Brandon Mountain
Friday 16th September
My last walk in Ireland, and it was a corker. The weather,once again, played into me hands, I had clear views across the mountains all day. Despite a cold, stiff breeze the weather was perfect, it was excellent walking weather. I have been really lucky with the weather this week; luck of the Irish! Driving across the Dingle Peninsula I parked in Cloghane and then set off along a side road climbing up the side of the hill to Faha, where there is a car park. Climbing across the hillside I followed the clearly marked path where white metal posts guided the way.
Climbing across the grassy southern side of the ridge the path skirted around the hill and into a rocky cove with Locha Chom an Chnoic crowing it. With considerable glee, I clambered among the rocks and passing the small loch, I began the steep climb up the cliff face ahead of me. The excellent path zigzagged up onto the top of the main Brandon ridge where I was awarded for my effort with superb views across the Dingle Peninsula. 
Climbing the ridge southwards brought me quickly to the summit of Brandon Mountain where the views were even more impressive. Nothing can describe the breathtaking views across the whole Dingle Peninsula that could be seen all around me. I am going to miss this, I don't want to leave Ireland!
After lunch I headed off south along the ridge keeping as close to the edge as I dared (which at times was not very close!). Continuing along the ridge I cam to the foot of, and began climbing, Brandon Peak.
Once assailed I headed along the narrowing ridge to Gearhane after which the only way was steeply down hill. As I descended I reflected sadly that I was now leaving the last hill of the last walk of my week in Ireland. I always feel a little sad when I start descending after a good days walk in the hills, but on the last day this is doubly sad. I love hill walking and I love a good days walk on rocky hills. I hate leaving them behind. Anyway, crossing the often boggy grassy plain I descended further to the col with Ballysitteragh (which I climbed yesterday, in considerably worse weather!). Turning left I joined the track zigzagging into the valley and then walked along the road for 3-4 miles all the way into Cloghane. It was a slow end to a great walk, but it failed to dampen me feeling on the walk. I've had some good walks in Ireland this week, I hope it won't be too long before I return.
My last walk in Ireland, and it was a corker. The weather,once again, played into me hands, I had clear views across the mountains all day. Despite a cold, stiff breeze the weather was perfect, it was excellent walking weather. I have been really lucky with the weather this week; luck of the Irish! Driving across the Dingle Peninsula I parked in Cloghane and then set off along a side road climbing up the side of the hill to Faha, where there is a car park. Climbing across the hillside I followed the clearly marked path where white metal posts guided the way.
Climbing across the grassy southern side of the ridge the path skirted around the hill and into a rocky cove with Locha Chom an Chnoic crowing it. With considerable glee, I clambered among the rocks and passing the small loch, I began the steep climb up the cliff face ahead of me. The excellent path zigzagged up onto the top of the main Brandon ridge where I was awarded for my effort with superb views across the Dingle Peninsula. 
Climbing the ridge southwards brought me quickly to the summit of Brandon Mountain where the views were even more impressive. Nothing can describe the breathtaking views across the whole Dingle Peninsula that could be seen all around me. I am going to miss this, I don't want to leave Ireland!After lunch I headed off south along the ridge keeping as close to the edge as I dared (which at times was not very close!). Continuing along the ridge I cam to the foot of, and began climbing, Brandon Peak.
Once assailed I headed along the narrowing ridge to Gearhane after which the only way was steeply down hill. As I descended I reflected sadly that I was now leaving the last hill of the last walk of my week in Ireland. I always feel a little sad when I start descending after a good days walk in the hills, but on the last day this is doubly sad. I love hill walking and I love a good days walk on rocky hills. I hate leaving them behind. Anyway, crossing the often boggy grassy plain I descended further to the col with Ballysitteragh (which I climbed yesterday, in considerably worse weather!). Turning left I joined the track zigzagging into the valley and then walked along the road for 3-4 miles all the way into Cloghane. It was a slow end to a great walk, but it failed to dampen me feeling on the walk. I've had some good walks in Ireland this week, I hope it won't be too long before I return.
posted by David Keates at 3:48 pm
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