Friday, December 26, 2014

Trekking up Carrauntoohil (via Devil's Ladder)

Now, whilst in Ireland, I did have a few things I absolutely had to do. One of which was hike to the summit of Carrauntoohil, the highest point in Ireland. This I thought would be relatively straight forward, that is, right up until I found the 'instructions' on how to get there at my hostel.

They were...meager. Firstly, like many hikes it did state never go alone; weather changes easily; yadda, yadda, yadda, but as I was reading it I was overheard that a couple of hikers had gone missing the day before, which is a little disconcerting. The directions also quite clearly indicated that there was not an actual trail and it did not provide a map or compass directions the summit... it just gave a few land marks to follow. This is fine in sunny weather when the summit can be seen, but normal weather in Ireland in September is not sunny, especially in the Ring of Kerry.
Pictured: the visible part of the trek.
I managed to get to the top, but I spent much of my time in heavy fog unsure if I was going the correct way. This is a guide, with photos, of how to make you way to the top of Carrauntoohil with photos.
Starting from Cronin's Yard pass through the gate to the southwest of the lot.


do not be concerned if these cars are not present when you visit Cronin's Yard.
Take the path to the left at the first fork
The right fork just leads to a camping ground
Follow the trail crossing over two bridges...
 
"I love bridges, because you know there will be a downhill after the middle!" - Lescinka Fackerell (Inward Bound; 2005)
...and follow this veritable highway...
...through the gate.
After a short while you will saunter between lake Callee and lake Gouragh.
 Continue following this path south west even as it disappears into nothingness.

slowly...

...disappearing...
...into nothingness.
until it pretty much turns into a dry creek bed full of loose rocks. Climb up the gully on the right.

There will be small amounts of water (not REALLY a dry creek bed by aussie standards) and mud.There will be lots of slipping and cursing.
Never fear, this is still the correct path. (aka Devil's Ladder)

It was at this point I assumed I had gone the wrong way.
You know when you reach the top as you no longer need you hands to move forward.
This photo looks back towards the Devil's Ladder.
At the top of Devil's Ladder turn northwest (your right) and head uphill. You will see trail of rocks amongst all the other rocks and grass. This trails comes and goes but is pretty well marked by cairns.

When in doubt go up the hill.
When you can see the cross through the fog you know you are near the top.
Bask in glory and ask yourself one question...
...how the hell do sheep get up here?
Probably just freeloaded in someone's backpack like Baiky.

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