Showing posts with label Winter Walking Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Walking Ireland. Show all posts

Monday 16 March 2020

Central Gully Carrauntoohil

I'm back home a week now from Scotland and back working nights but this morning I thought it would be a good idea to get some fresh air so I decided to go for a hike. My legs were healed from the strafing of the boots and I'm back running so I was looking forward to getting out. I was understandably a little weary heading home and when you factor in the miserable weather this morning I admit that I was tempted to ditch the idea and head for bed. The lure of the mountains prevailed though and after breakfast I gathered a delightfully light rucksack and set off west. I had thought to do a quick up and down Mangerton which would take just a couple of hours but I had brought my brand new Mammut Kento High GTX boots along and seeing that a dusting of snow lay to about 600 metres, on a whim I decided on Carrauntoohil.

Always a great sight...and the weather is playing ball as well

I arrived in a busy Cronins Yard and was hot footing it into the Hags Glen by 09.30. The  new boots fit like a glove and felt gloriously light after the heavy boots of last week. With practically nothing left in the rucksack it felt great to be so unencumbered. To top all that the weather was showing real promise so I was quite delighted to be out. I was moving quite quickly as I was anxious to get back reasonably early because I had to be back in work by 19.00. I decided to climb up through Coumeenoughter and possibly use Curve Gully to summit if there was a reasonable amount of snow. As I got higher it became clear that it was just a dusting even in the gullies so I had resigned myself to going up O'Sheas Gully instead. As I was climbing I noticed a guy following me who was really moving quickly. When he caught up with me near the second level I was delighted to find it was Keith Wharton with whom I had last climbed with some 9 years previously. Where does the time go?. We stayed together for the rest of the climb and at Keith's suggestion we ascended Central Gully.
Looking up Central


This provided a short but nice climb up through the narrow gully. There was some snow in the gully but nothing useful. It was soft and slushy and only served to cover any slippy stones. A short blast of a graupel shower made it feel quite wintry but all too soon the route ends and the couple of hundred foot climb to the summit passed quickly. It was nice to catch up with Keith again and the chat flowed. The summit was quite wintry so we didn't delay before heading for the Devils Ladder. The descent was a joy. The trail had collected a good cover of powder snow which was a joy to jog down. Add to this the fact that the skies cleared and offered a stunning view of Caher and the East Reeks it felt like a great bonus. I kept up a good pace down the ladder and all the way to the car and I was really pleased to arrive back just 3 hours 30 minutes after setting out.
 It had been one of those days where you don't have high expectations but then delivered in spades.



Wednesday 18 December 2019

A Winters Round Of The Coumloughra Horseshoe

On Sunday I decided to treat myself to another winters outing. This time I opted for a traverse of the three highest mountains in the land which makes for an excellent grade 1 winter route.
When snow lies on the mountains the landscape takes on a magical quality that makes hill goers far and wide salivate at the prospect of spending time on them. The experience can be sublime. Hours traversing sunny wonderful scenery in crystalline crisp air tends to create memories that last a lifetime. Sometimes though it can be a real test of physical and even mental resolve and when you reach lower ground you can feel like you have been put through the proverbial wringer. This time it was a little bit of both.

It was dark until I was beyond Killarney so I couldn't see the conditions on the mountains but when I was passing Fossa I could finally see the majesty of the scene and the Reeks looked stunning with snow lying to around 600 metres. The tops were mostly clear at the moment but plenty of dark menacing cloud lay elsewhere so I expected to have some showers while I was out. I had toyed with the idea of trying for an easy winter climb, something like "The Step" (a grade 2 route) but conditions were reported to be still a little thin so I decided that the Coumloughra Horseshoe would give the best chance of good conditions. I drove the extra miles to the deserted carpark at the base of the hydro road and, as heavy sleety rain arrived when I did, I put on the rain gear and off I went. There is something lovely about being warm and well protected while you walk in bad weather and straight away I was enjoying my day. Cloud had covered the tops and to the west the blackness of approaching squalls looked menacing but it promised to be at the very least an invigorating trip.
The sleet had turned to snow by the time I reached Lough Eighter and the breeze had turned to a wind but it was thrilling. I decided to head towards Caher first as this allows for a more enjoyable scramble as you cross the Beenkeragh Ridge. Finally I reached the snow line as I rose up the long easy spur that swept up into the cloud towards Caher. The wind wasn't too bad. The snow had stopped and the hint of a clearance was also in the air..life was good. Once I was up at around 750 metres the clearance finally arrived and it was a glorious sight to see the snowy spectacular landscape finally revealed. Across the coum Skregmore looked great but it was the distant Caherconree on the Dingle Peninsula that caught the eye. It was just a brief clearance however and I was soon enveloped in the mist again and I resumed my upward journey. At around the 850 metre contour the rocks became coated in snow ice but my boots were still able to get a good grip so I didn't require crampons. The West Top was a bleak winter wonderland with everywhere plastered in icy snow. Looking into the abyss on the left was exciting but a cold stiff wind ensured that I kept moving so I dropped to the wild col and headed to the main summit of Caher which just passes the 1000 metre mark. A very enjoyable walk along the airy ridge followed and sometimes fleeting glimpses of the bottom of the coum could be seen. Next comes the climb to the summit of Carrauntoohil which passed quickly and here I stopped to put on my crampons and got the ice axe out before tackling the steep descent to the top of O'Sheas Gully. While I was putting on a warmer pair of gloves the clouds parted and the glorious views all around were revealed. I took a few pictures quickly before setting off for the Beenkeragh Ridge. On the way down to the ridge the view to Caher took on an otherworldly appearance as it was suddenly backlit by the sun while dark clouds beyond looked menacing. It was wonderful but you will have to take my word for it as it was too much of a faffle to try and take off my gloves and root my phone out of its protective wrapping so I could get a picture. I probably wouldn't have been able to do it justice anyway.



