Coumshingaun Lake Loop

Awkward Badger

Thinking of doing this soon but I wouldn't have any experience of hiking or hill walking or anything like that and it looks like it will take a bit of effort.

Does anyone know whether its tough going ? I know it takes about 4 hours to complete but its graded as easy so is it just follow the path and drive the legs on and that's about it ? Also is there anything we would need or should be aware of ?

Thanks.

The Dagda

It's a great walk, the lake is an amazing place on a nice day, but I wouldn't class the loop as easy.

There are some steep ascents/descents and some minor scrambling on both ends of the ridge above the lake and once on the ridge it's just a stroll but it's a tough enough walk for beginners.

Maybe just take a walk upto the lake first and see how you feel, if the weather's clear and you're feeling confident, then give the ridge a go. Don't be afraid to turn back if the weather changes or you change your mind.

The lake is well worth a visit, and a good workout, even if you don't do the full loop.

Pat Mustard

Bring your camera anyway. Great views. I don't remember it being a tough walk, as such.

BarryD

Yes, if you go clockwise around the coum, there's a steepish band of ground near the top. Probably better to go this way as easier to negotiate upwards rather than coming down. But like Dagda above, it wouldn't come to mind as being an easy 'beginners' hillwalk. That said, I brought our children on it once, aged about 6-12. We camped overnight at the lake and very pleasant it was, took plenty of time to make the circuit next day etc.

fenris

Haven't been there in years, must put it back on the list, very doable with kids, at this time of year you have a fair chance of meeting people doing it in wellies and flipflops.

duckysauce

fenris wrote: »

Haven't been there in years, must put it back on the list, very doable with kids, at this time of year you have a fair chance of meeting people doing it in wellies and flipflops.

flipflops :eek:

fenris

Yep!

although the best that I saw was a group of girls heading up with a couple wearing low heels, apparently they had plasters just in case!

Awkward Badger

Just an update on this. Everyone was spot on with the advice.

I went with the intentions of doing it all but as I'm a little unfit I found just getting to the lake pretty tough going. Not sure if I did it right as we parked down a lane and walked across the road and through a field to get to the foot of the mountain. But it was all worth it anyway as it was a great walk and the lake was beautiful. But given it was so tough we decided enough fun was had and we'd tackle the circuit another day.

I went back intent on doing the loop proper. This time we parked in Kilclooney woods and went up the south slope taking the advice that its better to go up the steeper parts than down. And some parts were very steep indeed on that south slope. One part in particular (I guess the last ascent before it plateaued) involved a little climbing and it was probably the highest part of the ridge. Scary stuff to be climbing such a steep slope at that height.

All in all from a beginners perspective its not easy. People in good shape shouldn't have too many problems. For those like me though who would be a bit unfit its a pretty hard slog getting up that first slope but taking your time and plenty of breaks its doable. And the views at the top as well as along the way are great and very much worth all the effort.

duckysauce

Looking to do this soon -- is there much exposure on the scrambling part ? Have no problem with scrambling, it's when there is exposure either side that my head goes.

Cheers

MrCreosote

Not really exposed, you can bypass the scrambling on the non-cliff side.

duckysauce

MrCreosote wrote: »

Not really exposed, you can bypass the scrambling on the non-cliff side.

cheers:cool: