- Grade: A – Difficult
- Length: 11 km
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Height gain: 890 m
- Extension Option n/a
Start Point: Cronin’s Yard @ O.S. Map 78 V 836874
A good head for height is essential for this hike, and there is a little bit of scrambling.
(12.5 km via Zig Zag + 990metres)
Upon leaving Cronins yard, we travel on a dirt track for 3 km, and a further kilometer SW almost to Lough Gouragh. Here is the beginning of our adventurous climbing. Our climb here is generally west, passing within 100 m of a mountain shelter built by Kerry mountain rescue. Soon, we reach Lough Cummeenoughter, the highest lake in Ireland and it is here where we climb O’Sheas Gully (200 m). A further 100 m climb SE, and we will reach Carrauntoohill mountain (1039m).
Our descent is via Heavenly Gates, a steep gully where care is needed.
Alternatively, we pass the Devils Ladder saddle and climb 100 m SE (1 km) to the Zig Zag decent route. Once we reach the valley floor, there is a 3 km walk back to Cronins newly renovated coffee shop.
Photos
