Sunday 11 November 2012

A Hill-Run on The Comeragh Mountains

Yesterday myself and Kevin went for a run on the Monavellagh Mountains which abut the southwestern side of the Comeraghs. Us being us we decided to extend the run we had done earlier in the year so we parked at the start of a forestry road at Bleantasour and opted to head for Milk Hill. This allowed for a lengthy run over Tooreen Mountain before reaching the upper plateau and finally reaching Seefin at 726mtrs. The run up Milk Mountain was reasonable over rough surprisingly stony ground but with mercifully short heather. As we got higher the ground got worse so by the time we reached the plateau we had to walk the flat ground as it was a blanket of long tussocky grass and rutted ground. Wow, walking was even difficult and we were delighted to reach the summit and have a rest in the large shelter.

Initially when we started off there was a stiff chill breeze and the tops were blanketed in cloud. Just before we reached Seefin all the cloud disappeared and we were able to enjoy the expansive views that encompassed the entire southeast to the sea. After a few energy bars and a chat with a few walkers who took shelter from the wind as well we set off for Farbreaga. Now the fun began. We were familiar with this ground and we revelled in the good track that went along the broad spur. A sudden steepening ensured the interest was maintained and a few "almost falls" that turned to "sliding recoveries" ensured we had big grins on our faces when we rested briefly at the standing stone at the col before Coumaraglinmountain. This was what we had come for and was enjoyed all the more after the rough ground of the first section of the outing. The trail continued more wetly to the next summit and from there we went to the cairn at the slightly lower Farbreaga. We rested briefly again and studied our options on the map.

We set off in a westerly direction for a kilometer before turning south over Treenearla Commons to the road. This section was super fun over good ground with really closely cropped heather and later on on a good track until we reached the road. It was liberating and exhilarating. Because we could we had decided to extend the run to Crohaun. This added a few kilometers to the day and an extra 150mtrs but the lovely views and excellent sunken shelter allowed us the enjoy a brief rest and chat and hatch plans for a possible bivvy in the future. From here we ran easily back to the road. Now we had an unavoidable 10K return road run to the car. Neither of us was looking forward to this but we were delighted to discover that the first few kilometers was along a lovely road that went gently down through open bog which offered lovely views towards the Knockmealdown Mountains and to our right we were able to see the entire length of our day so far. This lovely road served to ease the difficulty of our return to the car and the warming sun made everything look great. Eventually all good things end and when we reached the low point of the run at Scart Bridge and I must say the last three kilometers up hill were a bit of a trudge. But the end was in sight and it kept us going.
We arrived back at the car in 3hours 51 having covered almost 28kilometers and 900mtrs of climbing.Kevin it must be said is super fit and left to his own devices would be much quicker to do the run. Still we were both well happy with our day out and we are both really looking forward to the next time. We must take a camera next time.

Monday 5 November 2012

The first taste of Winter

I went back to the Reeks today hoping to get some winter climbing done. It had been cold over the past number of days and there had been a fair dumping of snow over the week. Yesterday there had been a bit of a thaw and a lot of rain so it was more in hope than expectation that I travelled. I parked at Lisliebane on a gorgeous sunny morning with blue skies and no wind. The temperature was about eight degrees so freezing level would have been well above the summits. It had however froze during the night and I was sure that there wouldn't have been too much of a thaw on Carrauntoohil's north face. There wasn't much snow remaining so I left one axe in the car and set off. As I walked under the "Hags Tooth" I could hear the high ululating crying of some wild goats. It was easy to imagine how in centuries past folk were believers in the "Banshee".
Carrauntoohil

I met a couple of guys who were pondering whether it was worth continuing on as they were hoping to do some proper winter climbing. It was fairly clear that none of the ice routes etc were going to be in so they headed for the Gap of Dunloe to do some rock climbing. I decided to head for the old stalwart Curve Gully.

Feeling good to be out in the snow

There was no evidence of snow until I reached the upper level of Coumeenaughter. I climbed the rocky ground to the base of the upper section of Curve and entered the gully. There was a nice line snow left and it had benefited from a few freeze thaws and was nice and firm. I didn't need crampons as I was able to kick nice steps but the axe was definitely useful. Further up there was some rime ice and there was a definite wintry atmosphere. I really enjoyed the climb and it felt great to be on nice snow. Last week there was a hint of Winter in the air and today I got my first taste of what will hopefully be a good winter of climbing both here and abroad. Curve is a quite straightforward Grade I climb that leads directly to the summit. I topped out in splendid isolation and enjoyed a nice lunch in the sunshine and drank in the wonderful views. I continued across to Benkeeragh and once again enjoyed the nice scramble. From the summit down carefully over the snowy rocks and for a change I descended alongside the Hags Tooth. It was a lovely day out and I didn't see a soul other than the two at the start of the day. Roll on the Winter.





Thursday 1 November 2012

A few days in Sneem, West Kerry

Valley near Lauragh
Margaret and me went for a short family trip to Sneem in County Kerry. This is a lovely little village on the western end of the Iveragh Peninsula right in the heart of the Ring of Kerry. The area has it all, mountains galore and a wild and rugged coastline offer options for all types of adventures. This time round I was just doing the tourist thing so touring by car and exploring the local villages and towns was the order of the day. We did a circuit of the Beara Peninsula on one day and delighted again at the gorgeous villages that are to be found there. Splendid coastal scenery was another highlight of the day. I am resolved to return on my bike and explore the area in more detail. If you ever get the chance do this circuit and I am confident you won't be disappointed.


Coumeengearagh


We stayed in the apartments attached to the Sneem Hotel which allowed us to bring Ruby as well. These are really well appointed two bed apartments and offer really superb value. I was also able to use the gym, jacuzzi and sauna in the hotel. I didn't get the chance this time to avail of the complementary Kayaks or bikes but I intend to the next time we visit.

The second day we went to Waterville and went on another lovely tour around Ballinskelligs and Valentia Island. The scenery is a match for almost anywhere and it was nice to have a nice relaxing time. I couldn't visit such an area of course and not do something outdoorsy so on the way back I availed of the opportunity to run a section of the Kerry Way. I started at Caherdaniel and ran back to Sneem. This turned out to be approx 18 kilometers with 400mtrs of ascent. It is for the most part a reasonable path but don't expect not to get quite muddy. There was one section which was under construction that was a complete mucky mess where I actually went into mud above the knees. I had to go into a stream after and give myself a good washing, Brrrr. Anyway all in all I really enjoyed the outing and I intend to do more of the route in the future. The jacuzzi really came into its own that evening and it worked a treat to ease the aching legs. Fish and chips to die for in a local restaurant that evening topped off a lovely day. I would really recommend the area for a visit and especially the Sneem Hotel Apartments which were great and really good value. I will definitely go back in the not too distant future.