A simply sensational October day on Ireland's Highest

This was definitely the best day we had so far on the Reeks. We were a little bit afraid about the weather while driving to Killarney as the fog was very thick and it looked like was going to stay with us for the day giving us no chance  for the good views. But then it suddenly disappeared and by the time we got to Lisleibane car park the day turned out to be the most beautiful warm and sunny and it felt more like July than October. Absolutely unbelievable...

Heavenly Gates

We decided to climb up the Heavenly Gates and go down the Devil's Ladder.

The Sun shining all the way up and no breeze made us all feel very warm and at some point all the spare layers of clothing we wore came out and landed in our backpacks. It was a day for t-shirts and shorts. 

Heavenly Gates is a nice route and a good alternative to two other popular ascent routes: Devil's Ladder and O'Shea's Gully. The other two routes can be very busy at times especially when the weather is so good. There's a mountain rescue hut on that route just in case somebody has to stay overnight when the conditions are too bad to make a safe descent. We always show it to everyone doing that route for the first time and so we did this time too. 

Heavenly Gates

But our best place is definitely a ledge at the Heavenly Gates where you can get amazing views of the Hags Glen. And the views today were amazing!

At the top you could still stay in your t-shirt. Sunny, warm with no breeze... So unusual in that place even in the summer... There's no words to describe the feeling and the clarity of the views. 

At the top

The view towards Hags Glen and Eastern Reeks

Beenkeragh

Beenkeragh Ridge

Going down the Ladder

We descended via Devil's Ladder this time as we don't really like the long Zig-Zags route. Always remember to be careful and take your time while going down the Ladder.

We did our hike in 5 hours and 20 min including our lunch break which was a good time. 

What happened on The Bone | Eastern Reeks Misty Adventure

This post will be very different than the others... The day turned out bad. You need days like that though just to remind you that mountains can be dangerous and you should always respect them. We want to share this story to remind the others how quickly things can go wrong and how important is a good preparation, bringing the right gear even if the forecast is good (it's always only a forecast) and to have somebody who can read maps and use compass (and even that person can make a mistake).

The black clouds covering Eastern Reeks

The weather was so good in recent days that we were all expecting sunbathing on the top and maybe swimming in the lake after walk, but when we arrived at Cronins Yard we saw the black clouds covering Eastern Reeks. The top of Carrauntoohil was covered as well but you could see some more light there on that side. But the eastern part of the range was just black...

Off we went hoping for the clouds to clear later on. We climbed up Devil's Ladder quite fast and without any problems. We had our lunch on the top of the ladder and headed up Cnoc na Toinne. At this point one of the leaders started feeling a little bit unsure as the fog was thickening and winds getting stronger. At this point we should have used our escape route down the safe Zig-Zag route. 

Climbing up Devil's Ladder

Remember here please. If you feel unsure, don't go. But we as a group went forward. We were trying to be too brave.

This is where good leaders are vital. In the fog just stay calm and follow the bearing. We had the route card with all the waypoints and bearings, we had 2 compasses and the map. What could go wrong? We learned that day that something still could... 

Looking back to Cnoc na Toinne

We set our compasses and we climbed the next peak Cnoc an Chuillinn no problem. The path is quite easy to follow, but the higher we went the thicker the fog was and soon we lost the view down to the Hag's Glen completely. We continued on the ridge following the bearing again until we reached Maolán Buí (The Bone). That's it we've made it, only down this path now and back to Cronin's Yard. Easy peasy we thought. Set the compass and go...

We started descending all relaxed and happy, talking and laughing. And... then it happened. We had our compasses deep in our pockets and were just following the path until suddenly we had drifted off the route, going to the left without noticing it and missing out on an easy to follow route with some rusted metal fencing posts which will guide you to the bottom. A momentary lapse that led to a tough descent.

One very important thing at this point. We found from later research that it happened there to some other walkers before us in exactly the same point. That point is V831 839.  We had lost the path due to a false path going down to a steep gully used by some individuals who like climbing up these gullies (there's 2 of them there). That is why we posted this to warn people of the easy mistake we made.

