BHGL #07 – Cnoc na Toinne Traditional Geocache
BHGL #07 – Cnoc na Toinne
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(micro)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Cnoc na Toinne with her 845m is the 23rd highest summit in Ireland and is on the safest route up to and down from Carrauntoohil, known as the zig zags.
t4 is not for the walk, which is relatively easy and safe, but for being on the steep North face of the summit rather than the gradual South one... The gradual slope is in use as the toilet by so many large hiking parties, so that's why :-)
After Beenkeragh (#4), The Bones (#5), and Carrauntoohil (#6), the Big Hag’s Glen Loop (BHGL) continues with this micro at the summit of Cnoc na Toinne (#7). You do not need to do this one after #1 through #5. Some bits between #4 and #5 and also between #5 and #6 are quite challenging (level 2 scrambling) and dangerous especially on a windy day. Fear not, you can collect the Cnoc na Toinne cache any time going up to Carrauntoohil or returning from there via the zig zags. The Cnoc na Toinne zig zags are definitely the safest way back down to the bottom of the valley.
Warning:
---------
Many casual walkers do mistake the O’Shea Gully for the zig zags, while O’Shea Gully is a valid and relatively safe ascent route (it misses the dangerous scrambling bits between #5 and #6) it cannot be recommended as a safe descent route, mainly due to recent walker damage and erosion.
Within 5 meters to NE (on the steep face of the mountain) from the summit reference point (no cairn) is somewhat larger boulder that is suitable for having a solitary lunch with spectacular views of the Glen including both main lakes. The cache is a slim dark green yet transparent PET tube closed with a green lid. The tube is stuck in a crack just under the lunch stone and masked with a few small loose stones. Be sure to rehide exactly as you find, so that the spoilers remain useful.
General advice to the whole loop
=====================
Print the spoilers in advance to speed up your search. All caches either small or micro are masked with smaller loose stones, usually under a larger boulder or slab.
Safety warning regarding the whole loop.
=========================
The loop contains extremely dangerous portions that require scrambling (levels 2 to 3) and should not be taken at all by inexperienced parties.
Numbers #01, #02, #03, or even #04 can be collected by sturdy Reeks rookies, but they should definitely back up before #05 to remain unscathed, unless led by someone very experienced.
Moderately experienced parties can make #1 through #10 or even #11 BUT then they should get back to #7 and get down to the valley via zig zags, which is the safest way down in this part of Reeks.
I myself though that the way down from #10 via the ridge called The Bone is safe, yet very nearly killed myself on The Bone after placing #10 of this series..
Beware, there is no direct safe way down to Hag's Glen except from #1 #7 and #13. If you have crossed the arete between #11 and #12, you should continue to #13 for safe descent.
Descent through O'Sheas' Gully, Heavenly Gates or Devil's Ladder is not advised. Descent from #10 via the Bone is valid although not as safe as the advised descent routes from #1, #7, and #13. Please remember that descent is always more dangerous than ascent and that 90% of injuries happen on descent.
++++++++++++++++
The Big Hag's Glen Loop
++++++++++++++++
BHGL #01 – Break Fast on Knockbrinnea North Plateau (visit link)
BHGL #02 – Knockbrinnea East Summit (visit link)
BHGL #03 – Knockbrinnea West Summit (visit link)
[BHGL #04] – Coomloughra Horseshoe #4 – Beenkeragh (visit link)
[BHGL #05] – Coomloughra Horseshoe #5 – The Bones (visit link)
[BHGL #06] – [Coomloughra Horseshoe #6 – Honorary Member] Corran Tuathail (Ireland's Highest Cache) (visit link)
BHGL #07 – Cnoc na Toinne (visit link)
BHGL #08 – Cnoc an Chuillinn (visit link)
BHGL #09 – Cnoc an Chuillinn East Top (visit link)
BHGL #10 – Maolán Buí (visit link)
[BHGL #11] – [Honorary Member] Serpent Hill (visit link)
[BHGL #12] – [Honorary Member] An Gunna Mór (visit link)
BHGL#13 – Cruach Mhór (visit link)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
frr fcbvyre cvpf