Eagle's Nest Exploration November 2008

'The Mountains of Killarney' by J.C. Coleman: "Another of the odds and ends is the Eagle's Nest which stands like the Rock of Gibraltar on the Purple Mountain side of the Long Range, the strait connecting the Upper and Middle lakes. Hart refers to the cliff on on its north east corner as having climbing possibilities. This cliff, the reputed one-time haunt of eagles is based in thick vegetation and most of the rock outcrop is similarly treated. "

Well, no description ever stopped us, so brave Maurice and enthusiastic Patricia embarked on another exploring hike - a short hike.

Met at Dinis Cottage 10am and despite a tummy bug, bold Maurice was all set to go. In the track, and across the old weir bridge which has had a recent makeover.

In along flat grassy terrain below Sullivan's Punch Bowl and Cloichín na Marbh. Ongoing wet weather keeps the ground squelchy, swampy and encourages vegetation to grow healthily.

Crossed the river, made more awkward by dyke banks, holes and gorse in the wrong places. Our eyes drawn to the main gully, and we headed that way. The slopes are strewn with woodland, with recent evidence of rhodo clearance. We headed uphill, clambering over dead rhodo branches.

I noticed an opening in the rocky cliffs and trees which was more visible due to the rhodo clearance. I turned happily to Maurice and suggested we try it. Ever resigned, he agreed with a sigh and up we went.

A small stream trickled down. In amongst the trees which hid an interesting steep little gully with a few rock steps with handy branches to hold onto and an odd slippery move.

Closer now to the steep rock face on our right, with trees on our left. The gully meandered upwards.

A dense area of dead rhodos necessitated brute force to push our way through, veering right onto a grassy area under the rock face enabling an easier ascent to the top of the gully at a tree sheltered col.

On up the top of the Eagle's Nest outcrop, mild and clear. Great views and solitude.

Opted to descend towards the Long Range, on a slope heathery at first which then steepened considerably and necessitated a traverse right into old woodland to avoid a steep vertical section of rock.

Beautiful green old woods, carpeted in moss and on downwards. A short snack on a boulder overlooking Man of War Rock and Newfoundland. No were not in Canada, and we could not see any submarines.

Traversed below the woods and then we chose a route upwards (again) through the trees, onto more open ground, necessitating some scrambling on rock outcrops and benches, discovering heather and the ever helpful hole, hauling ourselves onwards and upwards.

False summits, grass and bouldery terrain, until eventually we got to the high point, slightly left of main summit. A gasping Maurice gratefully sat down, relieved to hear we would be descending.

I pointed vaguely towards a promising little gap and we dutifully went that way, descending bouldery grassy terrain. Then steep heathery slopes appeared so we opted to go left. Well I did. Maurice faithfully followed.

Espied a gully below and we headed for it down through rocks and heather, practising glissading. Picked up a small stream and decided to stay with it OR in it rather than trying to negotiate heather.

Some wet down climbing which seemed to go on and 0n. Veered right into mossy woodland and firmer terrain - dare I say the word!!

Crossed the river more easily now as we are more upstream in general area of Claishin na Marbh. How we seem to love this place.

Out over the little grassy bumps, diverting into gorse to make it more lively.

Maurice was grateful to see the Long Range come into view and the old weir bridge.

Back onto the road, and Maurice reminded me it was more uphill going back to the car as the road rises to the main road. But that was no problem to us. Back to the car 3.30pm. A half hour earlier than last week - a short "handy" hike again.

Maurice decides the legs need a rest and opts to give the wall a miss.

A lovely hike in remote wild country, having deer and birds for company, plenty of varied terrain to negotiate. Sure, why would you want a straight forward route.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Planning the next exploring hike. Maurice is alive and well. As Margaret said to him once, if it does not kill him, he will be all the stronger for it.

Just as well I am not a mind-reader as I am sure that during our hikes, some thoughts would not be too complimentary to me!!

OK Maurice - ready for the next one?