Looking for first hand information about Ireland's largest mountain.
The LP guide makes reference to a short section that is extremely dangerous. As I recall it's a narrow ridge.
We are experienced hikers, but I'm trying to determine how narrow this ridge really is and in particular how dangerous.
I know about the weather conditions. I'm specifically interested in the level of difficulty of the route and whether it's ok for someone who is not not a rock climber.
Thanks
irene1990
1
kegarne7
Hi Irene,
I climbed Carrantuohill in 1999 on the way home via the UK from Asia. The main route is not difficult at all, there is a steep rocky bit before you get to the main part of the summit and that is all. It is just a walk really. There are obviously far more difficult routes up the mountain for climbers however if you park your car at the Rangers base and then walk you'll have no problems.
The one thing I would recommend is that you start early. When I did it we drove from Kilmarnock and we didn't get going until mid afternoon which was too late. We got lost for an hour or so coming back in the dark which was not too pleasant.
Go to this link to read more and see a fanatstic picture of the mountain.
Regards
Tony
Carrantuohill link
2
happyr
No difficulties at all for experienced walkers. Apart from the standard route up Hag's Glen there is a much better (more interesting) route from the West starting at the north end of Lough Acoose. The Coomloughra Glen Horseshoe takes you up over Caher summit, Carrauntoohil, Beenkeragh, Skregmore and then rejoins the outward route for the return to the start. Again, no real difficulties for experience walkers though one ridge section is a little exposed. There is a useful book describing this and other routes in the area - Guide to Ireland's 3000-foot mountains by H Mulholland.
3
irene1990
Tony: Beautiful pictures of the area. Thanks for sharing.
happyr: I will go to the bookstore and take a look at Mulholland's book, thanks for the rec. You can never have too many hiking and climbing books, imo.
The route in the LP Guide "Walking in Ireland", refers to the Horshoe trail. That's where the "exposed narrow rocky ridge" is mentioned and warned about. I've hiked in plenty of exposed ridge lines and this is the first time that I've come across a pullout box in a guide that goes out of it's way to warn you. So it made me wonder: "What is this ridge? like...3 feet wide or what? :-) "
The guide mentions that you may have to use your hands for support along this ridge. Can someone be a little more specific? I'm thinking about taking a 10 year old and I really am concerned about this section.
Thanks again!
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