Advice for Carrauntoohil

Cetyl Palmitate · 22-09-2020 6:55pm

josip wrote: »

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.

thanks. Plan was to arrive Thursday evening, head off early Friday and drive away again once back from the climb.

If its not allowed I could always park up around Killarney Thursday night and drive up to the carpark Friday morning.

The Davestator · 23-09-2020 10:36am

People park overnight in Cronin's yard in tents and campervans. Not sure how much it is but doubt its much. Toilets on site too.

EndaHonesty · 23-09-2020 2:57pm

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

Cronin's Yard is the perfect place for you, they are a campsite, the prices are very reasonable, they have toilets & showers, there's a cafe/tea rooms and the Cronin's are good people...

The routes from Cronin's are well defined and always busy so navigation won't be an issue.

https://croninsyard.com/facilities-pods/

Cetyl Palmitate · 25-09-2020 3:15pm

Left from hydro car park, up caher summit and across to carrantoohil. Very clear getting to the summit initially but weather turned then. Hailstones. High wind etc. so I came down the zig zag route instead of crossing the ridge to complete the horseshoe. Very enjoyable all the same.

Caher route is more interesting than devils ladder route I think. Although it is steep from the very beginning as opposed to Cronin's yard route which has a long flat opening before pitching up to the ladder.

Fingers Mcginty · 07-10-2020 2:38pm

Was up on the hill last Monday and came down the curved gully thinking we were on o'sheas gully. Scary stuff. Was glad to reach Lough Cummeenoughter but every single rock i stepped on wanted to give way. After climbing Slive Donard recently i suppose i was lulled into a false sense of security. I found Carrauntohill very tough and still ache after that climb. Blessed we had decent weather and could temporarily see from the summit.
We stayed in the castle rosse hotel and would highly recommend it.

trellheim · 06-01-2021 11:12am

9 helped off by Kerry mountain rescue yesterday. Idiots. 5k limit breaches AND going up in icy weather.

What goes through peoples minds I wonder in deciding to go on these hikes

spaceHopper · 06-01-2021 11:57am

They've had to help people of Slieve Donard as well over the new year weekend.

Best to stick to local low land trails. For fitness I've started doing the first section of the Shankill side of the Dublin Mountain Way it's with in my 5k. It was a little bit of ice in some parts on Saturday but lots of paths covered in flowing water which will freeze this week.

hmmm · 06-01-2021 12:14pm

There's a lot inexperienced people on the mountains at the moment thanks to Covid. In one way they're trying to do the right thing by going outdoors, but on the other hand they aren't aware of the risks. I know too from talking to some people (particularly people new to Ireland) that they can underestimate Irish mountains/hills and are not aware of how difficult our weather can be. There can be an element of lack of control on an Irish hill when the weather turns which is worse than anything I've ever experienced abroad.

unkel · 06-01-2021 12:28pm

hmmm wrote: »

they can underestimate Irish mountains/hills and are not aware of how difficult our weather can be. There can be an element of lack of control on an Irish hill when the weather turns which is worse than anything I've ever experienced abroad.

A friend of mine who was in Wicklow mountain rescue for a long time compared the conditions on the higher mountains like Lug and the Reeks (1000m) to the lower Alps (3000m)

Hard to believe until you've been up these Irish mountains in adverse weather yourself

Tabnabs · 06-01-2021 3:28pm

I think social media might have a part to play also as the various facebook groups are currently flooded with photos of snow covered mountains and tales of hard going, but we made it.

spaceHopper · 06-01-2021 5:53pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

I think social media might have a part to play also as the various facebook groups are currently flooded with photos of snow covered mountains and tales of hard going, but we made it.

Yea I saw somebody brought their 5 year old up Carrauntoohil last week. Nuts

06-01-2021 6:03pm

Went to run the Eastern Reeks last week, got to Cruach Mhór and turned back. Path wasn't visible under snow and boulders were like ice, the lugs on mountain runners really not up to it.

The 5km restrictions were brought in the following day, the temperatures have dropped further, and anyone out there now without the appropriate gear and experience is behaving recklessly.

SouthWesterly · 06-01-2021 6:06pm

unkel wrote: »

A friend of mine who was in Wicklow mountain rescue for a long time compared the conditions on the higher mountains like Lug and the Reeks (1000m) to the lower Alps (3000m)

Hard to believe until you've been up these Irish mountains in adverse weather yourself

I can see slieve mish from my place. I wouldn't want to be, up in it.

