Nine walkers enjoyed this inspiring route, starting at the Faha grotto. Ahead of us were local people doing the annual Féile na Lúnasa climb of Brandon. The weather gods had granted us ideal walking conditions, with extensive views as we climbed. We had a short break in the coum before scrambling up the steep gully to the col, where we had great ocean vistas from Brandon Creek to Smerwick harbour we turned south to reach Brandon summit 952mtrs. Some opted to continue along the ridge to Brandon Peak, while others decided to return to Cloghane. Moving steadily along the ridge with views on our left down to the paternoster lakes and Loch Cruite we climbed Brandon Peak (840m) and Gearhane (803m). From here we descended steeply at first to reach the Owenmore river valley and the minor road leading back to Cloghane. Then to Fermoyle beach for a welcome plunge in the surging surf.
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