- Grade: C – Moderate
- Length: 9-10 km
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours
- Height gain: 763 m
- Extension option: n/a
Start Point: Baile na hAbha @ O.S. Map 70 Q 433 124
Meeting point: An Bóthar Pub, R549 before continuing to parking area
We follow the Dingle Way signs through the townland of Baile an Chnocáin before continuing on the Dingle Way from the car park at 90 meters above sea level. The sea is a constant on our left hand side as we follow the marked trail. We leave Brandon Creek behind us and the remains of the promontory fort of “An Dún Rua”. The fort once stood 12-15 feet high and the same in depth stretching across the headland between the two creeks. As we continue uphill Mt. Brandon looms high above us to the right and Más an Tiompáin to our left. Passing through a gate at 470 meters a track breaks off to the left and leads to the start of the descent to Fothair na Manach, a challenge for another day!
From the gate we have 180 meters to climb before reaching the coll at 650 meters. On the final approach look out for the rock formation that resembles a hooded monk on the left of the path! For some the coll might be the target for the day and time can be taken to examine the Ogham Stone that stands on the eastern side of the coll. The inscription has been translated as “Ronan, the priest son of Comgall”. Both sides of the stone are inscribed with crosses.
If the target is Más an Tiompáin then an additional 113 meters of climbing is required to reach the summit at 763 meters. From here there are extensive views down to Arraglen and Sauce Creek and north toward Kerry Head and Loop Head.
Our return journey retraces our earlier steps and allows us to enjoy the views of Ceann Baile Dháith, An Triúr Deirféar and the Blasket Islands before again reaching our cars.
Note: From the starting point it is 3.7 km to coll and an ascent of 562 meters.
Photos
