Hillwalkers at risk by ignoring danger sign

Hillwalkers ignoring a sign warning them to stay away from potentially dangerous paths near the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain are putting themselves in serious danger.

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) is concerned about a rising number of accidents and rescues on the northern and eastern sides of Carrantuohill. The warning sign, with a skull and cross bones, is on the summit of the mountain.

Rescuers say problems mainly arise on the descent, when people go off the beaten track.

KMRT was recently called out to aid two walkers who became stranded on steep ground while descending.

Spokesman Damien Courtney urged people descending to be aware of false paths, largely made by rock climbers on ascents which can be mistaken for descent routes.

“Care is required on Carrantuohill, which is surrounded on three sides by very steep ground,” he said. “Careful navigation is required to find a safe descent route, especially in poor visibility. A direct descent to the north and east is not possible and should not be attempted.”

The latest incident involved a man and a woman who climbed Carrantuohill by the Devil’s Ladder path but tried to descend via an alternative route on the northern face.

The pair became stranded on treacherous ground after failing to find their intended path down the mountain.

The alarm was raised at around 3.30pm, and the stranded pair were roped by KMRT and helped down the mountain. The rescue concluded at around 9pm.