Carrauntoohil

Howling Ridge is the classic Irish mountaineering route. The long continuous ridge runs up the centre of the northeast face of Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil, finishing just below the summit. It offers 300 metres of easy but interesting climbing with massive exposure and amazing views (on the rare days that it’s clear). However don’t be fooled by Howling’s low grade and popularity, yes on a warm summer’s day it’s an easy romp but it can feel very different in the rain, dark and cold. Over the years the worst of the loose rock has been cleared but the rock still needs be treated with caution and every hold tested. Bear in mind that any dislodged material will fall onto the Heavenly Gates path below. Most parties climb Howling in big boots, moving together and pitching where appropriate. It’s advisable to keep pitches short to minimise rope drag and reduce the chances of the rope dislodging any rock. Carry plenty of long slings for running belays rather then placing small nuts which can be unreliable in the loose rock. A map, compass and good navigation skills are vital as the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks are a large, complex mountain range and frequently shrouded in cloud and mist.