Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

Overview:
A fairly long but relatively straightforward route which follows the southern rim of Coomloughra and takes in the triple summit of Ireland’s third highest mountain Caher (1001m) en route to the summit of Carrauntoohil. For more experienced parties the complete Coomloughra Horseshoe - which includes Ireland’s three highest peaks - is an option. This takes in the spectacularly exposed knife-edge of the Beenkeeragh Ridge, but this is only for those with a head for heights and should not be attempted at all in windy conditions. Allow 6 hours for the Caher-Carrauntoohil-Caher trip and 8 hours for the full horseshoe.

Maps:
WARNING: THIS ROUTE DESCRIPTION SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ONE OF THESE MAPS:
Harvey 'Superwalker' 1:30,000 "MacGillycuddy's Reeks"
Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:50,000 Discovery Series Sheet 78
Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:25,000 Map “MacGillycuddy's Reeks”

Details:
Start at Grid Ref. V772871 where a locked gate leads to the steep concrete road known as the ‘hydro-track’. This track initially gives an unmercifully steep slog up the lower slopes of Skregmore before bearing right, easing off in gradient somewhat and finally emerging at Lough Eighter.

From here, bear rightwards across open ground towards the spur leading to Caher. As you ascend the long spur, the ground to your left steepens until you are eventually walking along what amounts to a cliff-top track. Care is required here, especially in windy conditions.

The track continues across the three summits of Caher before descending slightly to the col between Caher and Carrauntoohil (Grid Ref. V799840). Careful navigation is required here in poor visibility, particularly when travelling in the reverse direction.

Return via the same route or continue around the Coomloughra Horseshoe (see below).

BEWARE! – The summit itself is surrounded by steep ground and extreme caution is required when commencing your descent, especially in poor visibility. Note that there are NO safe descent routes anywhere to the North, Northeast, East or Southeast of the summit. Always carry a map and a compass and have at least one competent navigator in your group (ie. capable of accurate navigation in all conditions, including white-out and darkness).

Initial descent bearings from the summit are as follows:
1) For the Devil’s Ladder, follow a magnetic bearing of 192° until you meet the track, then follow it as it trends SE to the top of the Devil’s Ladder.
2) For Brother O’Shea’s Gully (and on to the Beenkeeragh ridge and the continuation of the Coomloughra Horseshoe) follow a magnetic bearing of 230° for 50m before turning to 308° and descending steeply towards the top of the gully
3) For Caher follow an initial magnetic bearing of 230° for 50m. Next follow 195° for approximately 200m before following the rim of Coomloughra as it veers away to the right.

Coomloughra Horseshoe
The complete Coomloughra Horseshoe is one of Ireland’s classic ridge walks, however its seriousness should not be underestimated. It should only be attempted by experienced parties as it is physically demanding and takes in the notoriously exposed Beenkeeragh Ridge. In icy or windy conditions it becomes even more serious, and in the winter months the short days mean that a party must move quickly in order to complete the route in daylight.

It can be completed in either direction however many parties prefer to do it in the clockwise direction in order to gain height quickly on the steep ascent of Skregmore, tackle the major difficulties with plenty of time in hand and give a comfortable descent down the Northwestern spur of Caher.

The Beenkeeragh Ridge itself is knife-edged in places, and looks down over precipitous drops into both Coomloughra and Cummeenoughter. Although there is a track in places, the exposure is considerable and scrambling is required. In icy or especially in windy conditions it becomes extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.

Carrauntoohil and the headwall of Coomloughra, from Caher. The suggested route follows the ridge on the right to Carrauntoohil and returns the same way. For more experienced parties the traverse of the Beenkeeragh ridge and the completion of the full Coomloughra Horseshoe is an option.

The Beenkeeragh Ridge is an exposed traverse which can be dangerous in ice or strong winds, and is for experienced parties only.

The Caher Ridge taken from the summit slope of Carrauntoohil. The suggested route follows the rim of the Coom.

The exposed Beenkeeragh Ridge taken from Carrauntoohil. The Coomloughra Horseshoe also takes in the easier ground of Skregmore directly behind.

The Beenkeeragh Ridge taken from Beenkeeragh. The Caher ridge is the suggested route up and down for less experienced parties.

Disclaimer:
This information is provided in good faith and is believed to be accurate. In deciding to use this route description you have agreed that Kerry Mountain Rescue Team or the author of this text cannot be held responsible in any way for the accuracy of the information contained herein, or for any accidents which occur to a person using this route description, howsoever caused.