing done first and certainly keeps any chill at bay as you rise. Upon reaching the ridge the wind had increased considerably and it was necessary to don a jacket. Now I was in the cloud and views were restricted to fleeting glimpses down the steep western side. Next up comes the slog to the main summit and this always seems to go on for longer than expected. It was definitely preferable to keep moving now as, despite the relative mildness in temperatures, the wind and damp cloud made it feel quite chilly. Easier going for a while now until you pass above Coumengeeragh Gully when you reach the pull to the top of Benkeeragh. For some reason I never really mind this climb and soon I was relaxing and enjoying a solitary bite to eat on top.

Even with the tops obscured (or because of it) it is always an inspiring sight

I was delighted to be out and very pleased with how I was moving. I dropped down the western side of the crest and followed the airy ridge towards Carrauntoohil. The stiff gusts of wind made me leave the crest at the narrow  "crux" and I followed the track on the left from here until I reached the top of O'Sheas Gully. Again I never mind too much the climb to the summit  of  Carrauntoohil and I soon found myself on the bleak summit. As is usual there was a few milling about so I exited immediately and headed easily towards Caher. This section is lovely, with a nice bite of a drop to the right that is rich with possibilities. I met a group coming towards me here who I had seen heading towards Caher when I was back at the top of the Hydro Road. Their progress had been pretty sedentary to say the least. Caher's airy crest is always a delight and I was even treated to some views. The main reason I choose to do this route in this direction is the ease of the descent. Initially a little steep, it soon eases and offers a gradual easy drop along the long spur until you turn and crossed the wet ground to once again reach the Hydro Road. I arrived back well satisfied with the day and once again it had taken 4 hours 20 mins. I might try running it soon.

Magic when the clouds briefly shift off Caher's ridge

The Galtees Again..the merest sniff of winter

On January 17th I headed off to The Galtees once again and this time I had the added bonus of the company of Connie Looney. Time flies and it was 11 months since our last excursion when we enjoyed a beautiful winter outing on The Reeks.
  https://howlingmist.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-coumloughra-horseshoewinter.html

No such winter conditions today but the dreary overcast weather had lifted and a short chilly snap meant we had some blue skies and frozen ground. Con seldom gets to visit the Galtees and as he had never been to Kings Yard we decided to do a round from there. Basically we did the round I did a few weeks earlier but left out the climb to Knockaterriff. It was lovely to enjoy his company and the time flew. His enjoyment of the landscape was infectious. Dawsons Table had a dusting of icy snow and it felt like proper winter while we had our lunch on Galtymor's summit. Instead of dropping down the Black Road we instead followed the Attychran River down to the confluence of streams and returned to the car via the old ruins. It was lovely to have Cons company today and hopefully we will get out again soon.

What a dude 

As close to proper winter conditions so far this year.

In between (and since) I have been keeping busy and the running is going well. Since Christmas, as well as frequent 7 to 10 kilometre runs I have thrown in a few up to 24 kilometres. I have "run" Galtymor via the Black Road and the Claragh Loop was delightful. I have entered the Burren Marathon in Ballyvaughan at the end of May so fingers crossed that all keeps going well. It's great to be injury free.

Lough Duff Horseshoe In The Heart Of Iveragh

This morning I went back to the furthest reaches of the Black Valley to experience once again the wonderful and remote Lough Duff Horseshoe.Getting to the start of the route is a bit of an adventure in itself as you have to drive through the Gap of Dunloe before dropping down to the base of the valley and then another several miles on the narrow winding road along past the lakes until you cross over the river. Here there is a small place to park a few cars. It is a lovely spot in the shadow to the Reeks and the imposing east face of Broaghnabinnea looms ahead.
This is no easy start to the day as I set off up the track towards the old house before taking a direct line straight up the face. Normally I go up the gully in the middle but since it had been stormy last night (it was still pretty windy) and had rained heavily I opted to stay to the left and avoid a soaking. A steep 350 metres certainly gets the heart pumping and I wasn't sorry to reach the easier ground at the top. Not that the hard work was over as there is another 250 metres of climbing to reach the broad flat summit of Broaghnabinnea at 745 metres. The Reeks were shrouded in mist down to 800 metres but I was in the clear and the views were atmospheric and wonderful. The wind was buffeting but manageable and it was mostly dry. Some rain scudded around but it only added to the exhilaration of the day.

Starting out

Heading for the summit

The wind was at my back and the descent was easy to the wild gap under the rugged ridge that climbs gradually above Lough Duff. This is one of my favourite places, with glorious views into the Brida Valley and of course into the wild coum to the left. Today however the wind was vicious on the ridge and at times walking was quite difficult but thankfully things eased once I approached the higher ridge towards the summit.  Once on top of Stúmpa Dúloig 784 metres, the views were only better and now that the wind was easing it was a lovely easy stroll around and down from the summit ridge. I stayed on the ridge until I reached the summit of Knocknabreeda and once past this I made my way down to the valley. The next obstacle was to cross the swollen river and here I made good use of the walking poles. The waterfall was spectacular and I paused to admire it before heading down to the left and returing easily to the car. About 14 kilometres and 1200 metres of ascent in 4 hours 25 minutes. It was a lovely lovely outing.

In the heart of Iveragh

Got to have a little rain for the rainbows

Mount Brandon via The Faha Ridge

The Reeks

Having returned home from Sneem and still with holidays to spend I went for a hike on the Reeks for the first time since before I went to the Pyrenees. Unfortunately the weather forecast was for cloud and some rain and as usual when the forecast is poor they got it spot on.

A new arrival at Cronins Yard

I started in Cronins Yard. It is a hive of activity here at the moment as they are expanding their facilities. It is great to see them making such a success of the business and it couldn't happen to nicer people. Even arriving at 09.15 on a dreary Saturday morning the carpark was nearly full, things are hectic on Carrauntoohil. After a chat with John I set off into the Hags Glen and decided that I would climb the NNW spur. The cloud was down to around 500 metres so there was nothing in the way of a view but navigation is easy. Once you cross the Black Stream then head slightly left and stick to near the stream coming from the coum above. Once at the lake take the right hand spur and after a slog you reach more interesting rocky ground that offers some nice scrambling. I was anxious to give my new Mammut boots a test and they coped very well on some small little placements. Higher up the ridge becomes more defined and in the clag the drop to the left was impressive. All too soon the fun is over and a short slog sees you reach the summit.
As is often the case I found myself all alone on the East Reeks. Right from once I reached the ridge all the way until I arrived at the Devils Ladder I didn't see a soul. I really enjoyed that section as the earlier drizzle had stopped and the wind was not too strong and to be honest, sometimes it is simply nice to enjoy walking in the clouds. From the Ladder to the summit of Carrauntoohil really doesn't have a great deal to recommend it. It is a long slog that gains over 300 metres and with no views then it is just a case of putting the head down and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I kept up a comfortable but solid pace and after 25 minutes I reached the busy top. It was breezy, chilly and noisy so I didn't delay in setting off towards O'Sheas Gully which I had opted to use for my descent. Once out of the wind I enjoyed a bite to eat before dropping down the quite badly eroded gully. The descent went smoothly and I arrived back at the car five hours after setting out. Hopefullly I will get the chance to experience some proper winter conditions on these mountains before too long.

Not a lot to see on the way in.

Howling Ridge makes a misty appearance

Clouds lifting..a little too late

Brandon..

I had toyed with the idea of making it a two day trip and heading from the Reeks as far as Cloghane and climbing Mt Brandon on Sunday but I must be going soft as the lure of home comforts was too strong. 

Jacob Richmond is a young guy who lives and works in Snowdonia. I had enjoyed his company on a lovely winters outing in the Carneddi in January 2016. He was enjoying his honeymoon in Glenbeigh and keen to climb Mount Brandon so I was delighted to take the opportunity to head back and accompany him. 

On the way up..looking across to Benoskee

Benagh Summit Views

We met at the church in the village and set off at 11.10. The cloud of yesterday was long gone and the whole range was on view in its complete glory. We set off up the Dingle way until we turned and headed for the grotto. After stopping for a decade of the rosary 😂 (Jacob wasn't sure if I was joking when I suggested this 😂😂) we followed the normal route until we could rise up onto the broad approach to Benagh (822 mtrs) and once on the crest the already great views just got better. One of my favourite things is when you accompany someone who is a new visitor to one of your favourite places. Jacobs pleasure and wonder was great to see, especially since he is well used to seeing beautiful mountains where he comes from. The slog up to the broad top seemed interminable but the chat flowed freely and we were both having a fine old time. Once on the top the full expanse of cliffs that guard the east face of Brandon and its outliers was revealed. It is fair to say that Jacob was impressed and he rightly likened it to something you would see in the best of Scotland. 

Some Ridge Views

Well that was fun

From here the fun begins. Easy at first, without too much exposure, you make your way along the arret. A few drops needed care on the slick rock on the shady side but it was more fun than stressful. Things get narrower and narrower until you come to the spot where, in order to avoid the final rock spur, you drop to the right. Super slippy rock and quite a bit of exposure meant care had to be taken on each move but once your head is okay it isn't difficult. A good but narrow track eases you past the final difficulties and we spurned the rock ridge (slippery rock) and climbed up the steep trail instead. One fabulous thing while we crossed the ridge was that some cloud had bubbled up in the coum to our right and  we were treated to perhaps the best display of Brocken Spectres I have ever seen. When we reached the main ridge Jacob was then treated to the fabulous views down to Brandon Creek, The Three Sisters and The Blasket Islands beyond. We turned and climbed the short distance to the summit of Brandon (952 mtrs) where we enjoyed a bite to eat. 

I made sure to nab the high ground 😊

Jacobs new wife was waiting for us (a baby on the way 👏😊) in the village and we were keen not to overextend our stay on top. We hot footed it along the path towards Brandon Peak (840 mtrs) and time just flew by. The 200 odd metre pull up to the peak was broken by a chat to a local landowner and once on top the ever increasing cloud mostly obscured the views. I decided that the best descent route from here would be to cross to Gearhane (803 mtrs) and descend the steep western spur around Loch an Mhónáin. This provided yet more spectacular ground but it does go on a ways as you lose over 600 metres in one go. Reaching the lake we joined the good track that soon reaches the road. An easy three kilometres follows and we were happy bunnies when we arrived at our cars five hours after setting off. A short final chat and we said our goodbyes with both of us hoping that if some good winter conditions arrive in Snowdonia then I will head over and we can renew our friendship. It had been a superb day and it was made all the better by Jacobs great company. Thanks my man 👍 

There are usually a couple of fine waterfalls back there

Evening Light