Hags Tooth Ridge April 13th 2007

Thanks to Conor for the notes...

Six members left Lisliebane at 9.30 am in perfect weather for the Hag’s Tooth ridge. The Reeks looked amazing on the walk-in, and Carrantouhil in particular looked stunning when we crossed the last hump to look directly at the Tooth. We crossed the stream and starting climbing immediately to gain the main ridge, and after an increasingly harder hour or so of scrambling, we reached the summit of the Tooth just after 11. We stayed on the very narrow top for a while to take in the views, and then continued to find a lunch spot. After some excitement on the intervening bits, we stopped for lunch on a ledge overlooking the 2nd level of Coimin Iochtar. After lunch we continued upwards, and crossed on to snow about 200 m below the summit of Beenkeragh. After a few stops for to absorb the once-in-a-decade views (absolutely clear visibility, & the ridges looked glorious with the dusting of snow) we stopped on Beenkeragh for an early afternoon tea. That done, we dropped towards aircraft rock, Knockbrinnea, and back to Lisliebane, and hence to the beaufort bar for a drink and relax. Thanks to all who came for making a brilliant day out.

An Chathair, Tomies, Purple and the Gap Feb 2008

The group, all LMC members met at Library place and Kates ready for the days challenge..A longish walk of nearly 14km was ahead, with 1000m climb.. At first it was a little misty, but once we started up the Chimneys it cleared to give fantastic views of Strickeen and The Reeks. The ground on the northern slopes remained partly frozen, which made the normally soft slopes of Tomies a pleasure to climb. The fine weather brought many onto the mountain and gave great views over the lakes of Killarney. We completed the circuit in quick time and were heading back for refreshments to Kates for 2.30pm again. Everyone really enjoyed the day with good banter and terrific views. Thanks to all for a really enjoyable day!! Norman

The Paps Feb 2008

The hike went very well. There were 8 people on it, including myself. The route I had planned was to go up the easterly Pap, then go across to the Westrly Pap and back again. As the snow slowed us down we just did one of the Paps. In the conditions this made good sense.. We went back to Darby O Gills for a drink afterwards.

Cloon Lake Walk/Work Session November 25th 2007

Seventeen (17) turned up for the walk/work session in Cloon. The plan was to start with a work session (removing marker posts on a possible access route to higher ground) and then to carry on to the summit of Mullachanattin (773m), 'Ireland's Matterhorn', expecting to have views into The Pocket and over South Kerry. The forecast (mist on higher ground) held true and even before lunchtime there was nothing to be seen but shadows. GPS and compass work took us along the ridge. With rising winds it was decided to descend early and explore an alternative line off Point 692m. Out of the mist once more by the 300m we returned to sunny balmy conditions, renewing the view of Cloon Lake with its island, the supposed burial place of Red Cloud. A pleasant day despite conditions "up above". The mandatory stop at the Climbers Inn completed the day.

Caherconree October 29th 2007

Thanks to Norman for the notes...

The LMC met at Library place on Monday 29th at 9am, for a hard fast paced walk into the Slieve Mish Mountains with a reasonable weather forecast. The walk distance was about 14km with accent of about 1,200m during the day. The group was on the mountain for about five hours and got some fantastic views of both sites of the peninsula. We did get heavy down pours at times but nothing to dampen the high spirits. We were back to Murphy's pub in Boolteens for light refreshments for about 3 again.

Full mountaineering gear was needed to avoid the bog holes of Caherconree and the cold bite of wind on top of Baurtregaum. Thanks to all for a great day, Norman

Caher Carrauntoohil April 15th 2007

Thanks to Kieran for the (unedited :-) notes...

This is the result of the jury on the walk of the 15 th April2007 Eleven members showed up of all shapes and hues. The car swap was already complete so we were ready to begin at 930 from the hydro road. Excellent weather prevailed throughout and excellent banter was very prevelent and mostly excellent company was at the fore. Onwards to Caher and over to Carranthouil and down the heavenly gates where views were breathtaking and all inspiring and everybody was in great spirits. It remained like that all the way and there were no hiccups (buiohcas le di.0 All said they had a great time ( if you can believe the liars) We arrived 6 hours later at cronins yard where we had tea and thing------------ Thanks to everybody and especially eilish and the contraversial David NR ( figure him out-- impossible) and danny who was super throughout (Love is all you need) Love is allllllllll you need---------- feel the heat???????????????

