Climbed An Sticín during Halloween instead of Christmas Day

After parking at the church, I took the bóithrín up past the farmyard to the base of the woodland which was clearcut a couple of years ago. Then it was a climb up to An Sticín as it is know locally.

At one time it was a popular place for locals on Christmas Day as recorded in the Schools Collection.

"The highest point of Carrigfadtha hill - a few miles due south of Drinagh is called the Sticín. From this hill a great view is obtained of the southern sea board, from Roaring water to Bantry Clonakilty Bay. People from all parts assemble here on Christmas day and indulge in stone throwing and leaping. It seems strange that this day should be selected for such a cold exposed place at this time of year with poor visibility. Some old residents think that the custom has come down from Penal days when Mass on the Mountain was celebrated and of course Christmas Day would attract an immense number of people to the spot at such a time. If not disturbed by military there would be a tendency to diversion after Mass and the usual games of strength and skill would be indulged in between the champions of the different parishes." Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/943/comment/23749/

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calvin141170 on Carrigfadda

A new public walkway is nearing completion on Carrigfadda. The initial climb is a bit on the steep side, but steps are being put in place to make the walkway more accessible to young and old. It's only a short walk, but the panoramic view of the West Cork coastline -- from the Old Head of Kinsale right around to the Mizen and Beara peninsulas -- is nothing short of spectacular.

One for all the family to enjoy!

For more info on the walk and updates on progress check out http://www.reenascreena.com Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/943/comment/3341/

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Loop walk to the top of the hill

Carrigfadda Loop Walk on www.irishtrails.ie is perfect for visiting this little top.
Travelling from Skibbereen to Clonakilty on the N71 turn left at a sharp bend just before the bridge in Connonagh. Follow this road to Carrigfadda Church GR B (W24508 42848) where there is ample parking and a mapboard. The route of the loop walk takes you briefly back the road you came before turning right onto a minor road which leads to a forestry entrance at the base of the hill. A steep ascent brings you to the cross from where you can see the trig point further along the ridge. After the trig point the track enters the forestry. Shortly after entering the forest you take a left. The loop walk marker seems to be missing at this point so keep an eye out for a white corrugated card marker tacked to a tree indicating the way. The entire loop takes no more than an hour. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/943/comment/14988/

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Short and sweet

Two options for parking here, at the base of the hill at A (W24508 42835) or at Carrigfadda Church at B (W24508 42848) which adds an extra 2km along the road.
If you choose to start at the hill, I suggest you climb up the forest road beyond the car park to give your legs a chance to warm up, keep right on the road and you'll end up halfway up the steps: which are steep and can be slippery if wet.
You'll easily be up and down in an hour with plenty of time at the top for the views (fog today), the trig point for the summit is beyond the cross (assuming you stay right after climbing the steps). Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/943/comment/6678/

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