Pilgrimage Trial to Mount Brandon
Route: Starting at Faha Car Cark.
Time: 6 hours
Max Height: 3127ft or 925m
Classification: Grade 3.
Cur síos gairid /Brief Description :
Síneann Cnoc Bhréanainn, an dara sliabh is airde in Éirinn, 3127 troigh chun na spéire.
Ón barra is féidir an leithinis a fheiscint lán le hardáin is ísleáin, gleannta is machairí, cuanta is góilíní, tránna is faillteacha is oileáin.
Iad go léir aoibhinn, álainn, taibhseach faoi loinnir na gréine nó, fiú, faoin bhfearthainn bhog bhraonach.
Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain, stretches 3127 feet to the horizon. From the peak on a clear day you can see the peninsula which is filled with terraces and lowlands, valleys and plains, harbours and inlets, deserted beaches and islands. All of them delightful, beautiful, gorgeous under the sunshine or, even, the soft fall.
Mountain Safety: Do not climb on your own. Always tell someone your intended route and estimated time of return. Stay clear from the cliffs on your left at the final climb and be careful coming back down the eask. Most accidents occur when descending so keep to the path at all times and watch your step. Mount Brandon must not be attempted in foggy or bad weather by those who are not experienced by the route. Be mindful that the weather gets colder towards the summit so where appropriate clothing.
Route:
The initial section is a tough climb with the mountain gaining height quickly. The path then levels off and finally rises sharply as the route zigzags through the eask. From the top of the eask, the final section is relatively easy.
- Begin the walk from Faha Carpark ( take the first left after the village, left again and continue to the end of the road).
- From the Grotto, The route follows a series of red and white poles at intervals of 700m. Keep to this route. The terrain gets rockier as you walk in along the coom. Take care here as there is a steep drop to your left and cross the river where the point is marked.
- The path crosses between the highest lakes to the foot of the eask. The path then zig zags steeply up along the eask. This is the most difficult part of the climb so please take care.
- When you reach the top of the eask, turn left and the summit is then a 15 minute walk over some easy terrain.
For a more detailed description of the climb, or advise on other routes up Mount Brandon, please pick up the ‘Cloghane and Brandon Walking Guide’ at ‘Halla Le Chéile’ or ‘Siopa an Phobail’.
Route 2: If you wish to start your route from ‘Siopa an Phobail’ you can view the route below:
