This cache has been adopted so that it will live on. In memory of our fellow cacher. Alan Shiel “Hezekiah” 1950 -2014.
Lugnaquillia (Log na coille = hollow of the rocks) at 925m is the highest in Ireland outside Kerry. It can be approached from a wide variety of choices – two of my favourites are suggested here. Option A is for those who need to make swift progress (4 hours approx.) and are prepared to settle for less spectacular views Option B has spectacular views and takes about 5.5 hours.
Whichever route you choose, proper hiking gear is essential (Boots, raingear, map & compass, etc.) and the weather can change just as rapidly and frequently as anywhere else, if not more so! Phone Weatherdial 1550 123 550 (73c per minute) Pay close attention to the content of large red signs posted by the Army in relation to the nearby firing range - phone 045 404653 for information re army activity, if you are in any doubt.
Option A
Drive through Blessington (N81) to Donard (10.7 miles). In the village, turn left and immediately right, following the sign for a Youth Hostel (2.3 miles). Continue on past the YH, ignoring a turn to the right (to Knockanarrigan) – take a right at the next junction and then park in Fenton’s pub (Imaal Bar) car park in Seskin (forward planning, or what!). Walk around the front of the pub and follow the rutted track (you may have to take to the hedgerow if it’s been raining!) – at a crosstrack, continue straight ahead on a grassy track running up Camarahill, which degrades into an earthbank which goes all the way to the top (480m).
The climb up Lug stars here, after a brief downhill section. Nice views here, with the North Prison cliffs ahead and Ballineddan on the right – there is a rough path which runs East(ish) to disappear temporarily on steeper, rocky ground (where the cache is sited) only to re-appear nearer the summit on grassy ground.
Continue on to the summit, take in the magnificent views (why not take in GCA1BC – Corrasillagh-Ballinaskea – a little further on towards Clohernagh?) and return by the same route, remembering to “pay the rent” in Fenton’s! NB – the area to the North of this route is an active artillery range, so don’t stray.
Option B
From Laragh village take the R755 and 500m after the bridge, take the sharp right turn which leads over the mountain to Drumgoff crossroads. Turn right at the crossroads, (taking note of the presence of the hotel to the left for later on!) and drive about 3 more miles to the carpark at the top of the Baravore valley.
From the carpark, cross the ford or the footbridge and turn right on to a road which leads to a Youth Hostel. Just beyond the hostel, turn left uphill on another track, climbing through trees to a junction with a stream close by on the left. Continue straight on up the Fraughan Rock Glen, with the Benleagh cliffs on your right. As you near the rapids at the top of the glen, cross the stream and climb beside the side of the rapids to the valley above.
Walk the length of this valley, following the stream (south-west), and make your way upwards through a bouldered area. Once on the plateau, head uphill to the summit (925m) to the views spread out before you, where there is a large plaque to show you what lies in each direction – on a good day, the Reeks are said to be visible (260km!). Having rested, admired and cached, the descent beckons!
Head for Clohernagh (a bearing of 95 degrees will do nicely – veer to the left of this bearing initially, to avoid steep ground at Percy’s Table, then resume the bearing), with scenery almost as good as from the heights of Lug (Why not take in GCA1BC – Corrasillagh-Ballinaskea on the way?). From the cairn on Clohernagh (800m), head for Art’s Lough, using a bearing of about 50 degrees for 500m, then swing left to walk down a grassy ramp to the lough. Follow the north west shore of the lough along a path and follow the fence down to a stream, where you can cross to join the track you started up – turn right and make your way back to the car park via the hostel. Cache is an ammo box containing logbook, pencil, puncture repair kit, emergency poncho, playing cards, keyrings, candle, wine bottle stopper, brass lock, key swivel, dinosaur, car drinks holder.