gerrym on Croaghmarhin

Cruach Mharthain sits in the shadow of giants - with the awesome Brandon ridge a stones throw away - but has a presence that is not in any way diminished. A 4km long ridge rises gracefully to a conical peak that actually draws the eye more than those big brash neighbours. It sits pretty much on its own and this offers the opportunity for some stunning views.

Starting in Ballyferriter, where there is plenty of parking, I walked west out of town along the R559 and took the lane left at B (Q347 042) just after the hostel/shop. (There would appear to be other options off the R559 from studying the map). Follow the fushia lined lane uphill until it ends at a house - take the farmgate just before, enter field, negotiate gorse, cross fence, more gorse, cross fence, on ridge - job done (nearly). This gorse in Dingle is serious stuff and can do alot of damage to bare legs - i can post a picture if u like?

Even from the lower reaches of the hill the views are stunning - the peaks of Brandon sitting above cloud, the curve of Smerwick Harbour and the dramatic headlands of the Three Sisters and Sybil Point. There is a fence running all the way to the top with a visible sheeptrail alongside - i realised this on the way down and had to endure somewhat more challenging ground for most of my ascent. Walking along the top views open out to Dingle Bay to the south and in the late evening sunshine i could make out great detail on the hills on Iveragh, including a clear Reeks. An area of the hillside has been damaged by fire recently, with the odd cottontail declaring hostilities over. The sun sitting low cast a golden glaze over the waters of the Atlantic and i wouldn't of been surprised to see Moses leading the Israelites ashore.

My brief glimpses of the tops of the Brandon ridge disappeared (as they were to do all week) as the Blasket islands came into view. Eagle Mtn to the SW was also covered in heavy cloud. As i covered the last steeper section to the top i too became lost in the cloud, though not before seeing a kestrel hovering over the slopes below. Top reached in an hour/ 2 miles - a turn in fence marks the spot (could have been in the Sperrins!). Could easily continue westward to take in the whole ridge and have a pleasant walk back along not to busy roads. I went back the same way and was nearly down when i realised i had left my camera at the top - ARRRGGG!!!! Yes i did go straight back up again and yes i was completely knackered when i did get back down at 11.00pm as light faded.
Walk of about 4m and less than 2 hours - unless you want to do it my way and have double the fun? Good for an evening walk and more than worth it for the views over a beautiful stretch of the country. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/813/comment/3941/

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Cruach Mháthain/Mount Eagle Circuit Part I

Parked at Ionad na mBlascaodi (Blasket Centre) at C (Q315 006). Headed back (north) towards the main road, walking right across it to take the little road by the Peacock Hostel. Followed this little road (you are now on the Dingle Way), NNW, sticking with it (and leaving the Dingle Way which continues on straight) as it takes a sharp ninety degree turn to the right. Kept going to the end of the tarmac road, where you pass through a gate, to reach the green road marked on Map OSI 70. This road brought us up to the flanks of the mountain to D (Q328 024) (point 260m) where lie the remains of the fake village built for David Lean's classic 'Ryan's Daughter'. A straight slog upward here to enjoy the fabulous views from the summit. We then headed down in a SSE direction towards the mast on the Mám Clasach saddle (where crosses the Ventry-Dunquin road)E (Q340 015). We struck off for Mount Eagle/Sliabh an Iolair from here... see continuation under Mount Eagle Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/813/comment/6583/

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Triangular shape dominating the local sklyline.

From the sea the distinctive triangular shape of Croaghmarhin is very visible. This particular picture was taken just north of the northern end of the Great Blasket. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/813/comment/14808/

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Peter Walker on Croaghmarhin

Continuing our inadvertant stalking of three5four0, a day of bracing air and superb visibility saw us indulging in some wanton ticking down the far end of Dingle. Croaghmarhin is the most striking eminence in the area (far more so than Mount Eagle, which is lumpier as well as being higher) and having shared the hill with a large family group (and their escaped dog, Max) it can be highly recommended for anyone able-bodied with an hour or so to spare.

While I'm sure that gerrym's route provides the more satisfying route, we too started at the mast as per three5four0's comment, from where a steady plod up the fence on a clear path (as if it were needed...what, y'know, with the fence being there) leads in shortish order to the top. And hugely satisfying it is too: what you hope is the summit on the ascent turns out to actually be the summit, and the pronounced fall from said point gives a lot of depth to the panoramic views.

Which are absolutely gorgeous, in case you were wondering. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/813/comment/4305/

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three5four0 on Croaghmarhin

After another truly awful day of rain and visits to pottery shops, a brief clear spell presented itself in early evening, giving enough time for a quick ascent of Cruach Mharthain. Parked by the Mast (lots of space) at E (Q340 015), and walked towards the fence (gap to squeeze through), and followed the fence up hill to the summit.

Superb views all around and only 25 mins to the summit, with the next band of rain & mist hurtling towards us we legged it back to the car and made for Curran's Pub in Dingle for some good Guinness. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/813/comment/4118/

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