The Paps and Climbing Wall

Arranged with Frank Donlon to climb the Paps. Met at Farranfore Railway Station, Frank doing the driving and headed off for the Clydagh Valley, parking at the start of the track to Shrone. A short walk up the track looking out for the narrow fire break to our left which would lead us on to the mountain.

Fire Break

The surface of the Fire Break is very boggy and we were glad when we were out of it and heading for the Eastern Pap.The climb is steep and an hour later we were glad to be on top. A short break,the wind is bitter cold and onward to the western Pap where we had a snack. Wondering how we would return and decided it would be easier to return by the east Pap again. Another struggle to its tiop and then down the mountain to the Fire Break and back to the car. Three hours from car to car.

Frank on western Pap.

Went to climbing wall, Andy again doing taxi. Enjoyed the climbing and did one good traverse.

Bird Hill to Knockboy

Five miles south of Kilgarvan lie a lovely range of hills in the shape of a horseshoe. I am to lead a walk here in April so it is time to get to know the area fairly well. It's been about ten years since I walked the area but, as I am not back to fitness yet, we decided to do half of the walk today and the rest later on. So we parked a car at the top of the pass for collection at the end of the walk and then returned to the start in another car.

The climb to Bird Hill is steep and I found it tough enough. From here we picked a nice gully to the top of Gullaba.From here starts the long bog slog to the foot of Knockboy and a hard climb to the summit. From here it is over a 3km walk, all downhill, to the car but the ground is rough and boggy so the going is fairly slow

The walk took five hours and I hope to return in the next week or so to complete the horseshoe.

Carrauntoohil and Climbing wall

Devils Ladder

Decided on St. Patricks Day that I would walk on the following day. Thinking of Mangerton but forecast was very good so decided on Carrauntoohil via O'Shea's. However, while walking in the Hags Glen saw snow on O'Shea's so opted for the Ladder, as I felt that it would be enough to carry myself up, never mind battling snow.

The weather was lovely with warm sunshine but as I started the Ladder it turned cold as I was in shelter. The climb to the summit took three hours but it was lovely on top. Had a quick bite and decided to return by the Heavenly Gates. As I was leaving a man asked me what way down was I going and, when I told him, he asked me could he come with me as he had never done that route. I enjoyed his company even though he was a bit slow descending from the Gates. He was a Meathman. It was very busy on the mountain for a week day.

When I got to the car there was a text from Andy that he was going to the climbing wall and would call for me at 19.15hrs. Got home, had a quick bite and got the gear for the wall ready. The wall was quiet so Andy and myself decided to test our skills and do a traverse. Was nervous at the start but all went well. If it is quiet next week we will do the same again. A long day.

Torc and Lord Brandons 09/03/08

Present Lord Brandons

Got up early on Saturday the eight to do Mangerton but weather very bad so did Torc. Strong gales on top and some heavy showers but enjoyed it. On Sunday walked to Lord Brandons . A few showers but a nice walk.

Tower on original lord Brandons