Lugnaquilla

Distance   Approximately 12km
Terrain     Mainly grassy hills with a large amount of rocks spread throughout
Ascent     Approximately 725m
Height      925m (3035 ft)
Summary  A tough, predominantly uphill walk to the summit. Weather can be completely different at
                 the summit than at ground level

We have wanted to do lugnaquilla for a while and eventually decided on Good Friday to attempt the hike. Lugnaquilla is the 13th highest mountain in Ireland and is the highest mountain on the island outside of county Kerry. When a few friends heard we were doing it, the asked to join us. Recently we have been hiking on our own so it was nice to have some company. I had read many reports about lugnaquilla and how unpredictable the weather can be at the summit. This made me nervous as did the reports of mountain rescue call outs. We were very clear that if the weather was not good or if it turned on our ascent, there was no option but to abandon.

So the first job was to decide what route to take. We had read that there are about 13 different routes of varying difficulties and grades to the summit. We agreed on a route up Camara Hill which the reports had outlined as the most straight forward route to the summit. This route leads you along the border of the Glen of Imaal,an army artillery firing range so it is vital that you ring ahead to make sure that no firing is taking place on the day of your hike. That confirmed, we were set to go. We all met at 8.30am on the sunny morning of Good Friday and made our way to Fentons pub where the hike begins. To get there, you head from Dublin along the N81 towards Baltinglass and take a left turn at a crossroads signposted Glen of Imaal. Around 7km down this road,
you reach Fentons pub where parking is available.

After arriving we went into the army office next door and got our free map of the mountain and its summit routes. With this in hand, we took off. It was evident within a couple of minutes that the group was not going to stay together for the duration of the hike as some took off faster than others. I take things at my own pace. The prize for me is not being first but to achieve what I have set out to do. Along these lines, I took the hike at a slow and steady pace as did a couple of the group. Right, so now to the real stuff. How difficult is the climb? Have no doubts; This is a difficult climb. By far the most difficult that I have done. The hills are steep and rocky. As soon as you reach the top of one, you walk for a small period of time on the flat and then start up another one.

I had my new walking poles with me (I remembered them this time) and they proved invaluable. Because of the rocks, there is a lot of stepping up and the poles helped with this. They took the pressure off my knees and helped with pushing myself upwards and forward. The worst part of the ascent is at the start so you don't have time to warm up. It is very steep and goes on for some time. After this the climbs are more like rolling hills with shorter distances to climb. There is a small river/ stream that you have to navigate across which wasn't a problem on a sunny day. I'm not sure if it would swell with rain. And then the last push comes. It's steep and practically all rock. Because it's not as long as the first steep hill, it seems easier, although it is just as steep. Just watch your step. Without proper hiking boots, it would be very easy to twist or break an ankle.

Once you conquer this final push, you cross a plateau until you reach the cairn at the summit. Myself and Niamh reached this about ten minutes after the majority of the rest of the group. We sat and had a sandwich or two and quickly began the descent. Unfortunately for us, the weather at the summit was not good so we didn't want to hang around. It was raining, blowing a gale and extremely cold (icy cold). Giving that it was about 17 degrees back at the car, I can't imagine what the summit would be like in winter. Not sure if I want to find out. The descent was just as difficult in places as the ascent. It was very steep and unforgiving on ankles and knees.

By the time we reached the car, I could really feel the days hike in my legs. In total the hike took me 4hrs 5mins (2hrs 20 mins ascent, 1hr 45 mins descent). Johnny did it about 10 minutes faster. So what advice can I give about Lugnaquilla. If you are not used to hiking or don't have hiking boots or the weather is bad - Don't do it. If you you are used to hiking, have hiking boots and the weather is good - Definitely do it. You will really feel like you have achieved something. One word of warning. The trail is not a marked trail and although it is very easy to ascertain the route to the summit in clear weather, it could prove very easy to walk off route in bad or foggy weather.

Walking off route can mean walking off a cliff edge so turn back if the weather deteriorates. I'm not sure what the other routes are like but I do recommend the Camara Hill route for your first time as you can see the route the whole way to the summit. Myself and Johnny thoroughly enjoyed the day, as did the rest of the group and I can guarantee that this won't be the last time we will be standing on the summit of Lugnaquilla. However we may try some of the other routes to get there.