Advice for Carrauntoohil

ishotjr2 · 09-05-2016 10:21am

> Can anyone recommend a guide?
I cannot recommend a guide as I have never used one I know two groups who do it
Con Moriarty (http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com/)
Irish Adventures (http://www.irishadventures.net/) ( I have done Kayaking with these and found them great ).

> I want to do a pretty challenging walk and would prefer a guide I think.
I would highly recommend http://www.collinspress.ie/carrauntoohil-and-macgillycuddys-reeks.html
Do you want to provide some info on what you define as Challenging. Frankly navigation and keeping your head can be the biggest challenge.

The first time I did Carrauntoohil, I landed into Cronins Yard, and followed people

on the worst days of the year there is always people climbing. Few weeks ago in Snow and Gale winds I was convinced I would be the only idiot doing Carrauntoohil when 30 school kids arrived on the peak and it was baltic cold.

> Or is it possible to do from Killarney by public transport.
I do not think there is a bus that comes close to here maybe Beaufort, but that is still a good walk (10k-15k) to Cronins Yard or Lisleibane.
I would get a Taxi, I recall it costing 40e but you want to double check that.

Another idea would be to ring one of the youth hostels as I am sure this is a common request.

The two toughest routes IMHO

are
1. Coumlaughra Horseshoe (do not do it on your own) http://www.kerrymountainrescue.ie/routes/caher.html
2. Big Gun Ridge to Carrauntoohil (http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/walks-the-big-gun-is-a-blast-on-the-reeks-ridge-co-kerry-1.2237383) (do not do it on your own)

3. O Shea's Gully and Down the Heavenly Gates (I think that is OK to do on your own as there are usually groups walking it, but it is unlikely you will find the trails unless you can follow someone). http://www.kerrymountainrescue.ie/routes/brother_osheas.html

Have a look on moutainviews.ie also

Aimeee · 09-05-2016 10:37am

Charity climb on 29 May, details on link;
https://www.mercyfundraising.ie/events/climb-to-remember

I know it's not next weekend. Might be another option for you. You could probably find a bus leaving one of the hostels as mentioned already or contact tourist office Killarney for info on getting to Cronins Yard.

bermia · 09-05-2016 11:41am

Thanks for the replies. I am good at walking but not great at mapreading or compass using. I think i did the Horseshoe, or Ridge of the Reeks a few years ago and the walking was fine. But we had a great guide. I have emailed a few to ask for quotes for a guided walk. I would prefer to pay money and spend my time walking rather than getting lost. My friend is also an experienced walker but doesn't have a great head for heights which might reduce our choicees.

Thanks for the link for the walk. That's the weekend I am doing the Barretstown 42km Dublin mountains way. We are tied into this weekend as the hotel and train are booked.

I have emailed two guides for quotes and recommendations.

EndaHonesty · 09-05-2016 12:43pm

bermia wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. I am good at walking but not great at mapreading or compass using. I think i did the Horseshoe, or Ridge of the Reeks a few years ago and the walking was fine. But we had a great guide. I have emailed a few to ask for quotes for a guided walk. I would prefer to pay money and spend my time walking rather than getting lost. My friend is also an experienced walker but doesn't have a great head for heights which might reduce our choicees.

Thanks for the link for the walk. That's the weekend I am doing the Barretstown 42km Dublin mountains way. We are tied into this weekend as the hotel and train are booked.

I have emailed two guides for quotes and recommendations.

Trail Magazine used John O'Sullivan of The Lodge & Reeks Guiding Company for a recent trip to Kerry, so he must be a well respected guide.

Piaras Kelly of Kerry Climbing is very active on Facebook and runs the Ultimate High Peaks Challenge so he also looks to be very reputable.

I've no connection to or ever used either. Hope you have a great trip.

ishotjr2 · 09-05-2016 1:42pm

Well if you already did the Big Gun and Coomloughra the only other one I can think of is to do the trail from Gap of Dunloe to Climbers Inn goes across all the peaks. It is covered in http://www.collinspress.ie/carrauntoohil-and-macgillycuddys-reeks.html

For what it is worth the hardest 1 day trail in that area in my opinion is the Cloon Lough circuit it is covered in "The Dingle, Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas: A Walking Guide" Adrian Hendroff. Amazing, stunning views (waterfalls, lakes, very odd geology) very remote and incredibly tough. Just when you think there cannot be more there is another mountain. Again just my opinion, I am sure someone will chime in with they did it on a mono-cycle while smoking 40 Rothmans.

