Cardiac Steps and Torc Mountain

On Sunday 14 Oct on a beautiful clear morning, with a slight touch of frost we left town at 08.30. We were headed to Muckross House in Killarney. As the morning fog along the Blackwater valley burned off, the Derrynasaggart mountains were in sharp relief against a blue sky to our left, in front of us the Reeks could be seen.
Arriving at Muckross we changed into our gear,and went to the cafe for tea / coffee. Outside the windows the lush parklands stretched out before us, with Torc Mountain as a backdrop. The summit of Torc Mountain at 535 meters was to be the highest point of our walk.
The first part of the walk took us through gravel paths on level ground before we crossed the N 71.
Then we were climbing gradually through woodland and finally we reached the path on our left. This is the start of what seems a never ending stone staircase. Up and up they go all the while fantastic views of the lakes coming into view behind us. On our right buried somewhere in the dense

undergrowth,the gurgling sound of water can be heard through the laboured breathing. Up up they go no hiding place here. Finally we reach level ground. Taking a breather here and some photos.
We continue eastwards across the northern face of Torc, loosing some hard won altitude as we go.
 Reaching the Old Kenmare Road we set our course South west along the valley between Mangerton and Torc. Then we turn right at the sign for a Torc and follow the sleepered path in a zig zag route to the summit. There are a few false summits along the way. The view from the top was breathtaking Killarney and the lakes to the north. The Reeks to the west, away towards Kenmare to the south. To the east the Ballyhoura and Galtees could be seen. I may be wrong but I think that Mount Hillary was also visible. The weather was excellent and the views were crystal clear no haze. We ate and relaxed for a while taking in the views. Being such a good day there was a great mixture of people about. From foreign tourists to locals to day trippers like ourselves. Both young and not so young. I spotted one little man , dummy in mouth walking up not a bother on him.
We retraced our steps. This being rutting season the throaty roars of the stags could be heard from the slopes of Mangerton. As starry eyed stags went in search of willing does...Rutting comes from the Latin Rugire meaning to roar...With testosterone levels high the stags can be very dangerous and aggressive at this time and are best avoided.

We reached the old Kenmare Road and took the route that would pass by Torc Waterfall. With the Owengarriffe river rushing headlong to the falls on our left, we continued down the stepped path. There was the usual swarm of tourists around the waterfall.
We crossed the N71 into the grounds of Muckross and made our way back to the car park.
It was a great days walking in ideal conditions.

“ Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
   Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees “........... John Muir.