Corrin Hill and Nature Reserve, Co.Cork
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday! The most important dates in the Christian religion. What could be more appropriate than to walk the 14 Stations of the Cross. So let’s do our best to walk up Corrin Hill. Also here Coillte.ie was my research source.
A forecast with 50% likelihood of rain doesn’t keep me away and so I started early this morning towards Corrin Hill. After having my car parked, I started my way up to the summit. The area has more to offer than only the walk up along the 14 Stations of the Cross, however, also here has storm Ophelia destroyed a good part of trees.
Corrin Hill
Once passed the barrier which separates the parking area from walking area, you can walk up the hill following the Stations of the Cross. The gradient is moderate. You can also take the path to the right to walk around the hill and come from the back side up to the summit. At the moment the longer path is a bit muddy and you have to wear good shoes.
Up at the cross the sun was gone for a moment, but a few minutes later the view in every direction was wonderful.
The walk up to the summit is a bit more than 2 km. But if you walk the whole area, the distance is 4,5 km.
Corrin Nature Reserve
On the way back I made a stop at the Nature Reserve which is created by the the Rathcormac Game and Wildlife Club. The Link path through the woodland up to the Cross car park isn’t finished yet, but in autumn 2018 it is planned to open the whole area to the public. At the moment there is only a small area available with a pond. Don’t miss to visit it. It’s definitely worth it.
Directions
Well, you have the choice between paying toll or not. Today I refused to pay and that’s why I took the R639 from Glanmire up to Corrin Hill. You can use the M8 toll-free from Dunkettle Rdabout when exiting at Watergrasshill (exit 17). The R639 is well signposted and you won’t miss it. Between Rathcormac and Fermoy you have to turn left on some point, but it is signposted. If you miss it, you will go downhill after you should have left-turned and end up at a roundabout which includes a driveway to the motorway. Best is to use the upcoming roundabout to turn, go up the hill again and then turn right. It’s about 3 km to the Coillte Cross car park, which is on the right hand side.
GPS: 52°6′37″ N 8°17′17″ W
The Nature Reserve is about 250m before the Cross car park and is on the left hand side. You won’t miss the barrier.
Have much fun and if you want to join me for a walk or hike, please click here for guided walks in Co. Cork