The following hiking options are available on the
Western Ireland trip. Hike along the
trace of the Old Kenmare Road across windswept highlands and through the
luminous greenery of tree-shaded glens.
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 Hikers
entering Esknamucky Glen |
OPTION
1
Windy Gap to Torc
Waterfall
Start: Gowlane Cross, 590 ft
Destination: One-way through hike
End: Torc Waterfall parking, 131 ft
Estimated time: 6 hours
Elevation change: Gain of 1,280 ft; loss of 1,706 ft
Highest point: Windy Gap, 1,065 ft
Total distance: 8.5 miles (14 km) |
| From the road intersection at Gowlane Cross, the path ascends steadily to Windy Gap. Before the pass, the trail passes by a solitary whitethorn tree, spared the axe in times past because of its association with the fairies. Windy Gap is the broad, open saddle between Peakeen and Knockanaguish Mountains. The trace of the old road is easily discernible as it drops into the valley of the Ullauns River. The route passes by a couple of abandoned homesteads hidden in groves of trees. The ruins are a reminder of the Clearances, a time when inhabitants of the valley were evicted by landlords to permit the development of estates during the 19th century. The old road switchbacks a couple of times to descend to the valley floor. Roughly two hours from the start of the hike, reach a signed intersection pointing the way to Killarney. From this intersection, Derrycunnihy Church is ten minutes ahead via the left fork. Turn
right here heading into the woods in the direction marked, "Killarney."
The trail ascends through beautiful woods (you can make out the width of the old road only in a couple of places in this area). Pass old stone walls, and cross the black water of the Galway’s River on a footbridge. Break out into open fields and past an old rusty-roofed shed and continue ascending through wet sedge meadows (a boardwalk with metal wire for traction helps keep your feet dry). At a collection of rocky hummocks set in the meadows the trail begins a descent down the narrow, green, shady defile of the Esknamucky (Eisc na Muice) Glen. Emerge from the glen into the meadowy basin of the Crinnagh River and continue past pretty Core’s Cascade. After crossing the Crinnagh River on a split log bridge, the track of the Old Kenmare Road become obvious again. Ascend a rise and follow the old road on a contour through open country between Torc Mountain and the Owengarriff River. The route then begins its gradual descent through lovely woods. The final portion of the trail descends through woods over a series of stone steps and through tunnels of rhododendrons before reaching the beautiful Torc Waterfall. |
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Torc
Mountain rises above the moorlands |
OPTION 2
Ascent of Torc
Mountain
Start: Gowlane Cross, 590 ft
Destination: One-way through hike
End: Torc Waterfall parking, 131 ft
Estimated time: 7.5 to 8 hours
Elevation change: Gain of 2,280 ft; loss of 2,706 ft
Highest point: Torc Mountain, 1,755 ft
Total distance: 10.5 miles (17 km) |
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Follow Option 1 past the Crinnagh River into the valley between Torc Mountain (on your left) and the Owengarriff Valley (on your right). The route up to the summit of Torc Mountain climbs steadily up the open slopes of the mountain through grass and heather meadows. This route was once maintained as a bridle path and become more obvious as you ascend. In places, you’ll be able to detect the remnants of the old constructed path. The views from the summit of Torc Mountain are wonderful! Lough Leane and Muckross Lake dominate the view to the north. You can spot Muckross House, Killarney town, and Ross Castle. The Macgillicuddy’s Reeks rise to the west and the Upper Lake glistens to the southwest. Retrace your steps to the Owengarriff Valley and proceed to Torc Waterfall (see Option 1 description). |
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