Last weekend daylight saving ended as the clock turned back an hour and we said goodbye to the summer of 2016. The changing season has turned the woods a deep red, yellow and brown, transforming the landscape into the brief splendor of autumn. The woods and mountains are echoing with the whistling calls of rutting Sika deer, so it is about time to adapt ourselves and change our walking gear for autumn walking during the shorter, wilder days to come. Our summer shirts and sun hats are replaced by warm, insulating layers, hats, gloves and our newly waterproofed outer gear.

After daylight saving has ended, the darker, shorter days, warrant timely starts on our walks. We need to make sure enough light is left for us and our walkers to make it through the mountains trails before the sun goes down. The terrain can be wetter and the rivers higher, this time of the year, be sure to be visible at all times when walking the rugged Irish mountains, as your visibility is your first safety line. We practice what we preach in our bright coloured gear, fleeces, body warmers and light waterproof jackets that we added to our wardrobes before the autumn season.

 

Autumn Walking

 

During our last day of guiding for Eberhardt walking tour group, we experienced some wet and even wild conditions in the Gleninchaquin Valley, but all 16 walkers went home happy. They had experienced the adventures of Kerry and Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way and were able to admire the changing landscapes each and every day. We finished the last day of walking by climbing over the Gleninchaquin waterfall and down to the Gleninchaquin café for a hot cuppa with Pete.

If you would like to experience your own autumn walking and experience the adventures and spectacular landscapes of the Beara Peninsula and Gleninchaquin Valley, book the Gleninchaquin walk today.

Autumn walking
Three Castles, an 11th century O’Mahony built Dunlough Castle on the extreme South-west point of Ireland

On Saturday we walked Mangerton Mountain outside Killarney, a mixed group of Australians, English and some people from Cork were on the mountain with us. We started at the monument for the battle of 1262 AD at Cormacs Haggart, then a level 3 walk going up from 140m to the Devils Punch bowl outlet at 650m for a nice lunch stop.

The weather was cloudy but fine, Mangerton just clear of the clouds about with a warm feeling 17 degrees.

After that we went up around the Devils Punch bowl, with spectacular views over to Kenmare bay and the whole McGillycuddy’s reeks. After reaching the top of 834m we carried on around the steep ridge with views down into next 2 lakes, in deeply cut glacial valleys. The way down is over a rocky path, taking our time to stay comfortable and safe. Tea and cake were very welcome afterwards at Muckross House Garden Restaurant, a great walk on a good day.

Mangerton Walk Wild Atlantic Walking Tours

Book the Mangerton guided walk today.