Strickeen Area March 18th 2007

Thanks to Tim for the notes...

A band of six braved the elements on what was to be a 5hrs walk. Vivaldi's Four Seasons would have been an appropriate choice of listening on the day given the weather experienced - Strong winds, driving hail storms, soft snow falls, low cloud and bright skies featured at various intervals throughout the day. Walk started from the car park at Kate Kearney's cottage to the make our way up towards Strickeen. From the small cairn at the end of the Strickeen track we travelled across the very wet blanket bog towards the base of Cnoc an Bhráca. Upon reaching the base, it was decided that the side of the gully to the left provided the best protection against rain/hailstone in the prevailing winds. The initial accent of Cnoc an Bhrca proved arduous due to high winds and hail stone showers that reduced visibility and was even painful at times! The view upon reaching the summit yielded stunning views of the snow-capped Reeks making the accent very much worthwhile. Not delaying too long in the vicinity of the large cairn so as to minimise our exposure to further hail storms, we descended down the valley between Cnoc an Bhráca and Cnoc na d'Tarbh. On our descent views of Kenmare Bay could be seen. The ferocity of the winds on the top of Cnoc na d'Tarbh proved to be the strongest experienced by most. The wind could be heard galloping through the valley as it approached us and on a number of occasions literally swept us off our feet, the only course of action being to sit down on the spot until it passed! We journeyed back towards Strickeen reaching our final destination Kates where welcome refreshments were had by all.

Photos of the exploits are in the gallery!

Stephen's Day walk 2006

Thanks to Adrian for the notes...

15 made the traditional ascent, on what was thankfully a fine day, albeit with some cold winds in the afternoon. We started walking from Cronin's Yard at 8.40, with only a few ahead of us. Heading towards Shea's Gully, we turned right before the Hag's Tooth ridge to ascent to Beenkeeragh. Much huffing and puffing gave evidence of the extended break from walking caused by the weather in November, but the faithful were rewarded with clear views of Carrauntouhill and the surrounding mountains friom the upper part of the Hag's Tooth ridge, which we joined. These must be some of the nicest views in the area. By the time we reached Carrauntouhill, it was as crowded as Rossbeigh on a summer's day, so swiftly off for some lunch and down by the Gates, which is eroding by the day, sadly. The fire in the Beaufort bar provided the customary comfort.

Torc Walk 10th December 2006

Thanks to Norman for the notes...

"We're celebrities get us out of here", the LMC pre-Christmas walk was into the jungle on the front face of Torc. The SAS commando trail lead by the Commanders KOB & DNR, included waterfall crossings, machete runs through dense forest and some very, very tight...squeeze under fallen trees. All in a day's work for able Commander KOB and the six strong elite.

......The gale force winds and rain forced us to choose (an easier...??) alternative, in the relative shelter of Torc mountain (jungle) in Killarney. It turned out to be a real explorers paradise, with every turn presenting a new obstacle and challenge. Thanks to all for a great adventure in particular to Commander KOB for his in-depth local jungle survival skills.

Knocknadobar Walk 5th November 2006

Nine of us met in Killorglin on a dry and sunny morning for the Knocknadobar walk. We started the walk at Roads (beyond Kells Bay) and we followed the track as far as the spur. Great views of the Dingle Penninsula and the Blaskets were enjoyed by all. Following lunch at the cairn on top of the spur, we headed to the trig point and the Celtic Cross. From there, we walked in a northery direction and made our descent through the heather and onto the track and the road to return to our starting point. The pleasant weather, good company and fine views made this walk very enjoyable.