LilacNails · 06-01-2021 6:53pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

I think social media might have a part to play also as the various facebook groups are currently flooded with photos of snow covered mountains and tales of hard going, but we made it.

Def agree with this, was wondering if Instagram and Facebook didn't exist, would even half the people have a genuine interest ?

09-01-2021 11:39am

spaceHopper wrote: »

Yea I saw somebody brought their 5 year old up Carrauntoohil last week. Nuts

Insane.

SomeFool · 09-01-2021 1:13pm

spaceHopper wrote: »

Yea I saw somebody brought their 5 year old up Carrauntoohil last week. Nuts

Topgear on Dave wrote: »

Insane.

It's probably for another thread but it's not something I'd have an issue with depending on the 5 year old and who they are with and conditions on the day. It's hardly like the child wandered up on their own!

Losty Dublin · 09-01-2021 2:19pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

I think social media might have a part to play also as the various facebook groups are currently flooded with photos of snow covered mountains and tales of hard going, but we made it.

One particular FB group had photos of a party that went up Carrauntoohil last week in the snow, wearing all the best labels and all having the crack and getting the hashtags warmed up for the "Likes"; martyrs to the cause.

Two days later the same party of 4 were mentioned on the same page as being some of those who were saved by Kerry Mountain Rescue.

spaceHopper · 12-01-2021 6:19pm

Losty Dublin wrote: »

One particular FB group had photos of a party that went up Carrauntoohil last week in the snow, wearing all the best labels and all having the crack and getting the hashtags warmed up for the "Likes"; martyrs to the cause.

Two days later the same party of 4 were mentioned on the same page as being some of those who were saved by Kerry Mountain Rescue.

You mean they were rescued, put up photos as if nothing had happened and got called out for it. Classic :P:P:P

trellheim · 08-06-2021 3:02pm

Hi folks

How many cars can park at Hydro road and what time does it fill up by , please ?

josip · 08-06-2021 4:05pm

trellheim wrote: »

Hi folks

How many cars can park at Hydro road and what time does it fill up by , please ?

I reckon 25 -30 cars, but I don't know what time it would fill up at.
I don't recall there being any 'overflow' parking options nearby.

The actual carpark is a little to the north of what's marked as the Hydro Car park on the map.
Also the car park only shows on Google Earth for me for some reason, not on Google Maps Satellite view. I thought they used the same imagery.

JimmyCorkhill · 20-06-2021 1:37pm

Looking to climb Carrauntoohil this week for the first time, have good mountain experience.

As it is first time, would Devils Ladder be the best route to take as there seems to be enough out there about it and people say it is the arguably the easiest route.

In terms of coming down, would anyone reccommend coming down the same way or come down O'Shea's Gully for example?

Thanks for any advice

Jlayay · 20-06-2021 8:03pm

Hey guys I’ve been planning to do Carrauntoohil for a while now.

My plan is to do the Caher-Carrauntoohil and possibly extending to Beenkeragh depending on the weather and how I feel.

I was wondering if going up via Caher is easier compared to the Devil’s Ladder? I have heard the Devil’s ladder is a bit eroded so it could be tough at times but looking for advice.

josip · 21-06-2021 12:29am

Jlayay wrote: »

Hey guys I’ve been planning to do Carrauntoohil for a while now.

My plan is to do the Caher-Carrauntoohil and possibly extending to Beenkeragh depending on the weather and how I feel.

I was wondering if going up via Caher is easier compared to the Devil’s Ladder? I have heard the Devil’s ladder is a bit eroded so it could be tough at times but looking for advice.

That's what we did last September (me, wife, 10 and 12 year old)
Too many recent reports about the Devils Ladder being eroded and it wasn't in great shape anyway when I was last up it in 1989.
The weather never lifted and we backtracked over Caher to the Hydro car park.
The going is fine up Caher and along the ridge.
There's a bit of exposure in places, but as long as the weather is sh1te, you'll only sense it, not see it

josip · 21-06-2021 12:35am

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

Looking to climb Carrauntoohil this week for the first time, have good mountain experience.

As it is first time, would Devils Ladder be the best route to take as there seems to be enough out there about it and people say it is the arguably the easiest route.

In terms of coming down, would anyone reccommend coming down the same way or come down O'Shea's Gully for example?