11-05-2016 10:30pm

ishotjr2 wrote: »

For what it is worth the hardest 1 day trail in that area in my opinion is the Cloon Lough circuit it is covered in "The Dingle, Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas: A Walking Guide" Adrian Hendroff. Amazing, stunning views (waterfalls, lakes, very odd geology) very remote and incredibly tough. Just when you think there cannot be more there is another mountain. Again just my opinion, I am sure someone will chime in with they did it on a mono-cycle while smoking 40 Rothmans.

It's a great circuit, best if one walks all the way from Mullaghanattin to Knocknagantee and then veers North to Knockmoyle and back the other side of the lake. It's not as airy or exposed as the Reeks, the Big Gun Ridge is more exposed. But the Cloon Horseshoe is much more remote, unlikely to see anyone else out there all day, and very hard to come off once on the wal...you're a long way from everywhere when in the middle of the Dunkerrons.

BarryD · 12-05-2016 9:55am

Deleted User wrote: »

It's a great circuit, best if one walks all the way from Mullaghanattin to Knocknagantee and then veers North to Knockmoyle and back the other side of the lake. It's not as airy or exposed as the Reeks, the Big Gun Ridge is more exposed. But the Cloon Horseshoe is much more remote, unlikely to see anyone else out there all day, and very hard to come off once on the wal...you're a long way from everywhere when in the middle of the Dunkerrons.

Rough tough ground up there all right! Challenge for wind & limb.

RamblingRuairi · 12-05-2016 9:20pm

Piaras in KerryClimbing is imo one of the best guides for the Reeks. Feels like you climbing with a friend

youngrun · 08-06-2016 10:55am

Hi is there a map for the zigzags route anywhere, have looked at the KMR site but not on that. Looking at doing this over summer, physically very fit but do not have a great head for heights when descending...

ishotjr2 · 08-06-2016 11:32am

Only one I could see was this
http://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/comment/4048/

But it is covered in
http://www.collinspress.ie/carrauntoohil-and-macgillycuddys-reeks.html
I seem to be always be punting Jim Ryans book, I assure you we are not related.

If I did not have a great head for heights I would not go down the zig zags initial bit can seem a little steep but then it slopes off nice and gentle.
How about going down the Bone, bit longer but it more of a gentle descent.
http://www.activeme.ie/guides/walks/carrauntoohil-via-zig-zag-and-the-bone/

Then again everyone will have an opinion, best thing to remember is that it is all pretty much manageable once its a decent day. Enjoy.

blacklilly · 08-06-2016 1:25pm

I don't believe the zig zag route is any steeper then the other descent routes, although I guess everyone will have a difference of opinion on that.

We ascended by the devils ladder on Saturday, found it fine and not as dangerous as we expected, although the weather was perfect for us.
We descended via the zig zags and again found this fine, with ascending you just need to take your time and don't rush it. I find ascending much easier, generally.

EndaHonesty · 08-06-2016 1:51pm

youngrun wrote: »

Hi is there a map for the zigzags route anywhere, have looked at the KMR site but not on that. Looking at doing this over summer, physically very fit but do not have a great head for heights when descending...

IMO the Caher route from the Hydro Road would be the least steep route. There is a short steep section between Caher and Carrauntoohil but it's no more than 100m and it has a clearly defined path.

I prefer climbing from that side anyway as it's quieter and Coomloughra is a lovely valley.

ishotjr2 · 08-06-2016 2:29pm

blacklilly wrote: »

I don't believe the zig zag route is any steeper then the other descent routes, although I guess everyone will have a difference of opinion on that.

We ascended by the devils ladder on Saturday, found it fine and not as dangerous as we expected, although the weather was perfect for us.
We descended via the zig zags and again found this fine, with ascending you just need to take your time and don't rush it. I find ascending much easier, generally.

When you start from the top of the zig zag looking down into the Valley it seems daunting because the initial path is narrow. The Bone is boulder after boulder on the way down and your mind is more focused on that, rather "it is a long way down".

But as I said everyone will have an opinion.

Regarding Caher, there is a bit where you get over Caher West and come down a little then circumvent a fence the path goes very close to the edge

but I guess the OP can just not follow the path for that bit.

08-06-2016 6:46pm

For me, the easiest route up is from the Bridia Valley, up Curraghmore and over Caher, hence it is the route used in the IMRA runs as it lends itself to running.

youngrun · 09-06-2016 9:44am

blacklilly wrote: »

I don't believe the zig zag route is any steeper then the other descent routes, although I guess everyone will have a difference of opinion on that.

