Croagh Patrick, aka The Reek, is an instantly recognisable conical seaside peak a few k SW of Westport. It’s one of the country’s busiest hills with a significant amount of summiteers on one day of the year – ‘Reek Sunday’ (last Sun in July). The regular route is quite bare and slippy esp on descent but otherwise there are no dangers. Wonderful views to be had of Mweelrae, Sheeffrys, Nephins and the island-studded Clew Bay.

N. The shortest and most common route starts from the large carpark in Murrisk L91928 82318 A and needs little comment beyond emphasizing the high level of erosion en route, esp on the v steep section of the summit cone. 1.5 hrs

W. For a quieter, less eroded route park at L87542 80732 B where there is room on the roadside for 3 cars, or further up opposite some farmhouses (ask for permission at the 5th house just before the road becomes a farm track). Cross a fence and head roughly NE across an open field by a fence. The ground becomes steep, rough and rocky as you gain height to the summit of BG. From here, there’s a well worn track to CP. 2hrs+

You can also summit CP via a car split and a long, rewarding traverse of the range starting at L94951 80955 C

N. It’s also possible to approach from near Lecanvey. Room for one car in the vicinity of L89406 82389 D. Ask for permission to access the open hillside and aim for the track at L89253 81214 E which takes you onto the ridge to the W of CP.

Notable tracks incl track/3655 and the full ridge track/1510. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/65/comment/4825/