O'Loughlins Castle Loop

Mountain Range: Galtee Mountains

Walk: O’Loughlins Castle Loop

Wow Factor: Fantastic views, O’Loughlins Castle (rocky outcrop, not a real castle)

Distance: Approx. 14km

Duration: 4-5hrs

OSI: 74

Rating: Moderate 

Start/Finish Point: R921 284 Lake Muskry Trail Head

Starting at the trailhead car park follow the track crossing over the stile, keep to the right and take the high ground trail towards Lough Muskry. At R918 252 where the stream crosses the path head west for the spur coming off spot height 786. To make life easier aim for the col between 786 and Knockastakeen before commencing your climb, beware of boggy patches and keep to the higher ground. I won’t lie to you the climb up to spot height 786 isn’t easy and is a bit of a slog it just goes on and on but once you have gained the height the rest of the hike is a lot easier and pretty much a stroll in comparison. Better to take your time, stop often and enjoy the view…… it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Head East now climbing to the top of spot height 786 towards the col at R916 239 where you will come across O’Loughlins Castle, not a real castle by the way but a rocky outcrop which is still pretty cool although a real castle would have been awesome.

                                                                                                         O’Loughlins Castle

This is a great spot for a rest and the “Castle” offers a great windbreak during bad weather. So pull out the tea and sandwiches and savor the peace and quiet.

Once rested its time to tackle the last climb of the day and the highest point of the hike by climbing Greenane at 802m. For better views keep to the left looking down on Lough Muskry below but be careful, if the weather is poor avoid this route.

The ground levels out now with a stroll across to Farbreaga 724m, you will find a large rocky mound here which makes a great seat for a final break.

Time to head down now and back to the real world....... the joys, following the North West spur coming off Farbreaga aiming for the forest below at R926 264, with the forest on your right continue down to the stream. If the weather has been good the water level will be low enough to allow crossing if the weather has been poor cross the fence on your right and look for a safer spot downriver. Once across the stream continue uphill to meet the track and stile from the start of the hike and return to the trailhead.

Congratulations another hike completed, time to put your feet up with a cup of tea and take it easy for the rest of the day you deserve it. 

Lough Muskry

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

 Start/Finish Point: R921 284 Lake Muskry Trail Head

 

  

 

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)

 

Keep going straight; you will come to two clearings where you can distinctly hear the bubbling of a stream. Looking down on your left from these clearings will give you great photo opportunities just be mindful of your step.

 

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.