We ascended by the devils ladder on Saturday, found it fine and not as dangerous as we expected, although the weather was perfect for us.
We descended via the zig zags and again found this fine, with ascending you just need to take your time and don't rush it. I find ascending much easier, generally.

Thanks. Same here, fine ascending . descending get the vertigo ... Would coming down devils ladder be ok or is it tootricky saw some warnings re erosion on paths, loose rocks etc .

ishotjr2 · 09-06-2016 10:48am

Down the Devils ladder is fine, lots of folks do it. Have to be careful not to knock stones on those coming up which can be frustrating and not a great way to make introductions & friends. So for this reason, if that is the plan I suggest you do it later in the day.

Brought a lad up there last year who forgot to mention he was afraid of heights and he came down the devils ladder on his back side.

hmmm · 09-06-2016 11:31am

If you don't have a head for heights the zigzag is I think the best route - it's a walk down the hill. Devils ladder could be scary descending and you'll probably come down on your bum. Caher has some fine drops in a few places, that's not ideal either. The Bone is fine, but you have to find it in the first place, and if you don't get the correct descent path you'll be in a bit of bother.

blacklilly · 09-06-2016 1:31pm

youngrun wrote: »

Thanks. Same here, fine ascending . descending get the vertigo ... Would coming down devils ladder be ok or is it tootricky saw some warnings re erosion on paths, loose rocks etc .

I wouldn't consider it too tricky, there is an unwritten rule not to ascend via the devils ladders in the afternoon/evening in order to allow people descend safely (i.e not kick loose stone on those climbing).

The erosion here is bad but once adequate car is taken, you should find it fine.

10-06-2016 9:05pm

blacklilly wrote: »

The erosion here is bad but once adequate car is taken, you should find it fine.

Ah it would surely bust the suspension in any car...

blacklilly · 13-06-2016 4:49pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Ah it would surely bust the suspension in any car...

Thanks Conor, took me a second to realise my error when I read your post:pac:

vicwatson · 12-03-2017 11:53am

Anybody got current walking conditions up there? Devils ladder safe under foot?

ishotjr2 · 13-03-2017 6:03pm

Snow has cleared, cloudy today. Devils ladder is as safe as it usually is. If you do not like the look of it you can always go up the zig zags.

13-03-2017 8:37pm

vicwatson wrote: »

Anybody got current walking conditions up there? Devils ladder safe under foot?

Went for a run there Saturday, went up O'Sheas Gully which had a good bit of snow, but the 3 gullies always retain snow longer than other areas because of their orientation. Devil's Ladder looked clear, but suspect weather would have loosened a lot of material there.

vicwatson · 18-04-2017 11:24am

I'm sure it has dried out pretty much now, given the lack of rain over the past few weeks? anyone up there recently

19-04-2017 10:57pm

Might head up there tomorrow evening, fellows running the 26 high points trying to break the record so might join them on Carrauntoohil

vicwatson · 21-04-2017 8:54am

Deleted User wrote: »

Might head up there tomorrow evening, fellows running the 26 high points trying to break the record so might join them on Carrauntoohil

Well?

22-04-2017 2:46am

vicwatson wrote: »

Well?

Decided against it in the end, slight quad strain and while running on the flat is fine, running down the Zig Zags might be a week or 2 too soon. But a friend went up with them and she said, unsurprisingly, it's pretty dry up there.

fishy_fishy · 08-07-2020 1:34pm

Sorry for the zombie thread bump. Will be down in the reeks shortly and just wondering if anyone knows what condition devil's ladder is in this year?

Thinking of going up via ladder and down by heavenly gates. Also, are there any cairns or posts to help find the route to the heavenly gates? Have maps, compasses and proper gear etc, know how to use it, but no harm to know if there's something obvious to assist. (Will go down devils ladder or zig zags if we can't be sure we've found the right path to heavenly gates)

ishotjr2 · 08-07-2020 1:50pm

Ladder is always hit and miss depends on who is ahead of you. Zig/Zags is nice option too.

No real landmarks for "heavenly gates" and there are two paths and its the lower one you want. I have come down this way many times and I need to orient myself each time coming down this route. When coming down head towards the top of the ladder. Then you can see a cluster of large rocks (6ft+ height) on your left sticking up, when you reach them start walking back up hill close enough to the cliff edge then you should be able to make out the path after 15mins of walking. This weekend is looking good, but if it is at all foggy do take the route.