Thanks for any advice

If it's your first time on Carrauntoohil, I'd recommend coming back down the same way you went up, that way there are no surprises.
In your case that would literally be, "The Devil you know, is better than the Gully you don't know".
If all your party are comfortable in the mountains, then the Devils ladder should be fine.
There's always a (small) risk on the Ladder of someone above, sending something falling and causing an injury.
If the weather is bad, then there can be a bit of a torrent down the ladder and I'd go the Caher ridge in that case.

hmmm · 21-06-2021 10:14am

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

Looking to climb Carrauntoohil this week for the first time, have good mountain experience.

As it is first time, would Devils Ladder be the best route to take as there seems to be enough out there about it and people say it is the arguably the easiest route.

In terms of coming down, would anyone reccommend coming down the same way or come down O'Shea's Gully for example?

I wouldn't like to come down O'Shea's, too step and slippy. I'd suggest the ZigZags (my preferred descent) or Heavenly Gates.

Devil's ladder would be the easiest to find, but it's a bit of a pain in the behind with slow groups and the risk of a rock landing on your head. My preferred route up if you're relatively experienced would be O'Sheas gully - it's not hard to find, but as it's your first time you might prefer a simpler route.

For anyone reading this who wants the "nicest" way up and down I'd always suggest the ZigZags, but it's hard for newbies to avoid the Devil's ladder as it is so obvious.

BailMeOut · 21-06-2021 11:00am

Jlayay wrote: »

Hey guys I’ve been planning to do Carrauntoohil for a while now.

My plan is to do the Caher-Carrauntoohil and possibly extending to Beenkeragh depending on the weather and how I feel.

I was wondering if going up via Caher is easier compared to the Devil’s Ladder? I have heard the Devil’s ladder is a bit eroded so it could be tough at times but looking for advice.

The advantage of going up and down the Devil's Ladders is that you cannot get lost and getting lost of there is a real possibility especially with low clouds. I'd suggest going up the ladder and down what most people refer to as the zig-zag. There is a mound of stones that mark where this starts but just be sure you know where they are before attempting this route otherwise you may get lost. If I was doing one of the alternative routes I'd definitely consider using a guide.

JimmyCorkhill · 21-06-2021 11:37am

hmmm wrote: »

I wouldn't like to come down O'Shea's, too step and slippy. I'd suggest the ZigZags (my preferred descent) or Heavenly Gates.

Devil's ladder would be the easiest to find, but it's a bit of a pain in the behind with slow groups and the risk of a rock landing on your head. My preferred route up if you're relatively experienced would be O'Sheas gully - it's not hard to find, but as it's your first time you might prefer a simpler route.

For anyone reading this who wants the "nicest" way up and down I'd always suggest the ZigZags, but it's hard for newbies to avoid the Devil's ladder as it is so obvious.

Thanks, how well marked is the zig zags route coming down?

Is O'Sheas Gully a more scenic ascend?

josip · 21-06-2021 11:53am

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

Thanks, how well marked is the zig zags route coming down?

Is O'Sheas Gully a more scenic ascend?

O'Sheas Gully will definitely be less busy and Carrauntoohil and Beenkeeragh loom more above you.
Search for O'Shea's Gully in Youtube and you'll get a fairly good idea of what it's like.
eg.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejvzO7EnQYc

BailMeOut · 21-06-2021 3:10pm

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

Thanks, how well marked is the zig zags route coming down?

When you come down instead of turning left and going down the DL you continue straight until you see a mound of rocks where you turn left and then 'zig-zag' down.

We missed the marker on our last descent and had to double back after asking some other climbers for help.

there is some good info here https://www.activeme.ie/guides/carrauntoohil-via-osheas-gully-and-zig-zags-kerry/

trellheim · 28-06-2021 3:03pm

In the interest of giving back to this community we climbed in perfect weather on Saturday. Up the ladder and back by the Zig zags.
Here's a pic of the mound of stones at the top of the zig zags - the mound is only a foot or so in height
https://i.imgur.com/tPTrXFs.jpg

JimmyCorkhill · 28-06-2021 6:02pm

Climbed Carrauntoohil early last week, it was a decent day, cloud lifted as we got closer to the top but it was hazy when looking out.

As per the advice from here, we climbed up Devils Ladder & down by the zig zag.

Devils Ladder was fine for the most part, the last 15/20 metres seemed very eroded & definitely less stones/rocks to grab hold of.

Going down zig zags definitely adds to the length of the overall climb but I would have preferred coming down that than the Devils Ladder.

As the previous poster shared in their picture, the mound of stones marking were to turn off for the zig zags route is not particularly high.

