Get out there and celebrate nature by embarking on a relatively short, easy to navigate, walk, writes JOHN G O'DWYER
‘TIS THE season for indolence and lie-ins, when even the sun becomes a late riser. In such circumstances, it’s easy to fall into a comatose pattern of dyspeptic overindulgence and couch-potato lethargy. Then January arrives as a shocking reminder that another claustrophobic Yuletide has slipped by, bequeathing nothing but an expanded waistline.
The festive season doesn’t, however, have to be predictably soporific. Head into the uplands on a cold, clear morning and the first lungful of astringent air is instantly invigorating.
The frosted landscape is now resculpted into improbable contours while otherwise dull conifer stands are transformed into eye-wateringly white tapestries.
So why not get out there and celebrate the wonders of winter rather than hiding from them? Choose the right day for one of the relatively short, easy to navigate walks listed below and let our hill country unlock the barrier to a healthier, happier Christmas.
Crott Mountain, Co Mayo
Countless thousands will remember Croagh Patrick as a human anthill on Reek Sunday, but few will have explored our holy mountain in winter solitude. To do this, begin from Murrisk car park, which lies between Westport and Louisburg, and follow the obvious path upwards past a statue of our national apostle.
At a broad col the main track leads right and steeply to Croagh Patrick’s summit. In bad weather, or if you have previously captured our holy mountain, you can follow instead an easier track (left). This skirts the south side of the outlying Crott Mountain by a dry-stone wall, which is followed until it descends to intersect a way marked route.
This denotes Tochar Phádraig, the original pilgrim route from Ballintubber Abbey. Follow the way markers north and downhill until they swing left and lead west above the Louisburg road. Eventually they will deposit you back on the ascent route just above Murrisk after about three hours of invigorating exercise.
Devil’s Bit Mountain, Co Tipperary
From Templemore, take the Borrisoleigh road and, after about 3km, follow the signs (right) for Barnane. Continue through a crossroads and begin ascending. At the road’s highest point, park in a large gateway. Walk a short distance uphill, keep left and continue until a T-junction is reached.
Go right and follow the track until a tower appears ahead. Swing left uphill, past an altar, and eventually swing left again and scramble to the summit which is marked by a large cross. Your reward is stunning views and memories of the charming legend that an escaping demon took a bite from the gap below, which later dropped to form the Rock of Cashel.
Descend by an alternative track to the west, first skirting a forest on your left. Join a broader track and go left and then right following your original trail back to your car after a refreshing two-hour walk.
Torc Mountain, Co Kerry
From the N71 Killarney-to-Kenmare road, take the minor road (left) beyond Muckross gates and park at the upper car park of Torc Waterfall. Now follow the Kerry Way signs along a sylvan track toward Kenmare. Cross a stream and enter open country.
About five minutes further on, a pathway which alternates with a boardwalk leads right. Follow this switchback trail uphill over a grassy mountainside to the broad summit.
The views are spectacular, with Muckross and Killarney’s Lakes and fells laid out below. Be sure to return by the same route – there are presently no other safe descents – arriving back after a leisurely total walking time of about three hours.
The Spink, Glendalough, Co Wicklow
The road into Glendalough ends at the upper lake car park. From here, head towards the National Park Office, then follow the arrows upwards beside scenic Poulanass Waterfall. Continue ascending on a switchback forest track.
Soon you will encounter a boardwalk which leads into dense forest on the right. Follow this until the trees disappear on your right allowing breathtaking views into Glendalough. Continue over the highest point of the Spink which offers memorable vistas over the captivating bleakness of the Wicklow uplands. On your descent make sure to keep to the path heading diagonally right to the Glenealo River. Cross the small bridge and then follow the river downhill into Glendalough on a well constructed path. Continue past some abandoned mine workings and then along the north shore of the Upper Lake and back to your start point, after a most enjoyable three-hour outing.
