Description
On this walk we vary from the normal route up Mangerton and head east towards the Horses’ Glen, from where we circle Lake Garagarry, the first of three lakes in the Glen, passing the old slate quarry that was used when Muckross Estate was being built. At the back of the lake we cross the Owengarriff River that joins the lakes and ascend steeper ground toward the shoulder of Stoompa. As we approach Stoompa there are great views behind over Killarney town, Muckross and the lakes to the northwest and west with the Paps, Lough Guitane, Crohane and the Derrynasaggart mountains to the northeast, east and southeast.
ROUTE
Along the steep flanks of the Glen, we walk south enjoying spectacular views of the Horses’ Glen before veering west and entering boggy ground. We ascend toward Mangerton, a mountain with more mentions in early local history than Carrauntoohil. As we approach this large summit plateau we can see the Roughty Valley and Kenmare Bay with the Reeks and Purple Mountain in the west-southwest clearly defined depending on the weather. From the summit we drop down steeply onto the spur that divides the Devil’s Punchbowl (on the left) and the Horses Glen (on the right). This section is one of the most beautiful parts of Mangerton and offers a little adrenaline in windy conditions. From there we circle the Punchbowl and join up the gentle normal route for our descent.
PRICE
€75 individual. Group rates available. Please contact us for details.
GEAR
What you wear when you are out in the hills and mountains is very important, especially when conditions are challenging. It is important to ensure that you are warm, dry and comfortable in your clothing and footwear and that you have some basic equipment with you to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience and that you return home safely. The following is a list of basic gear that you should own if you are a regular hillwalker or climber:
Clothing:
- Lightweight long thermal underwear
- Short and long-sleeved t-shirts
- Fleece jacket
- Fleece or cotton trousers (no jeans)
- Jacket – waterproof and breathable; with attached hood
- Over-trousers, waterproof and breathable
Headwear:
- Sun hat with good visor for summer
- Balaclava/facemask – 1, lightweight
- Woolly hat
- Sunglasses – UV & IR protection
Handwear:
- Gloves – 2 pairs, lightweight and heavier for the cold
Footwear:
- Light hiking boots
- Gaiters
- Socks – warm trekking socks (2-3 pairs)
Trekking equipment:
- Daypack – 25-35 litre (optional)
- Waterproof pack cover
- Ski poles – 1 pair collapsible spring-bound ski poles (optional)
- Sunscreen – SPF 30-40
- Lipscreen – SPF 20-40, at least 2 sticks
- Sunblock
- Personal First Aid kit
Miscellaneous items:
- Spare boot laces, bulbs, batteries, memory cards, headtorch
- Cold water detergent and some toiletries
- Small sewing kit
- Penknife and small scissors
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper – it is good practice to bring your own, but it is provided to anyone if needed
- Baby wipes/hand wipes
- Hand gel
- Personal medication
- 1 x flask with hot drink (optional)
- Map OSI 78 and compass (optional)
