Cardiac Steps & Torc Mountain summit

On Sat 28/10 the club outing was to Killarney where we planned to ascend the famous Cardiac Steps and continue on to the summit of Torc mountain. ( 535mtr.) Leaving town at 08.30 we set off for the car park on the right past the Jarveys Rest out the Muckross road. There was no coffee stop, so we changed into our gear and started straight away. This was a bit of a shock to those who had left home without a proper breakfast. Onwards and upwards we went until we reached the Cardiac Steps.

Suffice to say they are exactly what they say on the tin. Up and up they go, no hiding place here. The only excuse to get a break is to stop and admire the beautiful views.
Towards the top there is a roped section which is welcome. After many “ we are almost there “ false alarms  the path finally leveled out. At the top of the Steps is a beehive hut. Our designated step counter gave up after 1000 Steps.

We traversed the slopes of the mountain and descended through forest to the old Kenmare Road. This is in the valley between Torc and Mangerton We turned right and followed the road to a sign post pointing the way to Torc on our right.This path meandered through rugged marshy landscape. As we got higher it got misty and foggy

. However as the path is sleepered most of the way there is no way one could get lost. Like the Cardiac Steps there are many phantom summits to this mountain. Finally towards the top the sleeper path gave way to boggy ground crossing this we reached the summit. From here on a clear day The Magillicuddy Reeks, Mangerton, The Paps and of course the Lakes can be seen. For us alas it was cold and foggy so we found some shelter and had a welcome food stop.

We then retraced our steps and made our way down. As we got lower the mist cleared and the rugged slopes were stretched out before us. Down we went and the lead group almost walked into a stag, this magnificent animal complete with antlers blended so well into the landscape that it was hard to see him. This being the rutting season these animals can be quite dangerous as they are very territorial. Only those of a certain vintage who can remember the third or second last dance in the Hi Land or Majestic would realize the danger of coming between a stag and his mate.

We continued down until we reached the old Kenmare Road we turned left and passed down by the scenic Torc Waterfall to the car park.Some had to leave for home early while some called to the Jarveys Rest for welcome refreshments. All in all it was a great walk with a lot of variety. Well worth the trip.

Ballyduff to Aunascaul

The Bull McCabe is alive and well and living in Ballyduff.
On Sat 14/10 the club outing was to Ballyduff  near Camp. This was a much anticipated bus trip and we left town at 8.00 AM. We then travelled to Camp where we changed into our walking gear and pick up some members who had travelled by car. The bus then took us to the start at a point where the  Glennahoo river crosses the road. This is at a dangerous corner so we quickly alighted from the bus. Here a tricky situation was averted by some quick thinking and some very fast walking. Having no plan B we had to proceed with plan A.
Having put some light between us and the problem we continued into the Macha na Bo (Plain of the cows) valley. With the glenagoo river to our right and Beenatoor 645 mtrs towering above us to our left and Gob an Iolair 527 to our right we continued along a fairly good track.Along the way is a plaque to the memory of a person who died in a fall on the mountain in 2007 a stark reminder that hill walking can be dangerous and care must be excercised at all times.
At the head of the valley can be seen the ruins of old farmsteads which were inhabited by the O Donnells and Dineens in the19th Century.

Here we turned left uphill along a narrow path overlooking a fast flowing stream with mini waterfalls. We then descended to our right to cross this stream at a place called the Wolf’s step, where the last wolf in Ireland was reputed to have been slain in 1710.

However it was decided by who ????? to cross at a more challenging point. After a steep scramble we regained the original path. We then went diagonally uphill to a boggy plateau from where there were fantastic views down over Macha na Bo valley with the Glennahoo river snaking it’s way to Brandon Bay. We made our way across some very boggy ground and then picked up a path that took us to the top of the next valley.



Below us we caught a glimpse of Anascaul lake in the distance framed by Cnoc Mhaoilionain to the left and Reamore to the right. Down we went and crossed the bridge over the Garryvagh river then keeping it to our left we followed a well defined track to the lake. There are some great waterfalls along the way. Past the lake we continued until we came to the public road and on then to Aunascaul. On the way we were to pass not too far from Tom Creans grave so we made a detour to pay homage to that great man.

We finally arrived at Aunascaul where we were to be picked up by the bus. We were ahead of schedule so we took the opportunity to visit The South Pole Inn for some welcome refreshments. This pub is well worth a visit it’s like a museum with lots of photos etc.

We then boarded the bus to the Junction Bar in Camp where food had been booked.

The food was good and the Craic was even better and a very enjoyable evening was had. Enough said...

The walk was approx 14 Kim’s. Well worth doing and defiantly one for the diary.
A weary but happy group left the bus in Kanturk.
PS. There is a walking festival in Anascaul on 28 to 31 of October.

