Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a 12.1 km out-and-back from Cronin’s Yard to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest summit at 1,039 m, via Hag’s Glen and the Devil’s Ladder. It gains 881 m and has a GPX-derived walking-time estimate of 3 hours 53 minutes.
Kerry Mountain Rescue describes Carrauntoohil as challenging and warns that the Devil’s Ladder is a steep, badly eroded gully with unstable loose scree and boulders. This is a serious route for experienced hillwalkers, not a simple tourist trail; wet, icy or crowded conditions increase the rockfall and slip hazards.
Above the Ladder the GPX turns right for the long summit slope. In poor visibility it is vital not to drift left above Curraghmore or right towards the Heavenly Gates traverse. Carry OSi Discovery 78, a compass and the GPX, and consider an experienced guide if you are unsure of your skills.
Carrauntoohil is a challenging mountain to ascend compared to many Irish summits.
Kerry Mountain Rescue Team
Route Waypoints
Start from Cronin’s Yard at Irish grid reference V 836 873. Check current parking and facilities, then follow the GPX south-west into Hag’s Glen; dogs are not permitted on Carrauntoohil.
Continue through Hag’s Glen on the recorded line, crossing the Gaddagh River on the established route. The ground becomes rougher and wetter as the GPX approaches the foot of the Devil’s Ladder.
Enter the steep, eroded gully only if conditions and your experience are suitable. Stay in the gully bed rather than escaping onto unstable flanks, test holds, keep spacing between parties and avoid dislodging rocks. At the top, turn right onto the summit slope.
Reach Ireland’s 1,039 m summit and the large cross. In mist, confirm the correct return bearing before leaving: retrace the same GPX line to the top of the Devil’s Ladder rather than drifting onto dangerous neighbouring ground.
Descend the Devil’s Ladder and Hag’s Glen on the same recorded route. The loose gully is often harder on descent; maintain spacing, move deliberately and stop if rockfall from another party makes the line unsafe.
Essential Tips
The Devil’s Ladder is unstable, steep and badly eroded. Wear a helmet if appropriate to your risk assessment, never climb directly below another party, and avoid the route in ice or when water makes the gully hazardous.
Cloud can hide the summit slope and dangerous edges. Carry OSi Discovery 78, a compass and the GPX and know how to use them; do not rely on a phone or follow other walkers blindly.
Check the mountain forecast and carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a head torch. Turn back early if wind, rain, ice, visibility or the group’s pace makes the Ladder or descent unsafe.
Discover Ireland rates this a difficult hike best suited to experienced walkers. If in doubt, hire a qualified guide. Respect the private landowners whose goodwill enables access, and do not bring dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Carrauntoohil Devil’s Ladder route?
The supplied GPX measures 12.1 km with 881 m of ascent. Its walking-time estimate is 3 hours 53 minutes, but Discover Ireland advises that the climb commonly takes four to six hours, so allow for conditions and your group’s pace.
How difficult and dangerous is the Devil’s Ladder?
It is a steep, badly eroded gully with unstable scree and boulders. Kerry Mountain Rescue advises experienced walkers to use great care, particularly in wet or icy conditions, and to stay alert to rocks dislodged by parties above.
Where does the route start, and which map is required?
Start at Cronin’s Yard, Irish grid reference V 836 873. OSi Discovery Series sheet 78 covers the route. Check current parking and facilities, carry a compass and GPX backup, and note that dogs are not permitted on Carrauntoohil.