Carrauntoohil via Coimin Iochtarach, down the Gates.

A good clear day, but very frosty. Set out from Lisleibane with Frank, who is setting a good pace in the track. We decide on Coimin Iochtarach and O'Shea's. We are climbing in brilliant conditions. Frank is steadly pulling away from me and is waiting for me at the top of O'Sheas.

Iced up Cross

Patches of ice now on the stone and have to be careful, cross has good coating of ice on it.

We stop for a bite on top, the cold making sure we do not stay long. We head towards the top of the ladder, but turn off for the track to the Gates before we reach it.

I always like the track to the Gates, wonderful views of the Hags Glen. From the Gates to the Hut is very steep downhill and we exercise great care. However we met a group of about fourteen young scouts from Limerick going up and we wondered about their leaders. We were worried in case they dislodged any stone on us. However, we considered ourselves lucky when we arrived at the hut. A nice walk out to the car in brilliant sunshine. The round trip took four hours fifty minutes.