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HAVE you got what it takes to scale new heights? Killarney's’ Ultimate High Peaks Challenge, in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, is a spectacular one-day mountain challenge event that will test participant’s endurance, stamina and self sufficiency in some of Ireland’s toughest mountain terrain.

This year’s event takes place this Saturday, August 26, commencing at Cronin’s Yard - the official entrance and starting point for ascents of Carrantuohill and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Kerry is the adventure capital of Ireland and Killarney’s Ultimate High Peaks Challenge is certainly the pinnacle of all mountain adventures with the most dramatic mountain scenery in Ireland. It promises to be an exhilarating and truly unique event in which participants will self-navigate along a pre-planned marshalled route across the highest mountain range in the country - The magnificent MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

Adventure enthusiasts will trek over 25 km of stunning, wild, rugged mountain terrain ticking off many of Ireland’s highest summits with a total height gain of over 2500 meters. “This is not a race… but a challenge event, where participants will test their personal navigational skills, fitness, determination and stamina” say organisers Piaras and Catherine Kelly of KerryClimbing.ie .”The Killarney Ultimate High Peaks Challenge is organised and run by mountain enthusiasts for mountain enthusiasts.”

KerryClimbing.ie is a mountain guiding company, based in the heart of the Reeks. Both Piaras and Catherine are active mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, with a vast knowledge of the Kerry Mountains and surrounds they bring an exceptional amount of skills and experience in the organising of this unique event. KerryClimbing.ie is one of the leading guiding and mountain adventure activity providers in the South West with extensive experience and knowledge of running safety and rescue back up for a variety of mountain events.

The grand finale to this exhausting but memorable mountain challenge will culminate with a vibrant and well deserved after party and barbeque at Cronin’s Yard. “After the presentation of medals, ‘the ultimates’ can relax and savour the salads, cooked meats and home baked breads all served by our event caterers and chefs, together with the sounds of a mighty trad session from the high peaks’ bar to set the mood. What a day…what a night, What a showcase to Ireland’s most amazing landscape and environs”.

Register at http://killarneypeakschallenge.com/register/ Places are limited.
 

 
Above: Piaras Kelly, of Kerry Climbing.ie, on Cnoc na Péiste Ridge, Eastern Reeks, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, on a recce earlier this year for “Killarney's’ Ultimate High Peaks Challenge”. PICTURE: VALERIE O’SULLIVAN