Hillwalkers warned over ‘false’ route on Carrauntoohill

HILLWALKERS are being warned of a potentially lethal danger that has emerged on Carrauntoohill, Ireland’s highest mountain.

As hundreds of adventurers take to the hills this weekend, one of the country’s leading mountain rescue services has advised of the risks in traversing most peaks, particularly for inexperienced trekkers.

Kerry Mountain Rescue Team has issued an alert to walkers that a very dangerous situation exists on Carrauntoohill, caused by a “false” track that has emerged near the summit.

The team warns: “As many people know, the summit is surrounded on three sides by very steep ground, and has always required careful navigation to locate the correct route in descent, particularly in poor weather. This situation has been exacerbated in recent times by the fact that a visible false track has now developed leading from the summit directly towards dangerous ground.”

They added that there are no safe descent routes anywhere to the north, north-east, east or south- east of the summit.

“Walkers should exercise extreme caution when navigating from the summit, particularly when visibility is poor.

“All parties should carry a map and compass and should include at least one competent navigator,” the rescue team said.

Earlier, a spokesman advised hillwalkers everywhere to step with caution.

“The forecast is good and with the evenings getting longer, this is an ideal time to venture into the hills, but you have to be careful,” said Damien Courtenay.

However, he said it was critical to bear in mind is the peculiarity of the Irish weather, which can deteriorate rapidly.

“Just because it is good starting out, doesn’t mean it will stay that way for the day,” he said.

“Also, even if it is good down at the carpark while you are putting on your shoes it doesn’t mean you will experience good weather at high altitude. Up high, it is colder, windier and you get more rain,” he said. Inclement weather and poor visibility were recurrent factors in the rescues carried out by his team, said Mr Courtenay.

“The advice we give people is be prepared for poor weather even if it is good heading out. Even if you are properly equipped, what is the most important thing to carry are your skills. If you are not skilled at navigating in cloud ensure there is someone on your team with those skills.”

The mountain rescue team warns that while the mountains of Kerry are not high by international standards, they should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving, even for experienced walkers.

“Severe weather conditions can set in within minutes (particularly given the proximity of the area to the Atlantic seaboard) and navigation can be difficult at the best of times due to a scarcity of obvious paths and tracks.”

* kerrymountainrescue.ie