Access Issue in the Black Valley
11th September 2020
It has come to my attention of an access issue in the Black Valley on the Iveragh Peninsula. This affects Route 16: Gearhameen Circuit in the Killarney to Valentia Island - The Iveragh Peninsula guidebook and Walk 16: High-level Circuit of the Gearhameen Valley in The Dingle, Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas. For more information on these guidebooks and special offers, visit the online bookshop here.
Landowners have unfortunately closed off access at the start of the route (V 821 813) that follows a trail leading southwest that meanders around the edge of Lough Reagh.
As a result of this, please consider the following alternative starting at Ballaghbeama Gap, where there is limited parking along a layby around V 755 781. Ascend north from there to gain a rugged ridge that extends eastward over Knockaunanattin (569m). Follow the ridge as it dog-legs over Point 663m to eventually gain the summit of Stumpa Duloigh (784m). From here, you have the option of an out-and-back to Point 665m to the north, passing over Point 776m (effectively doing this section in reverse as to that described in the guidebook). Later, simply retrace your steps back to your car at Ballaghbeama Gap (Distance: 10km, Total Ascent: 1,040m, Time: 5 hours)
The rugged ridge toward Knockaunanattin, with snow-capped MacGillycuddy's Reeks in the far left.
Note: Another way to access Broaghnabinnia is via the Bridia Valley - this involves a steep scramble/walk up its southwest/west spur. However, there's very limited parking at its eastern end (V 788 817) and this is also near a working farm. I have also heard of potential access issues here recently due to over-parking, so starting at Ballaghbeama Gap is probably your best option at present.
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of both guidebooks)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.
Landowners have unfortunately closed off access at the start of the route (V 821 813) that follows a trail leading southwest that meanders around the edge of Lough Reagh.
As a result of this, please consider the following alternative starting at Ballaghbeama Gap, where there is limited parking along a layby around V 755 781. Ascend north from there to gain a rugged ridge that extends eastward over Knockaunanattin (569m). Follow the ridge as it dog-legs over Point 663m to eventually gain the summit of Stumpa Duloigh (784m). From here, you have the option of an out-and-back to Point 665m to the north, passing over Point 776m (effectively doing this section in reverse as to that described in the guidebook). Later, simply retrace your steps back to your car at Ballaghbeama Gap (Distance: 10km, Total Ascent: 1,040m, Time: 5 hours)
The rugged ridge toward Knockaunanattin, with snow-capped MacGillycuddy's Reeks in the far left.
Note: Another way to access Broaghnabinnia is via the Bridia Valley - this involves a steep scramble/walk up its southwest/west spur. However, there's very limited parking at its eastern end (V 788 817) and this is also near a working farm. I have also heard of potential access issues here recently due to over-parking, so starting at Ballaghbeama Gap is probably your best option at present.
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of both guidebooks)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.