Annascaul Walk 17th September 2006

Six enthusiastic walkers gathered in Killorglin on a sunny All-Ireland Sunday for the moderate walk. Having parked the cars at Annascaul Lake, we walked on the track for a short distance before starting the steep ascent on the spur leading to Loch Thuairin Mharta. We availed of plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Our lunch stop was at the lake from where we got fine views of Brandon Point. We then headed in a northerly direction to spot height 383 metres from where we joined the track to take us to the waterfall & back to the cars. Refreshments were enjoyed in Tom Crean's Pub while watching the high scoring 1st half of the All-Ireland final. All in all, an enjoyable day on the hills.

Reeks Walk 5th June 2006

The glorious sunshine on Monday 5th June created unexpected conditions for the 11 stalworths who took on this year's "walk". Many had too little water. A few whispered that it was much too hot. Still it was more than enjoyable, with views that had not been seen for years. The photographs tell the story.

Carrauntoohil 5th June 2006

In blazing sunshine the group of 6 set off for the LMC's Moderate (hard) climb into the reeks on the 5th June last. The route included great views of the Eastern Reeks and unhindered views to the cross at 1035m. We climbed brother O'Shea's gully this time without crampons and axe but with sun cream and many litres of water. En route we had some stunning views into the Hags Glen however we only got glimpsed views of the earlier group on the reeks walk high on the ridge above. A hasty retreat to Kate's quenched the thirst after a dusty decent of the ladder. Many thanks to all for the craic and determination in the heat

Cloon Lake 23 April 2006

A compact group of the 6 who had not been deterred by the promise of broken ground and bog, scrambling and tired limbs set off for Cloon Lake on a lovely Spring morning, a welcome relief after earlier poor weather forecasts. We elected to ascend to the ridge via Coom Lough and a very attractive, broad gully just above it with running water and little waterfalls providing some easy listening. Heading towards Finnaragh over undulating ground and boulders, we enjoyed lunch in the sunshine with lovely views of Sneem, Kenmare Bay, and back to Caragh Lake. Not a soul to be seen.

After slipping and sliding down to the lakes over bog, streams and more boulders, we relaxed in the sun at Coomalougha Lough admiring the rapid flow of the waterfalls and thence descended quite a steep gully close to the lake, in effect a short cut which leads into the normal descent gully. This gully was a little slippier than it would be during the summer, and promises of scrambling were fulfilled in full. On down by the side of the stream on mossy banks, slippery in parts, soothed by the sound of running water. A long squelch across the bog at the bottom and off to the Climbers Inn to compete with most of Northern England for refreshment. All in all, a lovely day in interesting, remote terrain if you don't mind the broken, and consequently somewhat tiring, ground.

Tomies Wood Circuit 23 April 2006

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the leader of the Cloon Lake Moderate walk requested a change to 'Leader's Choice' to enable the walk to finish earlier. The route chosen included the Tomies Wood circuit and a trip to Glena. The weather was glorious and the nine walkers enjoyed a stroll through the woodlands of Tomies with a detour to see O'Sullivan's Cascade. As the path went higher up the hill, lovely views across L. Leane to Innisfallen and Ross Castle were spread out before us.

We left the circuit at the point where it turns towards the upper road and proceeded on a narrow track through the rhododendron, along the side of the hill and then down to the lake shore, where we enjoyed a lunch stop. After inspecting the ruins of Glena cottage, once a place of entertainment for visitors, we retraced our steps up the hill (tough work!) until we rejoined the Tomies circuit. We returned to our cars by the high road.

Colly Macklaun 9 April 2006

A crowd of 6 met in Killorglin and four more joined in Killarney at the carpark above Torc waterfall. We had an enjoyable day.... Weather stayed fine. The views over the lakes were very clear. The track was a mixture of an old track cleared of undergrowwtht, sometimes an obstacle course beneath low growing shrubs and the final new track through the forest along the main road back to the carpark. Back in time for a cooling drink in Mollys and a trip to the match for those who wanted.

Torc/Muckross 9 April 2006

We had 5 people on the walk. The weather was great, sunshine most of the day, nice cool breezes on top and great views. . We went in the valley on the road/track from Lickeen Wood @ blackstones Bridge. Ascended the three peaks: Colly, Meentog and Maclaun and since it was so pleasant on top of Meentog we continued west to have a look at Coomasaharn lake! Back to cars at 3PM.

