The Coumshingaun Loop is one of my favourite walks, one that I've done at least once a year for more years than I care to remember.

I was back there on 1st September in the company of three women who wanted the reassurance of someone familiar with the walk.

We parked at the Kilclooney Wood car park and headed up in a clockwise direction. I've always done it clockwise - it seems more "natural" somehow.

Once you are out of the wood it is a straightforward ascent up the left spur. When you reach the prominent rocky outcrop there is a pleasant section of easy scrambling and spectacular views of the lake.

The most difficult part of this spur is the section just below the plateau.It is quite steep and I've seen many people turn back at this juncture. The thing to do is to avoid the first defined path up the cliff face; instead, go a bit further to the left where there is another easier path to the top. It requires some scrambling and is probably best avoided by those who haven't a great head for heights.

From there it is a pleasant walk along the rim of the plateau with the lake far below. Then on to the right-hand spur (assuming you are doing it clockwise of course) where you make your way to the rocky outcrop that marks the beginning of the descent proper to the corrie floor.

Avoid making your way through the outcrop as it will prove to be a physical and metaphorical pain in the posterior. Instead, skirt it well to the left until you find the well trodden path that will take you down.

From there make your way across to the beginning of the left spur that you ascended at the outset and your path to the wood and the car park will be obvious.

Allow 3 to 4 hours. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/48/comment/23261/