Muddyboots guided walking

14/01/2025

Thanks to Barry from EastWest Mapping for adding the Irish place names onto the image🙂

Coumshinaun in Winter

Mario Macrory of Muddy Boots Guiding took this fine winter photo of Coumshinaun in the Comeraghs last week and which clearly shows several of the notable features of the hill. First note the spelling, it’s either Coumshinaun or Comshinaun as you wish but note there is no ‘g’ sound in the name at all.

Most people will make the circuit of Coumshinaun in a clockwise direction, starting from Kilclooney Wood. After the initial steep climb, the spur levels out and this is Drim a’ Chapaill – the horses back. Fás Chom – the wild hollow lies down to the left. The final steep climb to the plateau is up above the shoulder of the Caisleán – the castle, a big towering buttress. The fairly level path along the perimeter of Coumshinaun at the top is along Barr na hAille – the top of the cliffs.

The descent route down the right hand spur first crosses Stailcín Mín – the smooth peak, then the lower and more rocky Stailcín Garbh – the rough peak. Whilst the deep valley to the right of the descent route in the photo carries the Uisce Solais – the bright water, so named as the water runs down over rocks and glints in the sunshine.

There are several other interesting names in the area and all found on our detailed Comeragh 1:25,000 scale map.

07/01/2025

Like a big freezer🥶 Coumshinaun this morning.

04/01/2025

28/12/2024

Stunning cloud inversion🌫 in the Nire Valley today with a faint Broken Spectre🙂

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all 🥳🎅☃️ ..Thanks for all the support in 2024..See you all in the Hills in 2025 😉

15/12/2024

Nice to see my Coumshinaun image printed and mounted professionally by TQ Picture Framing and Print Studio on the way to a happy customer. If you would like a copy you can pm me🙂

06/12/2024

Looks like a wild one 😱 Hikers beware

22/11/2024

Like a winter wonderland❄️☃️ Coumshinaun today.

21/11/2024

Sheep in the sneachta today with Silabh na mban on the horizon wearing her winter coat❄️

21/11/2024

We have been watching the forecast for Saturday very closely and have had to make the difficult call for the first time in 9 years to postpone this year’s Long Way Round.

Weather conditions for Saturday are not in our favour with heavy rain and high winds forecast overnight Friday and throughout Saturday, following a week of yellow and orange alerts for snow and ice.

As an organisation whose sole purpose is to rescue people in difficulty on the hill, it would be very remiss if we were to continue with the event in adverse weather on terrain made more challenging by the conditions. We also have to consider all our route marshalls who would have to remain in position on the hill for many hours in difficult situations.

We want this event to be enjoyable for all and more importantly safe. With this in mind, we have proactively made the decision to postpone this year’s event early so we can notify all our stakeholders in good time. We have been extremely lucky with the weather for the past 8 years, but it had to happen sometime.

An email with more information has been sent to all participants tonight. Your registration for the 23rd November is still valid for the 25th January, you don’t need to do anything. If you are unable to participate in January you can avail of a refund through Ticket Tailor, the “manage my booking” link in your original booking confirmation email or contact [email protected].

We want to thank you sincerely for supporting Long Way Round, without your support we cannot do what we do.

20/11/2024

Good advice from Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

WINTER SAFETY MESSAGE:

With the short winter days and unpredictable weather it's very important to plan ahead to ensure you stay safe out on the mountains. As the winter sets in, there are a few key safety considerations for those heading into the mountains:

Be Aware
Make sure you start your walk or climb early enough in the day; be aware of what time it gets dark and allow for rapid changes in the weather too.

Plan
Plan your day and route taking into consideration a reliable mountain weather forecast. Leave a route plan with a responsible person. Don't forget to keep an eye on the weather during the day.
Always be prepared to turn back or take a shorter route. The mountains will still be there another day.

Prepare
Whatever your plans, you’ll need a good headtorch and spare batteries in case you get delayed. People sometimes prefer to carry a second lightweight torch so they don’t need to change batteries in the cold or the dark if the head torch packs up.

Equipment Checklist (minimum)
• Sturdy footwear with a good tread
• Food and warm drinks
• Waterproofs
• Map and compass and ability to navigate
• Hat and gloves
• Torch and batteries
• Extra layers to keep warm and dry
• Fully charged phone and spare battery
• Bivvy bag or group shelter and first aid kit
• In snow and ice conditions you will also need an ice axe, crampons and winter skills!

If you need to call out mountain rescue, first make a note of all relevant details:
• Location (with a grid reference if possible)
• Name, gender and age of casualty
• Nature of injuries or emergency
• Number of people in the party
• Your mobile phone number.

Dial 999 or 112, then ask for ‘‘Mountain Rescue’.
Give all your prepared details of the incident and STAY WHERE YOU ARE until contacted by the rescue team.

For more information on mountain safety click link below:
https://kerrymountainrescue.ie/mountain-safety/

16/11/2024

A moody day looking out over Crottys stables at Coumshinaun Lake.

14/11/2024

Fog creeping in at sunset in the Nire Valley some lovely conditions the past few days in the mountains🙂

07/11/2024

A great event for a good cause.

Our annual 15Km fundraiser night walk/run returns on Saturday 23rd November 2024. All entries will receive a lovely new SEMRA b...

05/11/2024

Moody views today in the Comeraghs with a nice group looking up at sean mban na piobaire waterfall🙂

01/11/2024