On Saturday 8th April, myself, Noel (my brother) and a friend from Cork climbed 'Howling Ridge' on Corrán Tuathail (Co. Kerry). This is the classic route on Corrán Tuathail. The weather was perfect and the rock was great. In some guide books, this route is described as a scramble - it is not. It is very much a rock climb and requires a rope. It is approximately 1200 vertical feet that go up in a series of Rock Towers with about 8 climbing pitches. It is traditionally graded as V.Diff. The holds are loose, gear placements are scarce, the ridge is narrow and the exposure into the Hag's Glen or Collin's Gully is extreme in places.
We climbed Alpine Style for most of the pitches. However, we belayed on the more exposed sections. Time from 'The Heavenly Gates - to the North East junction with 'Primroses Ridge' was 90minutes. An absolutely brillant climb in a wild setting and highly recommended to all. Howling Ridge is a must for any climbers visiting the area. It is not for scramblers. There have been 3 (separate and successful) rescues off the Ridge already this year - all to do with people who thought it was a scramble and who were inadequately prepared.
Slán go fóill, Columba
[Picture of Columba on the ridge]