Great Gully Adventure

Went out early this morning looking for some adventure, to try out Wicklow's answer to Howlin Ridge and Carot Ridge, the 140 meter alpine style ridge called Great Gully Ridge. We hiked into the beautiful Fraughan Rock Glen with high hopes for a sweet days climbing.

Fraughan Rock Glen

After a while the striking ridge line came into view and we started to get excited ...



The Line

We hiked up the steepening hill and bushwhacked our way to the base of the climb. The climb looked great and the views were gorgeous. We felt a few drops of rain so there was just enough time for a coffee before we hopped on the rock. Pitch 1 was a nice stemming corner.

Pat On Pitch 1

I'd been hogging all the leads lately so Pat got to lead the  whole climb. The second pitch was 45 meters of alpine style ridge climbing in a lovely position. High above two pergrine falcons swooped and screeched. Just as Pat began the crux pitch it started to spit rain a little but he made it to the belay before it really started pouring. I had to climb the pitch with feezing cold hands on soaking wet rock ''Well you were looking for a mountaineering adventure, now you've got one'' I thought.

We were thinking of backing off before doing the last pitch but the blue sky returned and the rock dried pretty quick so Pat led on. Just as he topped out the climb a vicious cold wind wipped up, it was being funneled through the gully and was accompanied by side ways flying rain. The temps dropped very quickly. I curled up into the foetal position behind a rock with my bag over my head trying to escape the wind and the down pour. I lay there shivering for about ten minutes before the shower cleared away and then I followed Pat to the top again climbing the pitch in the wet.

                                                                           



The Peregrine Falcon In It's Nest

We abbed off the route buzzing after a sweet adventure and Pat couldn't believe he hadn't climbed the route before. It was a fun day out and I highly recommend the climb, good craic adventure climbing in a beautiful remote Wicklow setting, it will be just you and the birds of prey for miles. We finished off the day having a tasty feed in the Glenmalure Lodge :) Happy climbing folks



Sweet View