Part 2. I set off at 7.30am on a 28th July 2012 on a fine morning, the weather forecast was poor but I knew or rather I assumed I wouldn’t be on my own. I like the tranquillity of the hills as long as I can see and away off I set. I had talked to people coming back from Carrauntoohill the evening before and I had made a decision if I get to a point where I think it’s too dangerous I will turn back. The path meandered up through the fields until I came to the first forded crossing on the Gaddagh River which was about 1.6km into the walk, I was glad not to take off my boots at this early stage. I continued on the path uphill into the famous Hag’s Glen to the next crossing of the River which is not forded and just has big boulders to assist your crossing and that was fine as it was summer and the water level low. I mentioned my poor sense of direction earlier and the little printout I had was very detailed and spot on. After a very short rise I was onto the flat and waterlogged valley, which has the most astounding breathtaking peaks surrounding me. The sun was shining brightly and of course the camera was flat out. In the distance I could see a walker coming towards me, we chatted and he warned me of the perilous Devil’s ladder after checking out my walking gear. I passed between the twin lake of Lough Callee on my left and Lough Gouragh on my right, the path was now becoming rougher. Up ahead was a woman with a young boy of say 10yrs making slow progress. I was now at the foot of the gully and had decided it would be a good time for sandwiches and coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed my food and after 20min began up the Devils Ladder, two young fit lads passed me here and began up the gully, but youth also has it’s limits as the ladder began to take it’s hold on them. I struggled up the ladder more with my poor fitness level rather than the challenge itself, one thing I will say I always carry a walking stick and it was essential here, it became my third leg so to speak. I lost track of time here but I seemed to be a very long time in the Devils ladder. I decided from the onset to zig zag up, I know its slow but I was on my own and it worked well. One thing I will say here, my leaflet advised to think about your return journey and if heavy fog came in how you would come back down. I took this advice and thought worst case scenario I’ll be on my backside. At last I’d conquered the Ladder and was now on top of Cnoc na Toinne ‘Ye Ha!!. My joy was short lived as I knew this mountain was dangerous and I was constantly watching the weather. I had seen the dark thunder clouds coming my way and sure enough just as I got out the top the fog and heavy rain started before I could have a look around me. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/comment/14762/