Quick Details
Galtymore and The Cushnabinnia Horseshoe Hike
The superb mountain range known as the Galtees has at its heart the imposing peak of Galtymore, one of the thirteen 3,000 ft mountains in Ireland.
The Cushnabinnia Horseshoe is at the heart of the Galty Mountains, and takes in its highest peak, Galtymore (919 metres), as well as Cush, Galtybeg and Slieve Cushnabinnia.
We start our hike at the small forest car park at Clydach Bridge in the north of the range, and from here head south and east to climb the lovely Cush, a delightful hill at 639 metres and a great viewpoint to see the steep north face of Galtymore.
We then drop down to overlook Borhean Lough before reascending to Galtybeg, where we follow a short but steep ridge to climb up to Galtymore, the highest mountain in the range and one of the thirteen Irish Furths (mountains over 3000 ft.)
There is time to take in the superb views before descending towards the subsidiary peak of Slieve Cushnabinnia. Finally, we descend via Knocknanuss to the forest and return to our start point. This hike is approx. 14km and has a height gain of 1020 metres. It should take around 6.5 hours to complete.
This hike is graded strenuous and has considerable ascent over rough mountain paths. It is not suitable for beginners.
Equipment
- Good hiking boots and waterproof clothing are essential (without these you may be excluded from the hike).
- Walking trousers are advised or comfortable athletic clothing (no jeans please).
- Spare warm layer; hat and gloves.
- Lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.