Cuillin Ridge

Arrived at Lisleibane to find the County Council working there, putting in an extra car park I think. Phil came a few minutes later. four lads there intently examining a map, after a few minutes one of them comes over to me to ask where were they on the map. A lot of water in the Gaddagh but safe crossing at the fiord. We again crossed at the mouth of Lough Callee and headed for Lough Coimín.

The ground becomes more steep, the grass more slippy, and the pace slows, and we stop a few times to catch our breath, we reach the ridge after forty five minutes. The ridge is enjoyable with good scrambling. Here we had to put on our good over jackets as there was no shelter from the wind on the ridge.

On reaching the summit of Cuillin we eat, and afterwards decide to go our separate ways, Phil going on to Carrantoohil, I dropping down the Ladder.

It has become very eroded near the top and I take it easy, arriving at the car about three forty-five.

Mangerton with Monty

Had lunch at Muckross & then headed for Mangerton with Monty. Turned very wet after a while. Met Patrick O'Connor and his wife. We went as far as the cairn over the Punch Bowl and turned around. Very misty. Dropped to the lake and had some lunch. Monty enjoyed two packets of 'Buttons'. Good and wet when we reached the car. Margaret waiting for us.

Gleantanassig

Met up with Phil & Bairbre at Curraheen church and drove to Gleantanassig, keeping up with Phil as she drove was no fun.

We drove in the road where the stained glass showrooms are and parked near it.

We headed up Arraglen, great scrambling for a start, no trouble to Phil or Bairbre. The scrambling lasted for about forty five minutes, then the long slog to Stradbally began. It is a gentle slope but seems to go on forever. Near the top I began to tire so at the top I said "Goodbye" to Phil & Bairbre, and turned for home via the wire fence, they going on to do Beenoskee. It was wet & windy on the way down, had cup of tea, and reached the car at 2:45.

As I changed the clothes a farmer of my own vintage came along, and we had a lovely chat for half an hour. He told me the history of the area. When he was young there were five farmers with sheep on the hill, now there were only two, and they doing it as a hobby. He was going up to Arraglen Lake to check for his sheep.

Cnoc an Bhráca and Alohart

Met up with Phil, Bairbre & Patricia to do Tomies Wood because forecast said gales, but upon arrival decided that it was calm enough to do some climbing so headed for Kate's and Cnoc an Bhráca. Up the zig zags, me hanging on to keep up with Phil & Bairbre, Patricia blazing ahead.

It started to rain as we climbed so on with the wet gear. Crossing the bog to the foot of Cnoc an Bhráca was messy, very wet and soft in places.

As we climbed Cnoc an Bhráca the wind caught us and it was hard going to the top, I was glad to have a walking pole. On top we decided that Cruach Mhór could not be reached, as the ridge could be dangerous.

A decision to descend by Alohart was taken. I have often climbed the Alohart Gully but never descended it and immediately regretted not having brought my camera. The views down the Gully were fantastic.

Half way down we stopped for a bite to eat. As we finished Patricia announced that she was going to head away from us and take in Stuicin. The rest of us said "No thanks" and we headed for the top of the zig zags across the bog. We descended in good form having had a good day. Four and a half hours on the mountain.