Guided Climb of Purple Mountain and Tomies ref: ( P 11/7 )

A Strenuous Graded Route

Good Level of Fitness Required

A stunning hike amongst some of Irelands most stunning scenery, this hike gives a wonderful “getting away from it all” feeing as it is a much quieter area of the MacGillycuddys Reeks.

Departing from the famous “Kate Kearney’s Cottage” at the Northern end of The Gap of Dunloe we will begin our walk on a small track and soon trek through fields and open hillside.  The going underfoot isn’t too bad with heather and long grass hindering us a little, but the views just get better and better as we aim for the 568m mark.  The ground steepens as we ascend but soon levels out to give us our first real view of Tomies and Purple Mountain.  To our right is The Gap of Dunloe with the jagged tops of the MacGillicuddy’s Reeks beyond.

We continue with a steep ascent through heather and scree and will be glad to finally reach the summit of Tomies Mountain at a height of 735m.  Tomies is derived from the Gaelic Na Toimi meaning burial ground, as this was the traditional burial ground of the O’ Sullivan chiefs.  Here we will take a well earned break during which, information on history, flora and fauna will be given while we revel in our surroundings!!!

On our feet again, we will head south along a well defined path.  The views on both sides more than make up for the exertion required gaining Purple Mountains’ summit cairns.  Finally on reaching the third of these at a height of 832m we can relax in the knowledge that it’s all downhill from here!!!

From here we will descend south to southwest through loose rocks down a defined spur towards  Glas Lough, a picturesque perched lake where another welcome break will be had.  The path will become more evident as we descend and will bring us westward to the road and the head of the Gap. We will now follow the road north through The Gap on our way back to Kate Kearney’s.

What you will need to bring: SUMMER GEAR LIST 

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