Cummeenapeasta Ridge
* Freedom to roam
Trekking
CUMMEENAPEASTA RIDGE
Often cited as one of Ireland’s best mountain treks, this knife-edge ridge walk offers superb views over the rest of the Reeks District, including Carrauntoohil and Lough Cummeenapeasta, where a WWII C-47 crashed in 1943.
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The route starts at Cronin’s Yard with the summit of Knocknapeasta, at 988m Ireland’s fourth highest peak and the highest in the eastern Reeks, the ultimate goal. Departing Hag’s Glen, the route passes Lough Cummeenapeasta and the C-47 crash site before heading up the thin, rocky ridge.
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The scramble to the summit is challenging but once there, the views are incredible – on a clear day, it may well be the best view you’ll get off Carrauntoohil given the elevation.

THE TREK
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Length: 13km
- Route Type: Loop
- Pet friendly: No
- Category: Mountain
Scramblers' delight
The knife-edge ridge trail above Cummeenapeasta means all but the most agile trekkers will need to go hand over foot.
Knocknapeasta summit
The high point of this route is Knocknapeasta (Hill of the Serpent) which at 988m offers amazing views of Lough Cummeenapeasta.
Crúach Mhór summit grotto
The summit of Crúach Mhór (932m) was built in the 1970s by local man Tommy Sullivan who performed an almost daily pilgrimage with his materials.
Escape Routes
Planning is crucial for this trek. Escape routes are essential if the weather takes a turn.