One of the 2 sttep gullies down The Bone (not the one we used)

The path  we used started getting steeper and steeper and we knew we were wrong. We looked at the compass. Yes we had drifted west... One of our experienced went down to check down below, saw the lake (Loch Coimin Mor) and then knew we were much too far west. He thought we would have to climb back up to the ridge running down from the top of The Bone to the Hag's Glen and find the path must be there. It was, he found it. He even rang us to tell us that. 

The end of the gully and Loch Coimin Mor

But while he was down below we started to get cold from sitting around, one of our other leaders actually found a safe looking gully, went  down to check this gully and found that it was clear to the bottom and was definitely walked before. It was steep and maybe difficult for some but we managed by staying together as a group. It was a good scramble to the bottom, but we got there slowly but safely.

Our other leader was at that stage going back up to meet us as well, but we contacted him and told him that we decided to go down the gully without climbing back and trying to find the right path. We were safe seeing Hag's Glen and the path between the 2 lakes. We met up with the other leader too.
Back to Cronin's Yard then for some hot coffee.

Hag's Glen - the safe view

Things to remember:

1. Don't go if you're unsure of the route or the weather 
2. Bring the right gear! Even if they give 30 degrees in the forecast, bring something wind and water proof.
3. Make sure you go with somebody who can read maps and use compass as if we had not we would have been in real trouble.
4. Don't panic in the fog. Keep your compass in your hand and follow the bearing not only a path as some paths might be false.
5. Don't be too brave and always consider the ability of the group.

THIS IS THE ROUTE DOWN THE BONE WE DID BY A MISTAKE, DON'T FOLLOW IT! USE THE RIGHT PATH DOWN. KEEP TO THE RIGHT AND STAY ON THE RIDGE WHILE DESCENDING

Carrauntoohil For The First Time in 2016 Part 2 (& Clara)

Two groups went out this time.

The first was a small group of those who couldn't go up Carrauntoohil last Sunday. Together with Denis O'Mahony our favorite  Mountain Leader, we climbed it today. For two of the group, Roseann and Stephanie this was the first ascent of  'The Big One' and they did very well.

We decided to follow the same route as the group of us who did it last week. Starting from Lisleibane we climbed up The Heavenly Gates hoping for the clouds to lift up, but we had no luck this time. 

The Boots at The Heavenly Gates

The cross was occupied by the group of Scouts from Dublin who were doing The Four Peaks 2016 Challenge and as a result of that we had to wait for our turn to take our group photo. But the cafe was ours, because we were faster than them and there was too many of them to fit inside (LOL). 

The Heffernan Gang: Roseann, Stephanie & Anna (almost Heffernan) at the top

No views from the top this time so the 2 girls will have to come back some day to see it.

Denis minding us on the Devil's Ladder

As we were descending the Scouts were behind us singing mad and having a great time. We were very happy that they decided to go down The Zig Zags, because they could move a lot of stone going down The Devil's Ladder(!) Big groups should avoid this route especially going down.

We descended carefully with no rush.

When we were down, we looked up and of course now the top was clear. We admired the north-eastern side of the Big One for a while, planning to do Hags Tooth and Howling Ridge(!) some day (only the hard core part of the club :) ) 

We walked back to the car and went back home stopping in Rathmore for a drink and a chat. We had a lovely day out and just can't wait to go back there as we love the place so much...

***

The second group went up Clara, a small but lovely hill with gorgeous views of our beloved Duhallow.

Carrauntoohil -- For the First Time in 2016

For our latest excursion we decided to go up the 'Big One' and we had the great luck to pick a near perfect March day. Eight of us struck off at 9.30 am from the Lisbiebane Car Park. One great advantage starting from here is compared to starting from Cronins Yard is that you get a chance to loosen out the legs as there is a short steep early climb coming up from Cronins Yard where this way is mostly level.