Curra Hill Glenbeigh

The club outing on Sunday 08/10 was to Curra Hill which overlooks Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh in Kerry. A small but enthusiastic crew set off at 8.30. After a quick Coffey stop in Glenbeigh we went to the staring point at Faha Wood. Here there is ample parking. We headed off through  a fairy trail dotted with little houses and fairy door ect all put in by the local community. It is a magical place to bring young children for a stroll. Leaving the fairy trail behind we turned up the hill, through forestry. Though only 275 meters it is fairly steep and could be classed as a cousin to the bike track on Mount Hillary. Finally we emerged from the trees and some great views opened up looking down on
Glenbeigh and across to Inch. As we climbed the view got better Dingle Peninsula, Rossbeigh were spread out in all their glory. The weather was ideal for walking and ground conditions were good. Onwards and upwards we went. When we came to the summit we deviated from the planned route and went further on to the next hilltop. It was worth it from here there were some fantastic views.
We rested up here before making our way down to pick up the original route. We finally reached the road and there is a small bit of road walking. However the road was closed by Kerry Co Council but we pushed on regardless. When we arrived in Rossbeigh we had a choice we could either do a walk in the beach or continue along the Kerry Way to our starting point. It was decided to push on. This route brings you on an off road track under Curra Hill back to the car park. Arriving at the car park it was decided that the day being so good. We would take a look at another walk nearby. So we loaded up and headed to Glenbeigh. Turning right at the Towers hotel we found the start of the route and parked up.The route started near a brightly painted cerese pink house, which proved to be an invaluable landmark when navigating our way down.

There is a lane way leading up a good bit of the way, leaving the lane way we crossed a fence to what we thought was the summit only to find that it was a false summit and the real summit at 493 meter was some distance away we finally made the top of Seefin and from here we could see Caragh Lake Killarney and some incredible scenery. It would be hard to find a nicer place to be on a Sunday afternoon. There wasn’t a puff of wind and the sky’s were clear.

After time taking in the view we decided to make our way down. As this was a completely new route to us, the forementioned pink house shone out like a beacon to guide the small but happy crew home.
Finally we reached the start and changed. It was decided to call to the Towers Hotel for refreshments.
Here over soup and sandwiches we discussed new routes that we spotted during the day.
Even though the numbers were small and the gender balance was completely out of kilter, with no woman present.It was a memorable day out. We got two walks for the price of one.

Seefin Mountain Ballyhoura

On Sunday 1st. October the club outing was to the Ballyhoura mountains. We set off at 8.30 and headed to the start near Ardpatrick in Co. Limerick. Here there is a secure monitored car park. Toilets showers changing room tea and coffee are also available. This is also a major mountain biking area the largest in Ireland with 98 klms of trails.
After a quick coffee we took the purple trail which would lead us to Seefin mountain summit at 528 meters. This walk is varied and has some farm tracks, wood land and open mountain. The weather wasn't great and there was some mist and fog. Rain gear was put on and taken off a few times. Towards the top on open mountain is was very windy. We took shelter at the foot of the trig point and had refreshments. Is is said that on a clear day you can see the six counties of Munster from here, but for us it was not to be as a fog brought visibility down to about a hundred meters. While we were sheltering in the lee of the rock a hardy soul sped by in shorts and singlet.
Refreshed we made our way down hill. After some time we entered forestry and here we had another pit stop. We had a group photo taken here. On again we went until we finally arrived back to the starting point. Here we availed of the changing room to change out of our sodden boots and gear.
This was a very enjoyable walk and would be even better without the fog.

After we made our way to the Gallery in Mallow for the customary refreshments and chat which is an
important part of the day out. There were some ambitious suggestions for next year discussed.

Mount Brandon - Our Good Year Continues

On Sunday 17 September we headed west towards Dingle to Mount Brandon. We stopped in Dingle for coffee and on then to Baile Breac. This is on the Cosan na Naomh { Saints Path } routh which starts at Ventry beach and ends at the summit of Mount Brandon.We parked here and began our climb. The weather was excellent and conditions underfoot were good. Mount Brandon is the ninth highest mountain in Ireland and the second highest outside of the Mcgillycuddy Reeks.At 952 meters it is only 86 meters shy of Carrauntoohill.
The route is well marked with the fourteen Stations of the Cross at intervals all the way up. The start of the climb is gentle enough but as you gain altitude it gets steeper.The views are breathtaking looking out over the patch work of fields and towards the Blaskets and Schellig Michael, Smerwick Harbour and the Three Sisters. There were many stops to admire the scenery.
Looking ahead the cloud was covering part of the mountain and we were hoping that it would be clear by the time we reached the top.
Towards the summit there was a fairly fresh breeze. When we finally reached the 952 meter mark, we had some refreshments and took some photographs.