Carrauntoohil 26 March 2006

There were 9 brave souls on the 9 o clock walk. We headed off in DRY weather which remained with us for the first 15 minutes.However,for the next 4hours it poured and poured.We decided on top of Caher to abandon the walk as it was teeming relentlessly and the wind was gaining strength. I dont think i was ever out an a worse day.However I think all 9 enjoyed the rainy abandoned walk!

Lough Acoose 26 Mar 2006

A couple of brave people joined the leader for a shortened walk from Lough Acoose along the Kerry way to the top of the Lack Road looking down into the Bridia Valley. The wind and rain hit us there so we decided to turn back.

Baurtregaum/Caherconree walk notes 26 Feb 2006

We had 12 members on our strenuous climb to Caherconree Fort, Caherconree Peak and Baurtregaum on Sunday 26th, Feb. Having expertly trained navigators along and ...unhindered views of the peninsula ensured that we arrived back in plenty of time to see Ireland triumph over Wales. The normally cloud covered Slieve Mish peaks revealed great views over the Castlemain harbour and into the Derrymore glen. Thanks to all participants for a great day in the mountains.

Connemara Weekend Away May 5-7

Our weekend away in Connemara is being organised by Seán Ó Súilleabháin and let's hope that it is as enjoyable as the one he organised in Wicklow last year. It should be - the company will be good. Members have expressed a preference for Clifden as a base. A very good rate has been obtained from Clifden Station House Hotel (great food, comfortable rooms, leisure centre and all) for two nights B&B (Fri, Sat) with dinner (Sat). Including light lunch Sunday at the teashop in the Connemara National Park, Sean believes that he can do it all for €115, per person sharing of course.

The idea would be to range over the Maamturk Mountains on Saturday. The Atlantic fringe of Connemara's second range, The Twelve Pins, could be sampled on a morning walk in the National Park (Diomond Hill) on Sunday before setting off for home.

So that numbers can be given to the hotel, anyone interested should confirm to Seán (sosuilleabhain@eircom.net) as soon as possible. That should be followed by a deposit (€60) payable by Monday 6th March. The balance should then by paid by Monday 3rd April.

Skregmore Beenkeeragh walk report 29 Jan 2005

What a glorious and unexpected day. The last Sunday in January (29th) was better than many days in high Summer. For the , Moderate Hard walk, eleven walkers tackled the north side of the Coomloughra Horseshoe, travelling from Breanlee, up the hydro road and onto the ridge as far as Beenkeragh. The sun blazed and out of the wind it was almost too warm! The Met Office later gave the temperature for Cahersiveen as 13 degrees C. The panorama was vast, the company and walking was good and all in all a very enjoyable day. See photographs in our gallery.

Coomloughra walk report 29 Jan 2005

8 took part on a glorious sunny day. Walked the Coomloughra lower circuit around the lakes with views over the lakes and countryside. Lunch was had to musical accompaniment. A very enjoyable day for all.

Torc walk report 15 Jan 2005

Ten of us started just after 11am from Torc carpark, in a heavy shower, and made our way up to the waterfall, which was in full spate and was wonderful to see. Up the steps then to the top of the waterfall and out towards the top carpark. We met quite a few other hikers, considering how bad the weather was. The showers continued ... and so did we, over the footbridge and out onto the Old Kenmare Road. We left the OK road and took the new path up Torc mountain. The sleepers and rocks make the hike up to the top of Torc mountain quite an easy one, if somewhat contrived. However, we all felt that this new path made the walk very accessible to the general public and, as such, thought it was a good thing.

The showers continued as we climbed and, towards the top, we experienced mist and heavy rain. We got to the top at 12.30pm. It was lashing up there! Met a few hillwalkers from Cork, chatted with them for a few minutes and then started back down the hill. Much too wet up there to hang around! No view, of course. We got back down to the carpark by 3pm - having sheltered from the rain in the woods for a quick lunch stop.Then onto Molly Dacy's for a drink.