Across to Skregmore

Caher always looks great

Summit views
The first section of the ridge is the best and it gives an airy exciting scramble on good rock to the point on the ridge called The Bones. It requires some care using crampons but I took my time and soon all the good stuff was over. I stuck to the path for the rest of the ridge until I reached the summit of Beenkeragh at 1009 metres. Suddenly the wind, once I reached this point in the journey increased dramatically in strength and basically from here all the way until I arrived back down at Lough Eighter I was pummeled and battered by what must at times been 70 mph gusts that made progress very difficult and at times very treacherous. Add to this frequent blasting by spindrift and hailstones and lets just say I was glad to have brought my goggles but sorry I hadn't included a balaclava as any exposed skin was stung by the hail. I stayed in the lee of the slope for much of the way but always the wind found me and by the time I was at the lake I felt like I had been in something of a battle. It was tiring but equally engaging and thrilling. The walk back to the car was straightforward and the weather was also on the up with mostly blue skies allowing for stunning vistas. I arrived back at the car 5 hours 40 minutes after setting off and it is fair to say I was thrilled with my day. It had been a totally full on winter battering and I was delighted to have come out on the other side. The Reeks delivered yet again.    

Back down..phew

Thursday 12 December 2019

The Clydagh Valley Horseshoe on The Galtees

Winds from the northwest meant a forecast of snow on high ground so as a last hurrah before I returned to work I decided to head to The Galtees in the hope of a blast of winter. Setting off from home in the middle of a heavy shower of sleety rain it certainly felt wintry enough and I must say I was looking forward to it. The drive down was as much in rain as not but some clear skies meant I was hopeful that I might get some views as well. Finally as I approached Mitchelstown I could see a dusting on the mountains down to around the 600 metre level...game on 😊.

I decided to do the Clydagh Valley Horseshoe as this would give a decent outing without being too long and still crossing over Galtymór. I set off at 10.20 and decided to head for Lough Curra first as this would hopefully mean the stiff wind would be at my back. A heavy sleet shower meant I was fully suited as I set off but when it cleared I took off the hard shell and packed it away and this is where it stayed for the rest of the trip. Perhaps it was the sight of snow but I found myself really excited by the trip. I suppose it is only natural to feel a little jaded at times but today I I was really excited to be here. The walk up to the wonderful coum in which nestles Lough Curra went well and I was at the snowline by the time I reached the dark waters. I headed around the lake to the far right corner and climbed the broad easy gully that leads to the crest of the main Galty ridge. Once out of the shelter of the gully it was definitely full on winter. This was emphasized by the arrival of a squall of horizontal snow which thankfully was being blown by a following wind. I was also in the cloud but I didn't mind as it was simply invigorating to experience this wild winter weather in this wonderful landscape.
Across to Cush

