Black Valley Adventure’s
As reward for all their hard work over the year and to help some students attain their Gaisce Award, Transition Years recently went on a two day hike to and from the Black Valley in Co. Kerry.
We set out from Muckross House in Killarney in some glorious sunshine in the direction of Ladies View. A tough climb up the side of Torc Waterfall took us to the old Kenmare Road between Torc and Mangerton Mountains which we followed to Ladies View where we stopped for ice-cream after our picnic in the mountains.
Once fed we dropped down to valley floor to hike into the Black Valley.
Despite some valiant efforts to stay dry crossing some bogs all was lost when the some brave souls had to go test the tempatures in the local river.
That evening in the hostel students cooked Spaghetti Bolognese for 24 under the watchful eyes of Ms Sugrue and Mr Fealy.
Next morning after a feed of more bolognese (long story) we headed for the Gap of Dunloe unfortunately in the rain and to the finishing line of Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
All in all over the two days we walked over 30kms taking in all the sights along the map board fitted to Pat Falvey the famous mountaineer’s shop at our finishing point.