Mountain Range: Galtee Mountains
Walk: Lake Muskry Walk
Wow Factor: Fantastic views, Corrie Lake
Distance: Approx. 9km
Duration: 3-4hrs
OSI: 74
Rating: Easy-Moderate
A great walk that involves very little navigation with views
of one of the most magnificent lakes in the southeast. A must for all hikers, the lake itself is
easily accessible as there is a track all the way from the main trailhead car
park right to the banks of the lake. This is by no means a walk in the park as
there are some small hills to climb, however, the scenery more than makes up for
it.
Starting at the trailhead car park follow the track
through the woods, I’m afraid the climbing starts here and if you are like me
you will probably have the following thoughts:
-
God, I’m so unfit!
-
I think my heart is going to explode!
-
Should I really be sweating this much?? I just
started!
It takes me a while to get into a rhythm but once I do my thoughts drift to:
-
It’s a great day for a hike!
-
Look at these views!
-
Look how far I have traveled, I feel great!
-
I hope I pass someone on the way back that has
just started so I can feel better about myself knowing how far they have yet to
travel. (harsh but true)
Shortly after you will reach a stile leading out onto the open mountain, the path follows a right-hand bend climbing over rough terrain. Be
careful not to follow the trail marker posts that continue straight ahead, you
will end up in very boggy terrain. Stick to the main trail. It gets a small bit
harder here as the ground consists of loose rock with evidence of water erosion
resulting in deep trenches along the trail. I find it easier to walk closer to
the edge of the track as the ground is more stable and offers better views of
Farbreage and Greenane on your left. Remember to stop and take photos both for
memories but also for Facebook to show your friends what they are missing…………
and of course how awesome you are for doing it.
The ground levels off here for a while……. thank god. But
unfortunately, it will rise again with a vengeance. Before it does you will
cross a wide stream that offers great photo opportunities. Jump down the bank
on your left and take a few snaps.
By now you have surely noticed the hill in front of you.
Break it down, stop when you want to and before you know it you will be at the
top. It looks worse than it is but that’s easy say, however, the lake is just
over that hill so that should be incentive enough. I particularly like taking
people here for their first hike as they get the sense of wilderness and
remoteness with the safety of a marked trail. But it’s the look of wonder and
amazement on their face when they first see the lake that makes it all worthwhile.
Congratulations you made it. Time to sit down and enjoy
the views with that all-important cup of tea, its places like these that make
me wonder do people know what they are missing?? It’s hard to describe to
people what you see but more importantly what you feel when you look out overviews like this, so next time drag them with you! Start planning your next mini
adventure and head for the hills.