The easy gully


Suddenly clearing
As I neared the summit of Galtymór I was delighted to find that the cloud was opening up and soon I was able to enjoy views as well as the weather. The summit was quite icy and when I started the descent towards Galtybeg I had to exercise some care so as to avoid a slip. Any notions that I was "hard core" by being out in this weather were dispelled when I was passed by a hill runner dressed in shorts, a very lightweight jacket and runners as he made his way to the top. I was well impressed. When I reached the col above Lough Diheen I was suddenly assaulted by another squall and by spindrift as it was blown up the slope. I had reason to regret not bringing any goggles as well as forgetting crampons. There are few things more unpleasant than a speeding bit of snow or ice hitting your eyeball...ouch. The wind seemed to be getting a little stronger and on the top of Galtybeg it was buffeting. I didn't delay before setting off down the icy slopes and heading for Cush. The clearance brought wonderful light and views and it was delightful all the way to the top and back to the car. It had taken 3 hours 25 minutes to cover the 13 kilometres and included over 1000 metres of ascent. It was a lovely outing.
Summit of Galtymór

Wonderful light



Saturday 13 April 2019

Winter to Spring 😎 Snow on the Galtees to climbing Howling Ridge..What I did in March

Having returned from a very enjoyable trip to the Scottish Highlands it was nice to get back out on my own hills once again. I had enjoyed wonderful spring weather in Scotland and the mountains  there were denuded of snow. So it was somewhat ironic that for a blast of winter I had to head to The Galtees.

 The spring weather basically left as I returned home and a cold snap followed. I headed around to the northside of the range and decided to do the Clydagh Valley Horseshoe. The mountains looked amazing in the clear crisp morning and I was really looking forward to the outing. Besides the chill wind, the first thing I noticed was the joy of moving with a light backpack. I set off up towards Cush first and once I reached the open mountainside it was great to look across the valley and enjoy the sight of the steep snow clad hills that filled the landscape. The slog up to the summit of Cush is always  tough but it doesn't last long and soon enough I was enjoying this tremendous viewpoint. Well, enjoying might be stretching it a bit as it was really windy and damm cold on top. I wasted no time in setting off for my next summit Galtybeg. Down into the glen and things warmed up nicely  (relatively speaking ) and the 400 metre climb that follows ensured I stayed warm. Once on the ridge I could see some cloud starting to form which was a harbinger of the thaw that was to arrive around noon. Not that it had arrived yet and it was bracing all the way to the summit of Irelands highest inland mountain, Galtymore. The wind and the chill on Dawsons Table was vicious and it wasn't a place to linger. Thankfully once I was lower send traversing above Lough Curra things were easier and I enjoyed myself until I passed Slievecushnabinnea when I was able to decend easily to the valley floor. An enjoyable stroll back through the woods saw me reach the carjjust 3 hours 20 minutes after I started. The thaw had really kicked in and as I drove back the snow was in swift retreat. It was a lovely morning.

What a view from Cush


I returned to the Galtees on the 20th for an overnight stay. I wasn't being a complete selfish numpty as my wonderful lady wife and me had had a very pleasant away stay in the excellent Sneem Hotel Apartments where I enjoyed a few runs in this wonderful area. After returning home and with a full moon and clear skies promised I made a last minute decision to head for the wilds again. I had hoped to camp up on the main ridge near Carrignabinnea where there is a lovely flat ledge where amazing views to the north can be enjoyed as well as watching the sunset and the dawn if you have a mind. As I said it was a last minute decision and I left it too late to reach the ridge before dark. I only reached the 650 metre level before I had to finally drop the bag and erect my tent. I then had to drop down a surprising amount to reach a water source and it was fully dark before I was finally all settled. I wasn't too disappointed because the weather was not as forecast and I was engulfed in cloud and a stiff breeze was also buffeting the tent. My hopes of expansive moonlit vistas were not to be. Nevertheless I enjoyed the night and in the morning I completed the climb to the ridge where I was fleetingly above the clouds and Dawsons Table could be seen in the sunshine. I completed the walk over Galtymore and Galtybeg and returned to my car well before noon. Not the ideal outing I had hoped for but is always a pleasure to camp in the mountains.
Looking promising but the cloud increased

Briefly above the cloud.

