I have been visiting Shehy More for as long as I can remember. My dad loved to fish Lough Nambrackderg and we'd make the trip from Cork City almost on a weekly basis during the Summers of my youth. We never went further than the lake back then but last week I fulfilled the ambition of a ten-year-old me and climbed to the summit.

It's a straight-forward climb, parking at W15234 62101 A and taking the track to the lake (20 mins). Although not this time, it's often you'd meet the farmer who is very friendly and doesn't seem to have any issues with allowing access. With so many happy childhood memories of the lake, I delayed a little here to enjoy this very special place. The route to the summit took me around the east side of the lake and I continued my ascent south to the ridge, where a fence led me to the summit. Halfway up to the ridge it plateaus a little and care is needed here as it gets very boggy and there is a small hidden stream to cross. Apart from that there are a couple of fences to negotiate, but that's about the height of the challenge!

The views on the day were stunning! I was amazed to be able to see right down into Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island to the west. Douce and Doughill sit to the north and the Paps can be seen beyond. Mullaghanish with its transmitter is clear to the north-east. Lunch at the top before following the same route back to the car.

With no rush and plenty of stops to take in the scenery it took about an hour from car to summit and about 40 minutes to return. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/365/comment/18178/