April27.2007. Flew home from the States to climb "Caraun".Had climbed many other mountains in Kerry and Cork but never the highest peak. Weather was beautiful and a perfect day for climbing. Very easy to find Cronnins yard just follow the road to Killorglin, take the left turn for Gap of Dunloe and Glencar and follow signs for Carauntoohil. There are new shower facilities and a snack bar etc there but were not open yet. For an inexperienced hiker or one afraid of the stories of this mountain the route up and down the ladder is definitely the easiest way given that the weather is good. The weather is probably the most important factor in determining your route or the climb at all. Met another "climber" at the start of the day and decided to hang with him for the climb.Here I was with pocket GPS, goretex gear and layered for the worst and my walking buddy James from Tyrone is setting off with a coat, two bottles of water in a plastic bag and walking in black dress shoes. Yet we made it to the top in 21/2 hours. The ladder is a climb but when dry is not too bad. In wet conditions it would be a different story. I left my friend James to descend via the ladder and I headed off over Cnoc na Toinne, Cnoc an Chuillin, Cnoc Coilmin Mor, Maoilin Bui, Cnoc Na Peiste, back to Maoilin Bui and down the Bone. Each ridge after "Caraun" takes about 30 mins to climb and descend and again in good weather is not too difficult. Low visibility would make it a very different climb. The bone desent is fairly straight forward and probably easier than the ladder and if you veer towards the North halfway down from which you can see the path and the forrested area by Cronnins yard you will save some time.
All in all the distance travelled by this circuit read only 91/2 miles on my Gps. It took six hours and twenty minutes at moderate pace. Unlike the New England peaks, Mt Washinton (NH), Kathadin (Maine) where you have to climb above tree line for views, here the views are spectacular from the start. Like any mountain come prepared and pay dilligent attention to the forecast. A great climb and I cant wait to come back and do the other ridges and loops Happy Climbing. Slan. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1/comment/2683/