I cant stand heights but I definitely found the first few minutes of the zig zag route (where you turn off at the stones) not very enjoyable, I was practically holding onto the mountain and not very comfortable, however as we came lower down I was fine.

I met someone else who said they dont like heights either but preferred coming down the Heavenly Gates route than the zig zag route.

Overall it was very enjoyable, everybody was very friendly and that Cronins Yard is a good set-up in terms of car park, picnic tables, toilets etc.

I will definitely climb it again, maybe try O'Sheas Gully up & Heavenly Gates down.

Though to be honest, I did not notice where the Heavenly Gates descent started.

Thanks to all on here for their great advice & tips.

hmmm · 28-06-2021 9:31pm

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

I met someone else who said they dont like heights either but preferred coming down the Heavenly Gates route than the zig zag route.

Well done, good writeup. Personally I think parts of the Heavenly Gates are much more exposed - I wouldn't bring people with a fear of heights down that direction but interested to hear other peoples experiences. Not so easy to find either if you're new to the mountain.

29-06-2021 8:24am

JimmyCorkhill wrote: »

I cant stand heights but I definitely found the first few minutes of the zig zag route (where you turn off at the stones) not very enjoyable, I was practically holding onto the mountain and not very comfortable, however as we came lower down I was fine.
...
I will definitely climb it again, maybe try O'Sheas Gully up & Heavenly Gates down.

The Ramp to the Heavenly Gates is definitely more gentle than the Zig Zags.

The drop from the Heavenly Gates to the rescue hut is much more exposed than any section of the Zig Zags.

The Zig Zags are the easiest descent to the Hag's Glen. If it unnerved you, I'd say think about the other side of the range, the Hydro Road or Bridia Valley.

unkel · 29-06-2021 9:40am

So there are pretty exposed parts of the zigzags then? I wasn't aware of that. I also have a fear of heights and I don't like drops / being exposed. That just leaves the Devil's ladder then going up and down?

hmmm · 29-06-2021 12:38pm

Deleted User wrote: »

The Zig Zags are the easiest descent to the Hag's Glen. If it unnerved you, I'd say think about the other side of the range, the Hydro Road or Bridia Valley.

I've a fear of heights myself, and if someone found a bit of the ZigZags unnerving I'd say they won't like Caher.

For me the ZigZags are the easiest for those with a fear of heights. The bit at the very top you are looking down a big slope to your left, but it's a relatively good gentle path and it's more a mental problem than any physical danger - if you are really dizzy you can safely lean in to the side and take a rest. The devil's ladder is quite steep, and slippy, at the top - I wouldn't be happy going down there.

The worst bit of the ZigZags for me is just before it even starts, as the route narrows slightly as you climb up from the col at the Devil's ladder. There is a clear path leading around to the left which most people take on auto-pilot as it avoids a patch of bad muck, and you very suddenly find yourself on the edge of a cliff (remember to see this through the eyes of someone with a fear of heights

). You can avoid this path by simply going straight up.

Quackster · 29-06-2021 1:58pm

hmmm wrote: »

Well done, good writeup. Personally I think parts of the Heavenly Gates are much more exposed - I wouldn't bring people with a fear of heights down that direction but interested to hear other peoples experiences. Not so easy to find either if you're new to the mountain.

Yeah, I'd agree. Would advise anyone who hasn't done it before to try it first as an ascent route.

Quackster · 29-06-2021 2:04pm

unkel wrote: »

So there are pretty exposed parts of the zigzags then? I wasn't aware of that. I also have a fear of heights and I don't like drops / being exposed. That just leaves the Devil's ladder then going up and down?

Bridia Valley from the Cookie Monster Café (limited parking in a rough lay-by across the road) would be my thinking. But you'd want to be able to navigate or have a navigator with you as you won't have anyone else to follow!

unkel · 29-06-2021 3:08pm

Quackster wrote: »

Bridia Valley from the Cookie Monster Café (limited parking in a rough lay-by across the road) would be my thinking. But you'd want to be able to navigate or have a navigator with you as you won't have anyone else to follow!

Or the hydro road. I guess via Caher is the only easy way for us with a fear of heights to go up Carrauntoohil?

hmmm · 29-06-2021 3:25pm

unkel wrote: »

Or the hydro road. I guess via Caher is the only easy way for us with a fear of heights to go up Carrauntoohil?

