The most scenic route to the summit of Brandon North, the Pilgrim's path, starts at the carpark under the Faha Grotto( Q493 119 A) on the hillside overlooking Cloghane. There is room for 8-10 cars.

Walk up the clear path past the grotto and on until you cross over a wire fence. At this point you will be near the crest of the ridge. Continue on the well marked lower path which will lead you around into the valley under the Faha ridge overlooking the Paternoster lakes.

At the top of this valley ,cross the stream, you will see a rocky, eroded, track leading up at the left-hand side, onto the col from where you turn right and walk approx 750 mtrs to the summit of Brandon.
The summit was surveyed in 2012 and it was determined the highest point is at the coordinates given here and not at spot height 891 as marked on the 1:50000 OS map. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/4775/

I strayed to the right of the broad ridge ascending Brandon East Top from Faha to view the Owannafeana valley and Brandon North Top. My main objective in doing this was to assess a possible descent route. I intended to follow the main ridge north to Masatiompan, from which I could either descend east (a very roundabout route to Faha) or rescend the north top and return through the corrie (also fairly demanding). However, my study revealed that a descent from point Q463134 B to the Owannafeana river, following that down and finally recrossing the Faha ridge low down should present no difficulties. It didn't, apart from a few wet areas. Finally, I tried to make use of grassy ramps to cross the ridge too soon: it is best to stay low until there are no more rock bands, and you should then attain the ridge directly above Faha. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/1756/

Picture of Brandon North Top (right of photo) with point 809m (left of photo) looking out onto Brandon Bay - if you're climbing Mount Brandon from Cloghane and up behind Locha Coim an Cnoic take a few minutes (10) and a short detour to climb this peak , its well worth the effort for the views. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/1100/

Spectacular walk along the ridge above Coimin na gCnamh. When the mist rolls back to reveal the ridge it's a memorable scene! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/242/

The secluded An Loch Dubh, nestling below the northern cliffs of Brandon North Top, passed (and admired) on a descent from Pierasmore to the Owannafeana river. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/1757/

On our way to Piaras Mor, we could resist inspecting the top of this ridge. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/15/comment/6500/