Jaunt around Horses Glen

Go walk:A circuit of the Horses Glen near Killarney – particularly if there is snow on the hills – provides a superb day's walking, writes TONY DOHERTY

IT SEEMS TO me that old red sandstone, which is the predominant rock type in the southwest, lacks the vitality of the igneous rocks that form many of the other mountain ranges in the country.

However, we do have a number of areas where extrusions of volcanic rock have noticeably enlivened the landscape.

One such area is the Horses Glen – a “dog-legged” glaciated valley in the Mangerton Massif, Co Kerry which has an easy walk around its rim.

The first part of the route follows the well defined Mangerton path until you get as far as a boulder which has a metal stake embedded in it. Go left here and head across to Lough Garragarry along contour 270m.

The streams on the route are narrow and easy to ford. The outlet from the lake is wide and the easiest place to cross is where the channel divides. Getting to the mid stream boulders is the difficult part as the stepping stones are small but, once these are negotiated, the rest of the crossing is easy.

If there has been a lot of precipitation the outflow may be too deep to cross, in which case head south along the west shore and cross at that end. Come back along the east shore before starting your climb.

The spur which brings you to Stoompa (705m) has a gentle slope at the start but there is sharper gradient higher up which brings you on to the small rocky plateau with two spot heights, 694m and 705m.

There are great views across Lough Garragarry to Lough Leane. You can also look directly into the upper coom whose cliffs encircle Lough Erhogh. Glacial scouring has revealed the igneous rock, rhyolite, making for a terrain that is noticeably brighter than the valleys further west.

As you descend southwards from the summit you’ll pick up a narrow path which skirts around spot height 646m to reach the col between Stoompa and Mangerton.

This spot has the best overall view of the valley as the three lakes are visible. Lough Erhogh and Lough Managh are rock basin lakes formed as a result of the ice scouring out deep hollows.

Lough Garragarry, on the other hand, was formed when a moraine blocked the mouth of the valley.

KEEP TO THEpath that runs along the edge of the cliffs as you head up towards the Mangerton Plateau.P TO If you want to take in the summit it is best to wait until you reach the cairn at the top of the Devil's Punchbowl and then go south across the bog and back; it's much faster than ploughing up through boggy ground from the col.

The descent into the Devil’s Punchbowl is steep but there are plenty of rock steps to assist you. Cross the arete between the two valleys and head up to spot height 782m which is known as Mangerton North.

If time is running out, or if you are just feeling lazy, you can drop down from here on to the Mangerton track but those of you who are hewn from harder rock will eschew such a soft option and continue with your circuit.

You will be well rewarded as there is a terrific view across to the highest cliffs in the glen.

The ridge leads down to a small col and back up to a small unnamed top at 700m and from here you can head north down the heathery spur to pick up your outward track.

If you are ever in the Killarney area when there is snow on the hills this uncomplicated route provides a superb day’s walking.

Route Horses Glen, Co Kerry

MAPOrdnance Survey Discovery Series, Sheet 78 and Sheet 79.

START/FINISHA concrete bridge on the Finnoulagh River. Grid Reference 984 847.

GET THERETake the N71 Muckross road from Killarney. Turn left at Molly Darcey's Pub. Then take first right. Apart from a small area by the bridge, parking is on the roadside.

TIMEFive to six hours.

DISTANCE14km.

TOTAL ASCENT850m.

SUITABILITYRoute is moderate. Compass, map, rain gear are essential.

FOOD/ACCOMMODATIONNumerous choices in Killarney.