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Carrauntoohill -Going Up " The Big One "

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On Sunday July 28th the Club Outing was to Carrauntoohill. As usual we left Kanturk at 8.30am to meet up at the staring point at Cronin's Yard . For a minimal charge this place is very handy in that you can a have a cuppa before you start if you want, a place to change your gear or have a shower after, your car and belongings are safe and you have a fine newly refurbished cafe to come back to afterwards.

Our chose route was by the Brother O'Sheas Gully route which was very suitable to the group of 17 that we had with a good cross section of our members in that it gave everyone a good chance to do the climb. There is no easy way to climb Carrauntoohill. This route named after a local Brother O'Shea is the second most popular route to the top.

The weather at this point was overcast, cloudy and misty with an odd drizzle thrown in.

After leaving Cronin's Yard we made our way out along before we turned right for our route passing near the rescue hut & the junction for another route " The Heavenly Gates ". We took abreak for a while at Irelands Highest lake Cummeenoughter. This is a good stopping point as it comes just before the last climb up to the top of O'Sheas Gully.



On reaching this point you are left with one last climb to the peak. On reaching the top the rain came down on us which was disappointing as the forecast had been good but up here those rules do not apply. That is why you appreciate the good sunny days here to see all the views. But on this occasion it was not to be.




We took a quick group photo with a hurried snack before we set off again, no hanging around today. Our chose way down was to go by the Zig Zag route as the other routes may be quicker but taking in the rain and its flow off would make the Devils Ladder & Heavenly Gates descent routes very messy & slippy and anyway even though it is longer the Zig Zag Route is by far an easier route down.
As we came down along & as we came below the cloud the views opened up again and as you look around you see the vast rugged landscape & its beauty,
As we came to the bottom all that was left to do was the 45 min. walk in & back to Cronin's Yard glad with the fact everyone was back safe.
There is 2 things here in that you always respect this mountain & keep a good concentration and with that it gives everyone a chance to complete it which is always an achievement no matter how many times you do it.
Off to Cronin's yard we go for a change of clothes before some refreshments.


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Location: Carrauntoohil, Coomcallee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

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