Your best bet

maybe to wait for 30 mins or so and see if you anyone else coming/going that route. Its a nice track and a bit of an adventure. Check youtube also.

RamblingRuairi · 08-07-2020 2:01pm

fishy_fishy wrote: »

Sorry for the zombie thread bump. Will be down in the reeks shortly and just wondering if anyone knows what condition devil's ladder is in this year?

Thinking of going up via ladder and down by heavenly gates. Also, are there any cairns or posts to help find the route to the heavenly gates? Have maps, compasses and proper gear etc, know how to use it, but no harm to know if there's something obvious to assist. (Will go down devils ladder or zig zags if we can't be sure we've found the right path to heavenly gates)

The Ladder is hit and miss really - all depends on the weather really. Given our current "summer" weather I imagine it being a waterfall

No obvious landmarks for the Gates other than what the previous poster mentioned.

Poncke · 08-07-2020 3:25pm

Haven't hiked in ages, let alone been anywhere near a mountain, but I assume with the ongoing Irish poxy weather of the past 3 weeks, any mountain and path will be a muddy and slippery death trap.

RamblingRuairi · 08-07-2020 9:37pm

https://www.facebook.com/110552822352912/posts/4058501874224634/

Video taken today = Devils Waterfall

fishy_fishy · 08-07-2020 9:42pm

Thanks for all the advice, very helpful.

RamblingRuairi wrote: »

https://www.facebook.com/110552822352912/posts/4058501874224634/

Video taken today = Devils Waterfall

Yikes. Zig zags it is!

Marty Xavier · 13-07-2020 4:20pm

hi there hikers, we are a group of 5 or 6 who would love to climb Carrauntoohil this Autumn, we all are out most weeks either climbing or long walks so fitness not an issue. Is it possible to get a guide as none of us would be map readers or anything like that, just love hiking for the sake of it.

RamblingRuairi · 13-07-2020 4:46pm

Marty Xavier wrote: »

hi there hikers, we are a group of 5 or 6 who would love to climb Carrauntoohil this Autumn, we all are out most weeks either climbing or long walks so fitness not an issue. Is it possible to get a guide as none of us would be map readers or anything like that, just love hiking for the sake of it.

Piaras at KerryClimbing.ie or John at the Reeks Guiding Company are 2 fantastic guides

The Davestator · 16-07-2020 10:59am

RamblingRuairi wrote: »

Piaras at KerryClimbing.ie or John at the Reeks Guiding Company are 2 fantastic guides

yep, we are using Kerry climbing on 8th August to guide us up. 65 euro each, but they do discounts for groups.

gandroid · 17-07-2020 1:39pm

Is it advised to use a guide or is it easy enough to follow the safest route with others if we start in the morning and take normal precautions and wear suitable gear etc.

unkel · 17-07-2020 1:47pm

Don't depend on others. If you do not have the skills and experience (including map reading and compass use - with little or no visibility)
to make it up and down safely on your own, hire a guide.

RamblingRuairi · 17-07-2020 1:58pm

gandroid wrote: »

Is it advised to use a guide or is it easy enough to follow the safest route with others if we start in the morning and take normal precautions and wear suitable gear etc.

If you are confident in your map reading and navigation skills, I would say you should be ok. If you have any doubt in your ability to self position, map read or navigate is bad weather conditions, I would get a guide.

EndaHonesty · 17-07-2020 9:38pm

gandroid wrote: »

Is it advised to use a guide or is it easy enough to follow the safest route with others if we start in the morning and take normal precautions and wear suitable gear etc.

If the weather is clear, there's no problem, because the paths are all well worn, and easy to follow.

There are also always plenty of other hikers to follow on Carrauntouhil, so as long as it's busy and you're willing to ask for help, if you need it, you'll be fine.

To be safe, you should have a map and compass, and know how to use them, but the truth is, on Carrauntouhill, from Cronin's yard, 9 times out of 10, you won't even have to think about navigation, because you'll be following a well worn path, or other groups of hikers.

It's a mighty place, enjoy.

BailMeOut · 20-07-2020 2:41pm

hey folks - how busy is Carrauntoohil over the weekends as thinking of climbing with the family on Saturday. We did last year over a holiday weekend and it was packed (especially on the ladder) and obviously want to avoid crowds this year.

mp3guy · 20-07-2020 2:42pm

BailMeOut wrote: »

hey folks - how busy is Carrauntoohil over the weekends as thinking of climbing with the family on Saturday. We did last year over a holiday weekend and it was packed (especially on the ladder) and obviously want to avoid crowds this year.