The meeting of the waters

Not all the magic is on the tops

I'm training for a marathon which is on at the end of May so I have been doing a fair bit of running to try and build up the miles. I had entered the Mallow 10 mile race and I was looking forward to it. On the day the weather was perfect, dry and cool with very little wind. I was not sure exactly how fast to try and run but if I equalled my time of just under 73 minutes at Dunvarvan I would have been happy. As I stood in the crowd before the start I made a last minute decision to try and stick to the 70 minute pacers for a bit and just see how I felt. Well I was running well and managed to actually pass the pacers and I stayed ahead of them for the first five miles. When they passed me I thought that was it but I managed to cling on to them for another mile or so. Then they drifted ahead a couple of hundred metres but by then I had the bit between my teeth and I decided to try to break 70 minutes. Try as I might I couldn't bridge the gap and I finished at 70 minutes 12 seconds. I was more delighted than disappointed...but still...
It is just mile three..I didn't looks as relaxed further on.
Spring had well and truly sprung when on a warm sunny morning on March 28th I headed back to the Reeks for a bit of scrambly fun. I had decided to climb Howling Ridge and take advantage of the great conditions but as I walked into the Hags Glen I decided to head first to the Hags Tooth and so extend the day and add an excellent grade 2 or 3 scramble. After you climb the rock band after the stream just head towards the base of the tooth, picking the most interesting outcrops of rock en route and once you reach the overhanging section you have a choice...right or left. If you go right then you reach an impasse when you have to thread the eye of a needle through the rock to reach the northern side in order to reach the summit of the tooth. This can be fun but it is less hassle and just as nice to pass the overhangs on the right and scramble to the top. Some serious exposure is "enjoyed" neat the top but there is nothing too difficult. After the top just drop to the top of the gully that heads down to the first level of Coumeenoughter. Next comes the climb to the heavenly Gates. I like to climb directly up the rock steps that lie below the old hut as this gives a flavour of what is to come. I enjoyed a brief rest at the gates and then just set off Howling Ridge is always a joy and it felt especially good today when the rock was warmed in the sun, I just relaxed (carefully) and made steady and enjoyable progress up the varying steps. All to soon I reached the final pinnacled section and then it was over. I continued to the summit and basked in the afterglow of having climbed a great route. After my customary bite to eat I headed for the East Reeks. I had hoped to cross the Cnoc na Peiste ridge but time constraints meant I only reached the summit of Cnoc na Peiste before heading down. It had been a super day and re affirmed my liking for doing some more rock climbing.
Always inspiring

A great view of the ridge

Looking down from the top of Howling

Caher and Coumasaharn beyond

Looking up to the Hags Tooth...takes your pick of the best bits




Wednesday 6 February 2019

Winter Walking on the MacGillycuddy Reeks

After the delights of Mayo last weekend I couldn't pass up on the chance of a decent winter outing on The Reeks so I forwent some sleep on Friday morning and left direct from work and headed West. Snow was still lying to pretty low levels and with the temperature hovering at just 1 degree as I left the car at Lisliebane it promised to be quite chilly on top. A substantial snowfall had occurred yesterday and I reckoned that all gullies would be deep wallow fests so I opted to climb The Bone and see what I felt like doing from there. The cloud hung pretty low on the mountains but the forecast was decent with the promise of better later in the day. I had crampons and axe on the bag but I wasn't over hopeful that they would be needed. I walked into the Hags Glen until I crossed at the outflow of Lough Callee and then the climbing started.

Looking promising?

A steepish start and add in the soft snow made it a little tougher than usual but I plodded on and reached the crest of the spur. Here I reached the first drifts of the day and they made for some less than elegant progress. The rocky bits made things a tad spicier and the rocks were nicely coated in rime ice. The Bone is a long route and once you pass the second rock section the slog is long and tiring. As I got higher the wind strengthened and the temperature dropped. At the summit of Maoláu Buí things were very wintry indeed. The wind was a hoolie and it was  loaded with spindrift and being in the cloud the visibility was at times literally zero. My watch was reading minus 4 and it felt much lower in the wind....it was thrilling and invigorating and just great. The goggles were on straight away and I set off towards Cnoc an Chuillinn. There was some cornices on the ridge and drifting of snow so progress wasn't straightforward but enough visibility remained to make safe progress. Chuillinn duly arrived and passed and when I dropped down to the next col things eased off wind wise and I got some views down to the valley. I climbed to the top of Cnoc na Toinne and headed towards the devils Ladder. A full snow covering on the flat top meant that at times visibility was zero and I had to stop and wait for some features to emerge. On the descent to the ladder emerged from the cloud and the stunning snowy alpine like vistas were delightful to see. Lastly I had the 300 metre slog to the summit of Carrauntoohil. Never easy, it was even more of a plod today but thankfully a lot of the snow was firm enough to bear my weight. Alas some cloud arrived at the top just as I arrived so the views to Benkeeragh were denied me so I settled out of the breeze (yes it was easier here) and actually got to enjoy my lunch (almost) in solitude. I decided to return via the Devils Ladder and this was a swift and easy snow gully which was lovely to descend. Back out to the car in the sun and I finished in 6 hours and 20 minutes..slow and definitely more tired than normal..just not used to the snow I guess. Beautiful and invigorating day. More please before the winter ends.
Approaching The Ladder and things clear

Caher


The Brida Valley and Mullaghanattin




Slieve Mish