Trip Story
I climbed to the summit of Knockanaffrin for the second time, albeit via a different route in early May 2009 after talking to a friend who lived in the area. The walk is easily accessible from the village of Rathgormack in Councty Waterford. Directions to the start of this walk can be obtained from the hiking centre/hostel located in rathgormack village, (www.rathgormackhostel.com) and there are plenty of signposts on the main road out of Rathgormack.
The walk starts from the end of the dirt track which you take when you leave the main road after the bad bends, near Poulavone.
There is a large map erected on the dirt track, and planty of car-parking space available. Start walking west from this map until you reach the scout hut, and then veer north west climbing at a reasonable gradient towards the rocky ouitcrop which you should see called Carraigseegowna. Once up there, turn and then follow the ridge in a southerly direction taking you to Shauneenabreaga and Knocksheegowna summits. On Knocksheegowna you will come across a trig pillar, and from here there are spectacular views to be seen across the valley below, taking in Lough Mohro to the east and Rathgormack village in the distance. Continue to follow this ridge until you reach Knockanaffrin, and here take a well eanred break. Once refreshed, and having taken in more great views, start to descend from the summit in an easterly direction, please take care on this initial descent as it can be slippy and steep in places but is quite safe as long as care is taken. Keep descending until you reach an old fence line, and then follow this fenceline in a northerly direction which will take you alongside a forest. follow the forest edge again in a northerly direction which will take you all the way to Lough Mohro, where you can pick up the trail, which leads you over the stile, and then follow the forestry road back to your car!
A really enjoyable walk from start to finish with spectacular views!
Thanks to Andrew Howard who recorded the route and photos. and put it on everytrail click on the link to see the trail and you can also download the trail to your GPS unit or simply print it off to take with you.
