| This magnificent walk has it all, beautiful scenery, | | | | unknown condition of the ridge the leaders on the climb |
| breathtaking views, a strenuous workout, in addition to | | | | decided that it would be better to do the walk in |
| a wonderful sense of achievement upon completion. | | | | reverse order ie Caher first, then Carrauntoohil and |
| The circuit around Coomloughra takes 6-7 hours to | | | | then across the ridge to Beenkeragh (providing it being |
| complete and takes you to the summit of Ireland's 3 | | | | deemed to be cross-able upon reaching Carrauntoohil |
| highest peaks, Carrauntoohil (1039m) Beenkeragh | | | | summit). This way even if the ridge was in a |
| (1010m) and Caher (1001m). In addition it involves | | | | treacherous condition we still had reached the summits |
| crossing the spectacular knife edged ridge | | | | of Caher and Carrauntoohil whereas if we had |
| (Beenkeragh ridge) which links Carrauntoohil and | | | | climbed Beenkeragh first we would only have one |
| Beenkeragh. The views from the ridge are second to | | | | peak completed. Luckily the ridge was deemed as |
| none and the thrill of crossing it is something I would | | | | cross-able. At this point we split into two groups; a |
| never get tired of. | | | | choice been given of descending via Caher or |
| However a word of warning; it is definitely not for | | | | crossing the ridge and descending via Beenkeragh. I |
| people of a nervous disposition or for those with a bad | | | | joined the Beenkeragh group. |
| fear of heights. Crossing it alone or without the | | | | Crossing the snow covered icy ridge was one of the |
| guidance of experienced climbers is also not | | | | most amazing experiences of my life. Its rugged |
| recommended I completed the circuit last Sunday | | | | beauty, the valleys and lakes on either side and the |
| (March 7) with the Clare Outdoor Club who are based | | | | views looking back on Carrauntoohil and forward |
| in Ennis. They are a great bunch of people with an | | | | towards Beenkeragh are images that will stay with me |
| infectious enthusiasm for the outdoors. To reap the full | | | | forever. Upon reaching Beenkeragh summit we began |
| benefits of this and many other superb walks I would | | | | the long but enjoyable descent back to our cars |
| highly recommend joining an outdoor club. Normally the | | | | where we met our colleagues who had descended |
| circuit of Coomloughra is completed in the order of | | | | via Caher This was my third time completing this walk |
| Beenkeragh first, then across the ridge to | | | | and I must say the most enjoyable of the three. It was |
| Carrauntoohil, the over to Caher and down. | | | | a crystal clear day with great opportunities for photos. |
| Due to the freezing weather last Sunday and the | | | | |