An Cosantóir

33 Carrauntoohil, Beenkeeragh and Caher require experience and fitness and are the only mountains in Ireland that are more than 1000m high. Given Carrauntoohil's closeness to the Atlantic Ocean, the weather can be very changeable very fast, so you should be prepared for wet, wind, cold and more if you're heading into the hills there. There are three main routes up the mountain and you're strongly advised to always carry a map, or go with a guide if you're not that experienced and haven't navigated or climbed the mountain before. There's more on essential kit needed for these mountains below. Carrauntoohil Ordnance Survey Maps: 78 Carrauntoohil Duration: 12-13 km return, 5-7 hours return Good for: Pretty hardcore hikers who want to tackle Ireland's highest peaks, or intermediate hill walkers ready to step up. The most popular route, or tourist route as it's often known, is the Devil's Ladder (12km return). It's the most direct and shortest route and is a pretty strenuous walk that will take you between four and six hours. The track is fairly easy to see and follow. Due to the popularity of this trail, it is eroded in parts and is quite loose underfoot through the steep ladder part. Most people start this route at Cronin's Yard and follow the well-worn path up through Hag's Glen, crossing the lovely Gaddagh River. There are big stepping stones to take you across the river, but be careful making the crossing. You can avoid the crossing by going through O'Shea's Gully instead (route 2 below). Hag's Glen is a wide open valley that's really beautiful with a lake on either side of the trail, Lough Gouragh and Callee. You'll hike through a fairly boggy/marshy section before reaching the base of the Devil's Ladder. The Devil's Ladder is quite a tough part of the climb due to its steepness and the loose rocks/pebbles/ erosion on this part of the trail. It's a steep gully with loose scree that can get quite crowded so it's best to leave some room between you and others to avoid falling stones (or people). Due to erosion, it can be a bit unstable in places so extra caution is advised. It can be quite dangerous in wet or icy conditions. A walking stick or two can be really helpful. Once you've scaled the ladder, the trail veers right to take you up the long climb to the summit. There are a few offshoots branching off on either side, NIEMBA AMBUSH 60 YEARS ON It's vital to bring proper kit when hiking a serious mountain like Carrauntoohil. That means planning as if you'll be staying out after dark or overnight, just in case you get into trouble. The main things to remember are to wear quality, supportive hiking boots, bring waterproof gear (top and bottoms), extra warm layers, hat and gloves for cold, and a map and compass (and know how to use them!). Bring plenty of food and water, providing for longer than you plan to be out walking, just in case. It's also wise to bring some emergency kit, including a whistle, torch (and spare battery), first aid kit and survival blanket and bag. Gaiters for your boots and a rucksack liner are wise if the weather has been wet, which is usually the case. Also, pack your phone and make sure it's fully charged. but each leads to the top so take your pick. The final stretch to the summit has hazards on either side, so be really careful in poor visibility or bad weather. There's a dangerous area above Curraghmore if you go left so beware of that. And on the right, a narrow trail will take you across the face of the mountain and on to the Heavenly Gates. After all your hard work, the summit is breath taking. You'll be surrounded by a rich panorama of mountain peaks and dramatic ridges in nearly every direction. There are also numerous lakes to be spotted, the Wild Atlantic Way in the distance, and to the north east, you should see the rich farmland of Co Kerry. Carrauntoohil is topped with a cross, which had to be replaced after being cut down by vandals in November 2014. The local community rallied together and carried tools up to get the cross back up within weeks. Beware when descending from the summit as there is hazardous steep ground in many directions. The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team warn that "there are NO safe descent routes anywhere to the north, northeast, east or southeast of the summit. Always carry a map and a compass and have at least one competent navigator in your group (ie. capable of accurate navigation in all conditions, including white- out and darkness)." Best advice is to closely retrace your steps the way you came up, to ask for directions if you're in any doubt and use a compass and map to be safe. 33 DIRTY BOOTS Carrauntoohil: Essential Kit

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