Brandon, named after St.Brendan, is revered by many as a holy mountain. The high point of a fine ridge between Conor Pass and the sea, it's a mountain of two halves with rocky, steep ground to the E while the W is grassy and less steep. The top can be very windy and visibility is often poor so care is needed. Be aware of the serious steep groud on the east of the summit.The views are awe inspiring on a clear day incl Connemara, Beara and everything in-between. The Galtees and Achill Island have also been known to shimmer tantalisingly at the edge of 20/20 vision!

W. From the west, park at Q43450 09382 A where there's ample space. The track follows the well-marked Saint's Road from the car park getting gradually steeper as you near the summit. Allow 4-4.5 hours for this 8k up and down.

E. From the east, park under the grotto at Q49378 11956 B and follow a well-marked trail beneath the Faha ridge eventually snaking its way through a massive lake-and-rock-filled corrie. The path skirts the base of Brandon's huge NE cliffs and once you climb out of the corrie head left up a steep cone to the top. Allow 4-5 hrs for this 7k return.

Great care is needed if ascending via the Faha ridge - find details on that summit's page.

SE If ascending from the bridge at Q49155 08556 C follow the Owenmore river past a series of lakes and up steep ground by a waterfall until you eventually meet the main track from the grotto- allow 5-6 hrs.

Notable tracks incl track/4148 and track/3204. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/9/comment/4769/