Views of Corrantouhil and MacGillycuddy Reeks from the top of the
Big Gun
On a clear day, Mt Brandon can be seen in the distance
The Big Gun, or An Gunna Mór in Gaelic(Irish), is a one of many
summits within the MacGillycuddy Reeks in South Kerry, and at 939m,
it's the 10th highest summit it Ireland.
Either side of the summit of The Big Gun is an arête (knive like
ridge). Care must be taken when walking along this to other
summits. It must be noted that you do not need to walk along the
top/edge of this arête to go from summit to summit, however it will
offer you a thrill like no other - You will certainly need a head
for heights ! :D
The first thing you learn in First Aid is to always look after
Number 1 ( YOU! ) Don't be zealous, or foolish !
There area a number of things which you must have to complete
this cache:
Wind & Water proof Jacket, Hat & Gloves - Weather can
change in an instant at height
Appropriate pants - preferably hiking pants, track pants are OK, NO
JEANS!
Sturdy Mountain/Hiking boots - No wellingtons, runners etc! (This
is for your safety!)
Food, Drinks and small snacks
First Aid kit
Whistle & Mobile Phone
OSI Map #78 - essential
These are guidelines for you in case
something happens to you! The last thing you want is to have wet
jeans (which don't dry!), and shoes which will not give you
sufficient grip on the terrain.
I will not, and cannot be held responsible for your actions in
the mountains.
Before you venture out, you should check the weather to ensure
things are looking good. There are two websites you can use, and
are as follows:
Accuweather Mountain Forecast
The Irish
Meteorological Service
There are a number of ways to approach The Big Gun:
Route 1 - Starting by the Church in Dunloe village,
near the Black Valley
There are a number of options here, you can go on a looped hike
[Red Route], starting
with Drishana (464m) which is just north of the trailhead, after
summiting Drishana, continue North for approx 1km, then head NW,
and so on in a looped fashion to the cache location.
Returning can be my means of heading SE from the top of The Gun
back to the starting point. **NOTE** This is a steep
descent, and can be slippy in wet conditions. Do not attempt this
route if you are unsure.
In the case of bad weather etc., your better option would be to
continue to Knocknapeasta [Green
Route] (there is
also a cache located there called Serpant's Hill). After summiting
here, you can proceed SE on the gentle slope back to the starting
point.
If you have a lot of time on your hands,
and a lot of energy too (!), you can use the [Blue Route] ,continuing along the ridge all the way to Corrantouhill
- Ireland's highest mountain. You will also be rewarded with a
cache on top there too!. With regard to returning to the starting
point, you could retrace your steps back along the ridge, and
descend along the Green
Route.
Alternatively, you could continue SW from Corrantouhill to summit
Caher (1001m), and then descent towards the Bridia Valley (for
another cache). From here you can make your way back along the
Kerry Way to the starting point.When placing this cache, this is
the route I took, it took me 9 hours to complete, and this includes
stopping for lunch, taking pictures, and placing 2 caches along the
way. Overall distance of about 18km; elevation gain
1700m.
Route 2 - Starting in Cronin's
Yard Car
Park
Another alternative would be to start at
Cronin's Yard, on the North side of the Mountain range. There are
great facilities here including showers and a cafe! Check
www.croninsyard.com for more
information
From Cronin's yard, pass through a gate
at the top right corner of the car park. Follow a grass track along
the side of a field and onto a stony track that climbs gently above
the Gaddagh River. Leave the track where it crosses a tributary of
the Gaddagh and head SE across open ground, climbing towards the
conspicuous summit of Cruach Mór (932m). You will want to keep well
to the left (NE) of Lough Cummanapeasta, aim to the East of the
Summit to find easier ground. The top is marked by a stone grotto,
and has impressive views South across the Iveagh Peninsula.
(Getting here is about 1.5 / 2 hours from the start). From here,
follow the obvious path along the ridge, and enjoy the views, and
the experience
!!
Please be safe, and don't make any silly decisions :)
Most of all, enjoy the mountains, and enjoy the views!
Please replace cache exactly as you
found. Thank
You
