Cnoc na dTobar

What: Cnoc na dTobar — also known as Knocknadobar — is a site devoted to St Fursey, a 7th century saint who was said to have been cured of blindness here. This exhilarating climb to the broad 690m summit is along an old pilgrim’s path. It’s fully waymarked along 14 Stations placed at intervals. Savour a panorama of Coonanna Harbour and Killelan Mountain, then traverse an airy crest. Vast green-brown plains unfold and a hilly backdrop extends west, hugging the blue waters of Portmagee Channel. This is Co Kerry at its scenic best. Pass a concrete cross/stone altar erected by Canon Brosnan in 1885. Finally reach a trig pillar/stone shelter on the summit. The view is full of superlatives and includes nearly all the mountains of Iveragh and Dingle. Interesting point of note: the two other sacred sites of Brandon Mountain and Skellig Michael, both within sight, form a perfect triangle with the summit – coincidence?

Start/Finish: Lay-by opposite the signposted start (see below).

Get there: Drive across Cahersiveen bridge from the town. Turn right around 800m after crossroads. Continue on a narrow road, the ‘Ring of Kerry Cycle Route’, for around 1.5km to reach a fork. Veer left and drive another 1.25km to a T-junction. Turn left, pass a grotto, then park at a lay-by slightly further away.

Level: Best for novice hillwalkers.

Length/Time to walk: 7 km/ 3-4 hrs.

Ascent: 670m.

Pack: A compass and a set of waterproofs; a copy of Adrian Hendroff’s guidebook Killarney to Valentia Island; OSI Discovery Series Sheet 83.

Refuel: At Petit Delice for desserts or Camo’s (camos.ie), Cahersiveen.