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Galtymore From Kings Yard

SEMRA preparing for training
We decided to climb Galtymore from the south this time for change as we usually do it from the north side. We parked our cars at King's Yard, where a group of mountain rescuers from SEMRA was preparing for training. Ok, we are safe today even if we get lost in the deep snow! ;) To get to Kings Yard from Mitchelstown continue to Kilbeheny and through the village, then turn left.

Galtymore
There's a stone road from King's Yard which becomes very boggy after the sheep pen and ends later at some point. To avoid that boggy part, the best idea is to turn right at the sheep pen and follow the fence until you see a stile, then cross it turning left and continue to the top of Knocknagalty and further to the ridge having a gorgeous view of the valley and western Galtees on your left. It's a very straightforward climb, you can't go wrong. Just go straight up until you reach the main ridge and then turn right to the summit of Galtymore.


Nearly there...
The conditions underfoot today were tough with knee deep snow in places and hidden holes full of snow close to the ridge. After turning right to the summit the path was well traveled and quite easy to follow but slippy in places. Real winter conditions, cold and dry with wind chill making you feel like in different world. White and bright tops contrasting with green lands below and some dark clouds above making the scenery very dramatic and absolutely beautiful.





The group photo by the summit cross
Five of us reached the summit today. We met walkers from Cork Mountaineering Club doing the full circuit from the north taking Slievecushnabinnia, Galtymore, Galtybeg and Cush. Fair play to them doing that today in that tough conditions! After lunch we headed back the same way. Going down was a bit slippy, so each one of us landed on the bottom a few times followed by great laugh of the others. Going back home we stopped at Firgroove Hotel for some tea and hot soup.
Really enjoyable day with some winter fun, we can't wait to do more!



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