On a weekend with good weather it's going to be packed unfortunately.

EndaHonesty · 20-07-2020 5:47pm

BailMeOut wrote: »

hey folks - how busy is Carrauntoohil over the weekends as thinking of climbing with the family on Saturday. We did last year over a holiday weekend and it was packed (especially on the ladder) and obviously want to avoid crowds this year.

Climbing from the Coomloughra side is, IMO, the best way to climb Carrauntoohil. It's always much quieter, on even the busiest day.

And if you do the full loop you can bag Ireland's 3 highest peaks in one walk. Carrauntoohill, Beenkeeragh & Caher.

The route is detailed on the Kerry mountain rescue website.

https://kerrymountainrescue.ie/carrauntoohil-route-descriptions/

Great pics and description of the walk here;

https://mountaintrails.ie/the-coomloughra-horseshoe-the-best-mountain-ridge-walk-in-ireland/

Fingers Mcginty · 14-08-2020 7:04pm

How safe is it to descend O sheas gulley? Want to have a dip in irelands highest lake but would prefer a dip on the descent rather than the ascent.

RamblingRuairi · 14-08-2020 9:00pm

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

How safe is it to descend O sheas gulley? Want to have a dip in irelands highest lake but would prefer a dip on the descent rather than the ascent.

No bother at all. Like all routes, just be careful of folks ascending and dislodging any rocks

opus · 19-08-2020 11:38am

Surprised there aren't a few finger posts on the summit as people tend to get confused as to which way to descend especially when it's wet/foggy (most of the time!). Was doing the Reeks Traverse with a few friends on the Aug w/end & met a couple who were heading towards Caher thinking they were going back to the Devils Ladder. The funny thing was after we explained where they were & they should head back, the guy asked us were we lying to them

Enduro · 19-08-2020 1:56pm

opus wrote: »

Surprised there aren't a few finger posts on the summit as people tend to get confused as to which way to descend especially when it's wet/foggy (most of the time!). Was doing the Reeks Traverse with a few friends on the Aug w/end & met a couple who were heading towards Caher thinking they were going back to the Devils Ladder. The funny thing was after we explained where they were & they should head back, the guy asked us were we lying to them

:rolleyes: Should have told him "Yes, everything I've told you is a lie, including this"

josip · 07-09-2020 9:59am

We went up yesterday from the Hydro Car park.
There was a lady at the mountain exit from the car park chatting to some hikers.
She asked us were we going to the top, but that was all.

We took our time

and we didn't get back until 7:30, probably 2 hours after the last of the walkers from Hydro.
There was a different lady waiting in the car park when we got there.
She was lovely, we had a great chat with her and she recommended Quinlans in Killorglin for fish and chips.

It was only after she left though, that we came to the conclusion that she'd been waiting for us to come down.
She told us she'd been talking to the other walkers who came down before us who'd told her where we were.
(Most did a there and back via Caher yesterday so we met everyone on the ridge.)

Does anyone know if this is a common thing and are these ladies locals who mind the cars in the car park or are they also part of mountain rescue, keeping track of who's up on the mountain and where?

Cetyl Palmitate · 22-09-2020 5:44pm

Hi there.

I am planning to climb carrantoohil this Friday, sept 25th.

Can you park a campervan at any of the starting points overnight would anyone know?

I will be going alone. Fitness is not an issue but I am not too experienced at climbing. Any recommendations?
I have waterproof boots and clothing and will pack food, water, power bank, GPS etc.

Thanks

josip · 22-09-2020 6:45pm

Cetyl Palmitate wrote: »

Hi there.

I am planning to climb carrantoohil this Friday, sept 25th.

Can you park a campervan at any of the starting points overnight would anyone know?

I will be going alone. Fitness is not an issue but I am not too experienced at climbing. Any recommendations?
I have waterproof boots and clothing and will pack food, water, power bank, GPS etc.

Thanks

I don't think there was any height barrier at the Hydro Car park (52.023178, -9.789872) when we were there.

There may be signs up saying it's not allowed, but it's a very quiet part of the county and there isn't much passing (Garda) traffic.

Going up via Caher is very straightforward, plus you have the option of doing the Beenkeragh loop if you want.

If you do go up via Caher, when you turn right off the Hydro track, walk 20 metres to the right of the path, parallel to it for the first 5 mins. It avoids the boggiest bit and there's another well worn path out there.

Advice for Carrauntoohil

Comments