Day one was cool, overcast, and a little wet, but the amazing scenery through Black Valley and Briadia Valley more than compensated. I was slightly disappointed that the clouds prevented a good look at Carrantuohill, the highest peak of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks.
It was where John ‘Tough as Leather’ Lenihan became an Irish mountain running legend. Lenihan was 19 times a winner of the Carrantuohill Mountain Race, won the 1991 World Mountain Running Champion in Zermatt, Switzerland and many other road and cross country titles. Kerry born and bred, he was a seriously tough and talented runner. I plan to return one day so I can run high into these rugged and impressive peaks. The Cookie Monster Café appeared out of the mountain mist a bit over 30kms into the run, like some sort of ultra runners dream. It’s hard to choose just one thing from the menu, and they make their own ice cream, OMG! Do not over eat, it’s a decent climb up Lack Road, then through some rough fields and up and over Windy Pass before you catch a glimpse of the day’s finish line, Glenbeigh.
The B&B owner was slightly concerned about our late arrival and sent us straight down to the pub where we got our orders in just before the kitchen closed.
55kms completed with 1500m of elevation in about 10 and a half hours.
Glorious dry and sunny weather greeted us for day two. The trail skirts the coastal cliffs with views to the Dingle Peninsula to the north (where Shirley and I used to live). We knew when we finally arrived in Waterville we would have to cut the day short, though, unable to make the final 12kms to Caherdaniel in time to book into our accommodation and get dinner, so we found a local cabbie and got a lift; when you make up your own ultra you’re allowed to do this. Sadly, it was a very special section of trail that we missed, but it’s another excuse to visit again soon and complete the missing link.
45kms in 10 hours for day two, much slower than I had anticipated but a comfortable bed, another amazing meal and pint helped me feel better about the day’s achievement.
Another mostly sunny day arrived for day three, 45kms journey to Kenmare. We chose not to detour to Staigue Fort as we’d visited it many times before, however it’s a must see if you ever visit Kerry. It’s one of the finest Iron Age, dry stone ring forts you’re ever likely to see, if you’re into that kind of thing (I am).