Harry Goodman on Strickeen

I agree with dbloke that a climb up Struicin Hill from the Gap of Dunloe is well worthwhile. This would be particularly so for someone, short of time, but with a desire to get at least a flavour of Kerry's finest. The view down across the Hag's Glen to the two highest peaks in Ireland, Carrauntohill and Beenkeeragh, is very rewarding (see photo), as are the other views already mentioned in dblokes comment's. Clearly if time and energy allows the route up this hill opens up the way to the full Eastern Reeks Ridge. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/656/comment/4154/

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dbloke on Strickeen

Poor Struicín (aka Strickeen: Either a "crested ridge" or "top of the bog" according to Seán Higgisson in his books A Walker's Guide to Killarney and Hillwalker's Guide to Carrauntoohil). Even the fine outstanding members of Mountain Views have yet to find it worthy of comment - probably due to the aforementioned bog - and likely pass it by on their charge up Cnoc an Bhráca and off across the ridges of the Reeks. However, on a calm, mild, mid April day (when unbelievably it has hardly rained for over a week) it's a great little hill. Starting from Kate Kearney's and following the road into the Gap of Dunloe you soon come to the start of the zig-zag track. The nice Kerry Mountain Rescue people have helpfully left a sign to point the way and ward off any foolhardy tourists thinking about trekking into the mountains. Most of them here don't seem to walk much further than this point or even get out of their cars. The path gently meanders upwards. Once reaching the plateau the track that leads to the summit is easily visible off to the right. In dry conditions the short steep climb to the top is the consistency of chocolate brownies. The largest cairn I've yet encountered can be found here, and for some reason somebody has decided that what this small little hill needs is three of them! Maybe it's a cry for attention... If you want to introduce somebody to hillwalking and happen to be in vicinity of Killarney, Torc mountain is a great starter - not requiring the purchase of any stout footwear or sensible clothing, so it would seem. A great place to take the kids. On a sunny weekend afternoon though every man and his dog is up there. Struicín in comparison was utterly deserted on both occassions I've climbed it. And it's shorter. The panoramic view from the top is incredible for such little effort, taking in Loch Leane, Tomies, Purple, the Gap, Cnoc an Bhraca and all the peaks surrounding the Hag's Glen. Total trip was only 2 hours, and we're slow. In bad weather or after a lot or recent rain ignore everything I just said... Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/656/comment/3059/

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Strickeen

Used the Struicin track two weeks ago for first time in a couple of years. Surprised to find very substantial fence blocking route from end of track to top of Cnoc an Bhraca. Did not cross the fence as there id no stile but followed it due west for about 1 km where it turns due south and can be followed right to summit of Cnoc an Bhraca. I mention this as I encountered five walkers coming up Cnoc an Bhraca who had apparently climbed over the fence on leaving Struicin track only to have to climb over it again to gain the summit of Cnoc an Bhraca.
If you're into fences this one is magnificent! Very substantial, strong and beautifully erected.. It would be a shame if walkers were to damage it by climbing over when not necessary to gain Cnoc an Bhraca. On the way down I enquired from a local the origin of the fence and it was explained, somewhat vaguely, that the area had to be fenced off as commonage under EU regulations but having been erected it was now unclear if it had been required! Anyway walkers please don't damage it by climbing over! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/656/comment/17716/

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Convenient car parking

To save yourself the initial road walk from the car park at Kate Kearney's, I'm pleased to report that there is now room to park almost at the starting point of the track at V8B (V775 883). Had a very enjoyable climb up this mountain, with a good track almost the entire way, and was blessed to be granted a view of the Gap of Dunloe on our descent bathed in warm evening light, while silky cloud topped the nearby mountains. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/656/comment/23424/

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