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.