Carrauntoohil – 4 Peaks Challenge 🗻

A mere seven days after taking on Mweelrea in Connacht, the Ventures took on their fourth and final peak of the 4 Peak Challenge. An epic day was had climbing Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain at 1,038.6m along with 43 Scouts and Scouters from troops across Gleann na Boinne.

After a long train ride, our Ventures arrived in Killarney station in Kerry, and with time to spare they set off to explore and find some food. Later in the day, after being picked up by their leaders, they arrived in Cronin’s Yard and were welcomed by Ventures from all over Meath.

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Following a good night’s rest they set off bright and early to begin the long walk up to Carrauntoohil. The weather was generous making the break at Lough Callee, one of the highest lakes in Ireland, that much more pleasant.

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Once our group reached the end of the valley we turned left and began the long zig-zag climb up Cnoc na Toinne and along the ridge to meet the top of the Devils Ladder. As we ascended the ground turned from path to hillside to snow.

The snow was a highlight for the Ventures, as the top was covered in fresh powder snow. Working together they made a snowman and then quickly devolved into a snowball fight that lasted all of lunchtime.

Gathering their gear, they set off once again descending across the ridge to the top of the Devils Ladder. Once out of the snow the ground turned to bog slowing down some of the group. However, all eventually regrouped, ready for the final push to reach the summit.

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Following a change of layers we began the slow climb up through the ice and snow until the cross at the peak came into view. We snapped a group photo and celebrated our feat, of climbing the highest mountain in Ireland.

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The descent was long but enjoyable after what we had achieved. Each view seen for an extra second knowing it would be the last time in a while.