Trip from Shrone Lake To Caherbanagh & Back

On Sunday Oct the 23rd we set off on a mystery tour so as we left Kanturk we did not know where we were setting off to. We met the rest of the group in Rathmore and we folloewed on the lead car. A few miles away the mystery was starting to unveil. We were heading towars the northern side of The Paps. We eventually ended up at the gateway to the mountain road at Shrone Lake. This road disects the mountains and can lead you out to the other side near Glenflesk & where we usually start the hike up The Paps.But this day instead of going right for The Paps we were turning left.

In tthe days group we had 9 which was a good number, we started our hike on the mountain roadway & after a few hundred yards we turned left up Shrone More and headed on upwards towards Knocknabro, at this stage of our the morning mist was still down low & it was windy as well so we did not go to the top of this one.Once we got to the top of the first climb most of the day consisted of lots of rambling of going up & downwards through the mountain and as we stretched into the day the weather was starting to clear and it was remaining dry which is always good.

At this stage our destination was the top of Caherbanagh which was the only place still covered in cloud and mist.

We descended down from the top and skirted along the top of the gully heading on towards Glanaphrene where we were intending to link up with the Duhallow Trail. At this stage the skies and scenery were now unfolding nicely on all sides of us.

At this stage we moving more or less parrallel to the main Mallow to Killarney road in the distance with good location markers of the Cadbury factory and the wind turbines of Munster Joinery in view.

Taking the time of the year the conditions were absolutely fantastic and even for the fact of meeting up with the odd boggy patch the blue skies made you forget it very quickly.At this stage The Paps were coming back into good view again so that meant our trip was coming to an end.

We had a great day out and the weather for the most part was really good and this was a new route for us which all adds up and make it another memorable day but I can say talking for most of us that we were tired as we were out six hours and we were glad to see the cars and the chance of a reward of a cup of Coffee & a treat and a drink on the way home.

The Clara Loop - Somewhere so beautifull but so close

After doing Mangerton on Saturday and with the fact that I had a few other things on I was looking to go somewhere but it had to be close. The Clara Loop was decided upon and one thing great about it , this also allowed us to bring a few young lads as it was suitable for them.

Once you got to the cross which we got over with early nearly all the hard stuff was over with, after passing on the Cross and the Stones we headed on westwards facing on towards Caherbanagh.

After a while strolling along with some good weather on our side, not to forget we got some nasty showers in between. Thought the April showers were supposed to be gone, so much so one really nasty shower came within 50 yard of us but passed along beside us without dampening our stride. At this point of our was good because looking back towards Caherbanagh & Kerry was breathtaking. At this stage you are under the cross and mountain and above Ballyday and some of our younger companions were mentioning Cadburys, bringing to mind the thoughts of nice chocolates on seeing the factory below us.

The reason you do not do the Clara Loop more is that it can be mucky in places so just make sure if you decide to do it that it has been dry for a while.

Another thing about this trip is that when you think you have all the hard stuff done, there is a climb back up into the forest which is a bit of a drag and can take it out of your legs.

On coming through the forest we meet up with the most common used  pathway up to the cross and we turn for the cars on time leaving us with plenty of the day to do other things and yet have a good day out.

Our Trip To Caherbanagh

Today on our third trip of 2016 we went to Caherbanagh. We did it earlier as our last trip of the year 2015 in very bad weather conditions. This time we were more lucky - no rain and the top covered with soft fresh snow.

Caherbanagh is a mountain which lies between The Paps and Clara, or otherwise down in the flatlands between Rathmore and Millstreet above Ballydaly. Caherbanagh also lies very close to the Kerry county bounds.

Today we had 10 in the group with the usual of Anna, Padraig, Jer, Sheilanne, Bernie, Denis who brought his daughter with him, Celina plus a few new and welcome recruits in Geraldine, Nuala and Margaret.

We set out to do the complete Loop of Glanaprehane and Caherbanagh at about 10 am. Off we set and the first part was to climb to our right which today was tough - wet and slippy, until we reached snow-covered part nearer the top and then the higher we went the deeper the snow got but certainly not enough to stop us in our tracks. We got to the top of the Plateau and the next pat was level enough all the way around the loop.

Group photo at the top of Caherbarnagh

Coronation Of The President Of Kanturk Hillwalkers & Mountain Climbers ;)

After a short break for a few photos at the top off we strolled again to our eating point which was a well sheltered spot. After the grub we descended away down and as we did so the skies were starting to clear on all sides of us. By this time the top was clear and in front of us the valley and as always spectacular view of Duhallow and Kerry to our West

.

We descended safely but had to watch our steps as it was slippy, finally back to the cars to refresh and decided to call to The Wallis Arms in Millstreet for a little something and a chat. 

https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.0682846,-9.1812105,945a,20y,180h,81.87t/data=!3m1!1e3

Wild, Wet & Windy morning on Caherbarnagh

It is very easy to describe this group outing. It was wet, windy and wild but after getting that out of the way, we did set of with a good group considering the conditions with a total of 9. We were delighted to see a new and young recruit in Maeve Lynes in joining, I only hope she does not question her father for dragging her out on a day like this.

For most of us it was our first time up Caherbanagh so we were delighted to have an experienced guide with us in Denis O'Mahony who looked after us very well. On days like this it is vital to have a well experienced person with the group, as all is fine until something goes wrong. Thanks again Denis from all of us.

Padraig, all wet but still smiling :)

The proof that we did make it to the top,
(the bottle isn't ours)

Our group motto is 'Hillwalking is about Exercise, Scenery and Fresh Air', we certainly got 2 of 3. The missing link was scenery!!! All the view was of cloud and fog. You will have days like this , so you just put your head down and drive on. Our total route just took over 2.5 hrs as there was no pictures or snack times.

It is days like this that make you really appreciate the dry sunny summer days, but one thing it certainly blows away the cobwebs or any dregs in your body. Also on a day like this you really look forward to a good shower, dry clothes, something hot to eat or drink and nearly throw yourself into the fire to warm up again.

Finally always remember one thing, Always Respect the Landowner by closing gates and leaving the place as you find it. If this is not done places like this will become inaccessible to the detriment of everybody. 

To better sunny or dry days out!!