simon3 on Knockanaffrin

The picture shows Coumduala Lough, SE of Knockanaffrin. Writing of this Claude Wall [Mountaineering in Ireland] said “There is a row of perpendicular boiler plated slabs about twenty feet in height, high in the cliff above Coumduala Lough, which provides an exciting traverse.” I’m not quite sure where he meant, but certainly walking along the edge amongst the various rocky outcrops gives quite a sense of exposure.

Unfortunately the ridge route from “The Gap”, the saddle between Knockanaffrin and the Comeragh plateau has considerable footpath erosion. Despite this, the ridge must be one of the best ridges to walk along in the country, with fine views on both sides. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/74/comment/961/

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Knocking on Heaven's Door

http://youtu.be/NsXkJlzGjqs

An approach from the north which provides the full perspective on this wonderful mountain - from the fine and lofty ridge walk to the return beneath its striking slopes. John G. O'Dywer outlines the walk in his excellent book "Tipperary & Waterford A Walking Guide" and it can be watched on the youtube link above.

A gated forest entrance with room for several cars and a highly informative notice board detailing looped walks in the area provides a good start ( Mohra (S284 180)). Head towards the distant sharply defined peak beneath which nestles Lough Mohra, along excellent marked forest tracks. A metal stile is crossed and it is not until the last minute that Lough Mohra comes into view, nestled perfectly beneath the steep slopes that were gouged to create this resting place (B (S284 161)).

Clouds raced over the sharp top as if it was an Everest tribute act (well in my mind anyway). Ravens circled and landed on the crags with sheep bleating in response. Reluctantly left the waters to head for the col between Knockanaffrin and Knocksheegowna. Reach the col and pass rocky outcrops on way to the summit of Knocksheegowna. There is easy walking with stunning views westward to the Knockmealdown and Galtee Mountains. The trig pillar sits just below a finger of rock and gives views over an expanse of moor to Laghtnafrankee.

Drop back to col and a short climb brings the Knockanaffrin Ridge itself. Jumbled rocks and easy walking bring more jumbled rocks hiding the summit cairn, but not hiding the expansive views stretching northward over the low ground below. The ridge continues impressively towards the main Comeragh plateau further east and makes walking a pure pleasure.

Coumduala Lough appears far below standing out strikingly against the mountainscape. Drop down to the meeting of tracks at The Gap and cross the stile to head back the way have come but on the lowside. A track of sorts contours the hillside around the 460-500 metre mark and delivers the prize of Coumduala Lough up close and personal (C (S294 143)). A really peaceful place with waters sparkling in the sunlight and the flies dancing crazily when the breeze dropped, like the disco to end all discos with no music or people!

Drop down through all sorts of ground, not in a bad way though! Heading always towards the forest edge. It was then quite a long walk back through the forest tracks to the starting point. Met a fox here and he was definitely more surprised than me.

A great day weather wise made this a stunning walk. Highly recommended, not too difficult with easy walking for the most part. Fantastic views on the ridge and only met another couple on the length of the walk. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/74/comment/15234/

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simon3 on Knockanaffrin

The actual summit is a jutting outcrop of the conglomerate rock that much of the Comeraghs are made of. The presence of such outcrops on summits (tors) in the area is thought to indicate that these mountain tops were not overridden by the icesheets of the recent ice-ages.

During the primary triangulation of Ireland Knockannafrin was a key point around 1829.

When I visited the summit in May 2004, there were two round and hollow structures built of piled rocks, which look like shelters. The photo shows part of one of these with a view SW along a spur of Knockanaffrin to a cairn (shown as at 718m on the OS). Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/74/comment/972/

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jackill on Knockanaffrin

View from the top of Knockanaffrin - with point 634 m slightly right of centre and point 605 m slightly left of centre with Coumduala Lough underneath. Knocknalingady and Fauscoum are left of 605 m in the background and the "bump" on the side of the hill (extreme left ,background) is the north side of Coumshingaun which can be reached from Kilclooney wood KilclooneyWd (S342 102) Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/74/comment/1059/

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Forget the wellies

As a warm up for Scavvy 11, did a peak bagging walk taking in Lough Mohra, Knockanaffrin (K) and Knocksheegowna (KS). Parked at Mohra (S28530 17969) beside the walking map sign - the walks recommended are way marked but not to optimize an ascent/descent of the two peaks. I had copied a satellite image from Bing Maps as it is a really good up to date image and used that to pick the best forest road. Walked up to the lough and looked with concern at the cloud, which had been resting at about 650m, now lowered itself halfway down the face of K. Climbed up to the col above the lake and headed south into a rising wind as a squall hit. Worked in the rain-filled gloom up to the top where there is a subtle cairn moulded into the outcrop. The change in direction of the ridge (compass!) confirmed this as the top, as well as a lower crag about 100m away. Descended back northwards into the col, just as the cloud lifted and revealed KS. Looking back, I could now see K clearly - typical. Easy walk up KS on a faint track to top, the trig point and the adjacent spot height, both appear higher from each other. Descended directly down the steep slope to the northeast, more difficult as I was trying wellies again (as a result of the interview with Brian Ringland on this site) but perhaps Dunlop not as good as Nora. Anyway they slipped more than my usual boots so I won't repeat the experiment. Continued down across clearfell as I wasn't in the mood for long loops. Completed in 3 hours, very nice walk, good views in all directions - thanks to Gerrym - Track 2338 - for inspiration. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/74/comment/17657/

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