climbing Mount Brandon in winter..........?

Tedious Bore

I'm visiting Dingle with friends for new year's this year and was thinking of climbing Mt Brandon.

I'm just wondering now would anyone know whether late December is still an alright time of year to do it.
I'm aware that summertime makes more sense, - more hours of light, and nicer weather. but I'm not going to kerry because I wanted to do the climb, ....I'm just looking to climb something while I happen to be in Kerry for the session, and I've done carrantuohill already.

so, as long as it's not absoutely lashing the last week of december, and we get a reasonably early start, ...do people reckon it would be a grand day out or not?

any other helpful tips or info on non-boozing related fun activities near dingle that time of year is also much appreciated

Cookie_Monster

hiking in the winter can be much nicer than the summer. if its not raining, a lovely crisp cold day is fantastic

Mickeroo

+1

Hot muggy weather in the summer is the wrst thing for walking in. No midges in winter either!!

Tedious Bore

good to hear, thanks.

climbed carrantuohill on a nice clear day last year and it was fairly easy. just went up in jeans and crappy runners, but would've been way slippy and tougher if it rained - particularly devil's ladder

if anyone has any tips for Mt Brandon or other fun activities to do in dingle late december then I'd love to hear them

Patricide

If you have experience then id do it. But be warned there have been a rake of people especially around christmas who get stranded up there.

As for the climb itself, id definitely recommend it. Beautiful views from up top!

sarsfield06

Tedious Bore wrote: »

good to hear, thanks.

climbed carrantuohill on a nice clear day last year and it was fairly easy. just went up in jeans and crappy runners, but would've been way slippy and tougher if it rained - particularly devil's ladder

if anyone has any tips for Mt Brandon or other fun activities to do in dingle late december then I'd love to hear them

It possible to climb mountains in flip flops never mind crappy runners. But you need to be aware that mountains can be harsh isolated environments especially in winter. Have the right equipment with you as rescues are often required because of poorly prepared people.

Tedious Bore

I know.

the rescue helicopter was called out twice the day we climbed it.

NathanKingerlee

You should be fine, with the right weather forecast and good visibility. If it does close in up there though, without the right skills, you will be in trouble so keep an eye on the cloud cover! Best to start early, in the darkness even, to ensure you're down in plenty of time.

There's a great indoor climbing wall and sea kayaking in Dingle also.

adagio

Climbed it on the 5th of Jan 2009 and ice axe and crampons were necessary... be prepared

Tedious Bore

adagio wrote: »

Climbed it on the 5th of Jan 2009 and ice axe and crampons were necessary... be prepared

will do.

and cheers for the pics

DeepSleeper

Tedious Bore wrote: »

I know.

the rescue helicopter was called out twice the day we climbed it.

Agree with Sarsfield there - don't forget that while the lads in the heli are being paid for their time, the volunteers with the mountain rescue teams aren't, and a callout could have 20 to 30 of them heading out from their fireside or cosy bed... So for winter mountain walking, the following are essential: a map and compass, a torch, a good pair of boots, good waterproofs, warm clothes and hat/gloves. No jeans, no runners... Not specifically aimed at you TediousB - more of a general point. Enjoy Brandon!

macd

For Brandon.. you can either take the challenging hike from Cloghan /Faha on the east side (trail well defined but involving steep climbs) or the easier option of taking the pilgrim path up from An Bally Bhreac ( south end). This route is well defined,marked and well used.

worth checking out Kerry Mountain Rescue for tips and safety advice for hiking in the Kerry mountains.

Tedious Bore

and another question.........
the few of us who'll be climbing might be down without a car before the rest of the gang. So I'm wondering; is there any bus that would go from dingle to any stops that are walkable from points that Brandon can be climbed from?

very specific question I know. I'll research this myself anyway, but just thought I'd ask here in case anyone knows off the top of their head...?

NathanKingerlee

I don't think so, but you could try noel@irishadventures.net who will know about the bus situation, or if not give you the number of a local taxi.

Tedious Bore

NathanKingerlee wrote: »

I don't think so, but you could try noel@irishadventures.net who will know about the bus situation, or if not give you the number of a local taxi.

thanks.

don't suppose you might have some idea how many hours we should allow for the round trip at this time of year given the recent weather conditions?

NathanKingerlee

What's your route plan?

Tedious Bore

NathanKingerlee wrote: »

What's your route plan?

we may just opt for the least difficult route given the weather. I'm going to research the different options now this week though, so if there are other routes anyone might recommend (considering we are fit young men but not professional climbers) that would save some hours or offer better scenery than common tourist tracks, then I'd like to hear suggestions.

NathanKingerlee

Up the tourist route from the grotto about 2 to 2.5 hours and about 1.5 hours descending. It's a pretty decent route...

Tedious Bore

NathanKingerlee wrote: »

Up the tourist route from the grotto about 2 to 2.5 hours and about 1.5 hours descending. It's a pretty decent route...

great, thanks.

can you tell me are those times accounting for winter weather please?

NathanKingerlee

Well if there's snow/ice underfoot and people don't have the right gear, like crampons or axes, it could turn into a nightmarish, scary ten hour day. I can't really answer that

Tedious Bore

NathanKingerlee wrote: »

Well if there's snow/ice underfoot and people don't have the right gear, like crampons or axes, it could turn into a nightmarish, scary ten hour day. I can't really answer that

we won't attempt it without the right gear if it's icy.

thanks again for your help.