Ballyhoura Bears Walk Report March 21st

By Robin Lee

The year is slipping on, and we are on the cusp of the bright evenings. For us this spells walks on further away ranges that endure for a bit longer than we have been used to since the time changed in October last.

Pat Lombard led a fantastic “A” walk on to Mangerton on Sunday last. Assembling his charges at Killarney in advance, he led us by car out to the Torc Waterfall Upper Car Park. There we donned the appropriate gear for the beautiful conditions that obtained, and struck out immediately for the sharp rise to Barnancurrane. This is a great “pipe opener”. By the time this first lift is complete your blood is circulating and your breathing is deep, but what a reward awaits you? Stopping and turning around to the north, the splendour of the Lakes of Killarney stretches away from you and the ruggedness of the Upper Lake reaches away to the west. The day was still young and there was a lot to do, so onwards and upwards with us on a more gradual incline, past spot height 585M and on to The Devil’s Punch Bowl, the highest lake (670M) of the Macgillycuddy’s. The views were improving all the while and, as ever with this walk, changing continuously. Having put the Punch Bowl behind us we landed on our target for the day, Mangerton Mountain (839M). Our food break was well earned at this point, and it was more than welcome. Whither to now Pat? Descend to Knockrower (554M) was the plan that was announced. Who better to lead us through the intricate terrain than Pat who has an intimate local knowledge of the area? Throughout this leg we had spectacular views to the south of Kenmare and its surrounding areas. Turning now to the northwest we traversed Ullauns and the famous Shaking Rock before crossing Galway’s River and on to the Old Kenmare Road. We were now on the last leg of this magnificent seven-hour walk with all twelve participants wholly satisfied with the outing. Thank you Pat for a wonderful day

The southern side of the Galtys is always an attractive starting point being a little less demanding at the beginning of a walk than the starting points on the north. Pat Carmody has Glengarra Wood off to a T and thus thirteen walkers were attracted to this home “A” walk on Sunday. The conditions couldn’t have been better putting everyone in good humour for a vigorous day’s walking. That is what we got. We ascended Knockeenatong (601M) with relative ease given that the underfoot conditions were excellent despite the heavy rain on the night before. Once this rise was completed we veered to the northeast for the ascent on to Greenane (802M). This was to be the highest point of the day, and it provided not only a resting place to “refuel” but also exceptional views of The Three Counties with Lake Muskerry nestling in beneath us. Having achieved our target for the day Pat took us on to the network of mountain paths that criss cross the southern face of Greenane leading inexorably back to the car park that we departed some six hours previously. Yet again this week the weather obliged allowing us the luxury of returning home well exercised and gratified without the discomfort of being cold and wet.

A combination of Bridget Hennessy as leader, and the fine day resulted in a turn out of twenty-six for the “B” walk at Garryarthur. Some of those attending were “graduates” from the now popular Beginners Walks that take off from Ardpartrick Church each Saturday at 12,00 m d. Leaving Garryarthur we walked the river bank to Darragh stopping when and where is was deemed necessary for the comfort of all. Despite the recent rain it was remarkable how low the river was – a sign of the dry winter that we have put behind us. A gentle rise along the Bothareen Dearg (that has been recently repaired in places) led us to the beech walk that is charming at any time of the year. Trust Bridget to have a card up her sleeve! A sharp turn uphill through the woods knocked the puff out of us until we reached the forest track that was to lead us on to Kilcruaig. A leisurely lunch was warranted now along with savouring the delightful views that are on offer from here, especially on the day that was in it. Not only did we have sunshine all the way, but also there was real warmth in it as testified by some of the scarlet faces that arrived back at the starting point. The whole walk took just three and a half hours, but it seemed to pass in a jiffy such was the enjoyment that was being had throughout. A really pleasant walk, Bridget. Thank you.

Next Sunday Declan Clancy (087) 9792174 will lead an introductory “A” walk out of Ardpatrick at 10.00 a m. This will be a moderate “A” walk. Meanwhile Jim Flynn – (087) 2833456 – will assemble a “B” walk at Anglesbobro Community Centre at 11.00 a m. For those wanting a real challenge, however, the Galty Walking Club will be setting off on the Aherlow Marathon at 8.00 a m on Sunday from the Top Car Park in Aherlow. Details from Rody Tierney (062) 51775.