I can only speak for myself, but Caher was far worse than the ZigZags - you've a cliff on one side, and a big steep slope on the other. A fine big path also of course, it's quite safe. I'd have no fear of the ZigZags at all, and if you were really nervous I'd suggest going up and down the ZigZags so you get a look at it & you're not worrying about it on the way back.

josip · 29-06-2021 3:29pm

unkel wrote: »

Or the hydro road. I guess via Caher is the only easy way for us with a fear of heights to go up Carrauntoohil?

There's parts of the Caher track with a considerable steep slope even on the less scary side.
So it does depend on your level of fear of heights.
Best approach would be to go up in low cloud, what you can't see can't scare you.

trellheim · 29-06-2021 4:51pm

I'd recommend the Zigzags Unkel. I found the Ladder open and eroded but the zigzags not too bad at all.

embraer170 · 02-08-2021 10:52pm

I did Carrauntoohil on Sunday with someone with a terrible fear of heights.

We went up the ladder and down the zigzags and it went fine on the whole. There must have been over a 1000 people on the mountain (Cronin's cark park packed) and the ladder still didn't feel too crowded.

Lots of people in t-shirts and shorts. I was well dressed with a few layers and still felt cold.

It was my second time doing a Hag's Glen route. I think I will try Caher the next time. I would also be very tempted to try the full Reeks walk one day.

unkel · 02-08-2021 10:55pm

Thanks a million for sharing. Still conflicting stories about down the zigzags and fear of heights. Are there any sheer drops at all?

dobman88 · 02-08-2021 11:03pm

Another vote for the zigzag here. I wouldnt say I've an actual fear of heights but I'm not the best when dealing with them and I had no issues at all coming down the zigzags after going up the ladder. There are no steep, sheer drops at all, it's all very straightforward.

lawrencesummers · 02-08-2021 11:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117697246#Comment_117697246

Your always on a path on the zigzags, or at least you should be!

A path wide enough to stand on with both feet together so easy to keep your balance.

As for sheer drops i would say no, its grass banks on either side, with one going down and one going up, at some points the drop is steeper than others but the path is so well worn its safe.

That said everyones fear of heights is different, ive been to the top of the hill with people who said they are terrified of heights and didnt mind it, and also at the end of the hags glen with people who wouldn't even attempt the Zigzags.

So i guess what i would say is dont let your fear of heights stop you from walking the hill, but if it becomes to much just turn back, because you maybe scared of heights but not find a hike on solid ground scary, and you might which is fine as well but the zigzags is probably the most used route where you dont need to use your hands at any stage of the climb so your elevation gain is more steady and balanced

embraer170 · 02-08-2021 11:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117697246#Comment_117697246

My partner has a horrible fear of heights and her complaints about the day are about the exhaustion rather than the zigzags. She was also a bit uncomfortable on top of Carrauntoohil but hasn't said anything about the way down.

There is a bit of a drop for the first few minutes of the zigzags (with quite a narrow path) but I wouldn't call it a sheer drop.

As someone mentioned before, as you climb up to the zigzags (from the Devil's ladder), it helps if you keep a little bit to the right towards the peak of Cnoc na Toinne until you reach the mound of stones where the zigzags descent begins. One might instinctively go left to avoid mud but that leads you to a more exposed part.

I use both Komoot and Outdoor active for navigation and they can be quite helpful if you have any doubts.

embraer170 · 02-08-2021 11:19pm

The start of the zigzags showing the drop on the left.

unkel · 03-08-2021 12:22am

Brilliant. I would have no problem with that myself. Can't wait to finally go up Carrauntoohil :-)

embraer170 · 21-04-2024 10:35pm

A brilliant day for hiking today. Did the Coomloughra Horseshoe for the first time. Quite a lot (I am probably not the fittest) but absolutely amazing all the way.

Inforapenny · 12-07-2024 9:19pm

Good advice on this thread.

Previously (3 years ago) we climbed up the Devils Ladder and came down by the Zig Zags route.

I have a bad fear of heights, I didn’t mind climbing up the Devils Ladder as I didn’t feel too exposed, however, I was pretty (very) uncomfortable with the start of the zig zag descent, however it got easier.

Hoping to do Carrauntoohill again in the coming days, but would like to ascend a different route than the Devils Ladder and not ascend by the zig zag route. Will come back down the Zig Zag route again as I do feel from my research it is the most comfortable descent for someone with a fear of heights.

So any suggestions on what route to ascend the mountain ( excludingDevils Ladder or Zig Zag) that is maybe the least exposed or least scary for someone with fear of heights?

Thank you.

Advice for Carrauntoohil

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