Description
Booking will open at 9.30am Tuesday 5th November 2024
Experience the magic of the Winter Solstice with a guided walk to the Knockshanahullion peak overlooking Clogheen in the Galty Vee Valley. The peak is topped by a large Bronze Age burial mound with fabulous views of the entire valley between the Galtee mountains and the Knockmealdowns.
The Rhododendron Walking Festival committee held the inaugural winter solstice walk in 2018. It sold out quickly. There was so much demand that there had to be two days facilitated in 2019. Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, it returned in 2022 and 2023, selling out quicker than ever.
For one day only on Saturday 21st December 2024, this eagerly awaited experience returns.
Check in at St. Pauls Community Centre, Clogheen 6.30am -7am. Transport will be arranged to bring walkers to walk start point. The terrain is stony paths and open mountain with a gradual climb to the top requiring moderate fitness. Duration of walk is 90-120 minutes. Sunrise time is 8.38am.
The length of the walk is 3 kms up and 3kms down. The summit of Knockshanahullion is 652m. The ascent for the walk is 199m. On top of Knockshanahullion a Bronze Age Mound is present with magnificent views to the Galtee, Ballyhoura, Comeragh and Slievenamon mountains and on a clear day all the way to the highest point in Ireland Carrauntoohil.
Walking boots essential with good grip and ankle support, hi viz and head/hand torch also required. Wear appropriate clothing (gloves/hat) as the wind will pick up as the peak is reached.
Following the descent back down, hot breakfast refreshments will be available in the beautifully decorated historical Clogheen Community Hall with music entertainment on stage.