July 2012 (with Gemma) Ascent from Kate Kearney's Cottage. We woke up to an overcast, rainy morning so decided to wait before driving to the cottage situated at the bottom of the Gap of Dunloe. The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass between Macgillycuddy's Reeks (west) and Purple Mountain (east.) Upon arrival we procrastinated further with a Latte in the cafe before taking a jaunting car up to the Madman's Seat at the head of the gap. Scenery was stunning even with the low hanging cloud. This gap is a place of massive boulders in grotesque array over which foaming mountain torrents dash downwards with reckless abandon. A symphony of nature is played here incessantly, no two notes in repetition. The horse did extremely well and the journey was pleasant. From the head of the gap we began the climb which was steep and wet. Glas Lough, a beautiful tarn, provided respite and then we ascended steeply once more to the summit of Purple Mountain which was incredibly windy. 60mph winds had been forecast and it seemed stronger. I grabbed onto to Gemma as we crossed the summit cairns to prevent her from being blown of the crags! From there much compass work was needed as we battled through the ferocious wind and pea soup mist. Eventually we arrived on the summit of Tomies and rested in the summit shelter. The descent was long and arduous, we both fell over on the overgrown, boggy path multiple times and it did threaten to cast a gloom over an otherwise excellent walk. The rain began to sheet down as we walked along the road and back to the car. Back at the guesthouse, our wonderful host Kiera allowed us to put our sodden clothes, waterproofs and boots in the boiler house to dry!