On we continued in the main trail until we cut straight across at the mouth of Lough Gouragh. Our chose route was to go up the Heavenly Gates Route as the other probable route on this side of the river was the O'Sheas Gully  and our leader Denis O'Mahony reckoned there was snow up that side of the ridge and also it was quite windy at this point of our journey.

The Heavenly Gates Route is probably our favourite route up as it's a bit easier than the others and certainly at this time of the year more sheltered. The last leg from O'Sheas Gully to the top might be hard for some and it's more exposed. On we went with a bit of scrambling along the way as there is on all the routes.

Today we had two members who were on their first ascent to the Summit. Bernie Collins & Pearse O'Dwyer were the two who were on their first Carrantoohill excursion, the most amazing thing is that Pearse is not only a Kerryman but also a Killarney native and he had to get a few Cork renegades to show him the way, but he was in good company with Denis looking after us.

We are not the quickest group that you will ever meet but we get there and as preceded along up the ridge the day was clearing as we went along with the usual bantering & giving out other people sticks but sure you will have that. 

There is one thing coming this way by the time you get to the plateau you think you are nearly there and then some. To your right the last leg to the top appears and this one can really rip your insides out. Finally the cross appears and one thing sure on this day I was really hungry and by good fortune there was a seat available at the dinner table. One downside of this day was the fact it was quite cold at the top. Grub eaten & the group photo taken plus 2 singular photos for our first timers to cherish. No matter how many times you do it, it is always a thrill & achievement to get to the top especially for the first time. 

Downwards we go.

When we got to the plateau, the weather at this point was really nice and the views were spectacular. The decision for our descent was to go down The Devils Ladder. The first part of this is quite steep and for me it is down on the backside time to slide down a bit at the time. Going down the Ladder means two things, yes it is quicker but it also means a lot of scrambling from rock to rock. At this stage of our journey the day was really bright and we got some lovely photos. No matter how often you come here this place can always stun you with beauty.

One thing bad about the Carrantoohill trail is that when you get down off the mountain you still have nearly an hour back to the car but thankfully we all got back safe & sound which is the most important thing. Like the last day up Galtymore when we had Ger Morrissey, today we had Denis to guide us safely. From us all to both we really do appreciate what both of you do for us. Thanks!

Finally the most important part of the day. The aftermath synopsis, the pit stop to refuel and not to be forgotten slagging match where stories of the day are told & excuses are made and kept for.

Carrauntoohil via Devil's Ladder and down Heavenly Gates

A small group of us went to Carrauntoohil on an absolute glorious day, we went at a leisurely pace where time did not bother us the day was so good.

Jer at the top of Devil's Ladder

We used the Devil's Ladder route to get to the top, this route is probably the shortest route to the top but one that is not really recommended to use to come back down by because of loose stone and debris and worn paths that are okay to go up. When we got to the top of the Ladder there was hardly a puff of wind blowing with great views and as we headed for the top we looked over our shoulders and there coming up the Ladder behind us was a Cloud right up the Gully which was spectacular.

The cloud coming up Devil's Ladder Gully

We got to the Top most notable for the fact on such a good day the place was very quiet . Everybody must have been at home watching the World Cup Rugby match  vs Argentina. When we were having lunch at the diner, we heard the score. Not Good !

The clear view stretched in all directions from Kenmare to Dingle, North Kerry to over the Border in Cork. Never seen this place so calm and tranquil.

Posted by Padraig Breen on Sunday, 18 October 2015

The Boots

To make our visit to the top complete, the famous brown boots had to be photographed on the top of Howling Ridge (again!), down below the "TURN BACK NOW!" sign. Those boots will yet climb it from  Heavenly Gates up to the top someday.

And then there was John Cronin singing a Kingdom Song teasing us, replied by Johnny Logans " Whats another Year "

We headed for home by using The Heavenly Gates track. A track that again is a short way home but requires a bit of srambling and sitting on the bum in places especially for a fella with bad knees, thats my excuse. Again there was no great hurry in us the day was so good.

Anna at the Heavenly Gates

The day finished off by a cup of coffee and nice things in the Coffee Shop. A good day out by all.