There are the remains of a small oratory, it was here that Saint Brendan {484-577} was reputed to have stayed before he set out on his voyage to discover North America 1000 years before Coloumbus. It is doubtful if he could land in America now or if he did he would be deported.

There are some sheer drops close to the summit, and it could be dangerous in foggy weather.
In 1940 a Luftwaffe plane crash landed on Brandon. Local Gardai met the Germans coming down the Saints Path and they were arrested and interned in the Curragh Camp. One of the German crew men
Kurt Kyol met and married an Irish woman from Kildare. They lived in Ireland and he died in 2010.
Three more planes came down on Brandon in 1943 with a loss of 14 lives. Two RAF planes and one BOAC aircraft.  Flying Officer David Hartigan RAF was from Bruff Co. Limerick he died approx 70 miles from his home. Two more airmen are buried at Killiney graveyard near Castlegregory.
It got quite cold sitting around eating so we set off down. The descent was easy enough as the ground was good and dry.
Finally back at the car park we freshened up and made our way back to Dingle,with the intention of calling to the Marino Bar for food and to watch the match. However it was not to be. The place was full and we had to move on to the Schellig Hotel. Here over chowder and steak burgers we reminisced about the day as we watched Mayo falther again on their quest for the Holy Grail. All in all we had a much better day out than the poor Mayo supporters.

Sheeps Head Walk

On Sunday 3 Sept the club walk was on the Sheeps Head in beautiful West Cork. Leaving Kanturk at 8.15 approx we set off on the long journey down. We stopped in Bantry at the Bake house for tea / coffee. Onwards then through Kilcrohane and then we reached the end of the road at Bernies Cupan Te cafe and parked up. We headed first for the lighthouse perched on a cliff above the waves. Then putting the sea to our left we continued along the Poets Way loop.

This is named after a local poet Denis M Cronin  1866 / 1929 who died in Yonkers New York. A plaque inscribed with one of his verse is located along the way. Following the torrential rain on Saturday the ground conditions were wet to put it mildly, and boots were tested as to their ability to keep out the damp. Needless to say with conditions so slippery there were one or two falls but thankfully no injuries.

Even though the coastal fog never lifted we still got some great sea views.
We stopped for a break and some food about halfway and sat on the cliff admiring the view.
Along the way was a plaque erected in memory of three local girls who drowned in 1900, which served as a reminder that care and common sense is always required whether walking by the sea or on the mountains.

There was a fairly sharp climb towards the finish and with the slippery and boggy ground it was tiring, people were glad when we finally crested the hill and could see the car park.
We changed out of our sodden boots, and headed to Arundels on the Pier in Akhaiste where a table had been pre booked. Here there was no fog and the sun was sparkling on Mediterranean like waters.
We dined al fresco on the fruits of the sea. A fitting end to a great day out.

A memorable Trip To The Cliffs Of Moher

 On Sun, Aug. 6th we set off on another new trip,with a good group of 13,.this time to the the Cliffs Of  Moher Walking Trail which is approx. 20 km long. Our first destination was Doolin which was nearly 90 miles away through Ennis & Ennistymon where we parked our cars and boarded the Park & Ride Bus to the start of the trail near Liscannor

 We have climbed higher, longer & tougher but this really was a day to remember as only by visiting this place will you really appreciate the sheer beauty & all the unbelievable views that make up this trip where you really are walking close to the edge. This trail is as dangerous as you want to make it,

there is in most place's an inner path which is safer or another which is close to the edge. It really is in your own hands & up to how brave you are but you really could get in trouble if you started to mess around. You can fairly easily get fantastic views by taking a bit of care & get the real height of the Cliffs & the unbelievable power of nature.

 The most stand out thing was the amount of people were at the Visitor Centre with tourists from all over taking in this iconic place which is a main stay of the Wild AtlanticWay which advertises our country and the beauty of it.Thousands of people, the place was thronged.
 After the Visitor Centre  & our lunch break we set off on the second leg to Doolin and with more fantastic views as we traveled with the Aran Islands in the distance. We finally got to Doolin & our cars and the one thing you would notice was the amount of time this trip took, it must have taken about 5 hours as everyone

was stopping to take photos & peep over the edges along the way and we are from Ireland, you must wonder what the tourists feel & experience. An unbelievable spot & I have been here before.

 To prove the popularity of this area was we could not find a place to get a bite or a cuppa so we ended up in Lisdoovarna to finish off our day and discuss the day.
This part of the day is also important to us as we believe in a bot of a sociable side as well.Again we did what said we would do at the start of the year a good bit of variety in our walks,some up high, some down low, some easy, some hard but always to try something new with a bit of a social side thrown in.