![]() ![]() There is no way we would have enjoyed the experience as much had it not been for Michael, and his great knowledge and splendid company. He showed us things and explained things about that part Mayo that really enriched our experience 100-fold. Michael navigated the safest way down all the while talking to us and informing us.Īll in all, Michael truly brought the hiking experience to life for us. After taking in the views and asking Michael a load of questions we headed down, this was tough too as it was slippy underfoot. It was a tough hike in parts but Michael was patient with us and great company so we got through it and up. Here too he explained to us all about the mountain and the surrounding terrain. Here Michael guided us safely and calmly up the often steep inclines and across the soggy-boggy landscape. This was a different proposition to the well-worn Reek paths. Luckily the weather was ok as this mountain can be dangerous, conditions can change there very quickly. From the top he then took us down a different route, to Lecanvey, and one I'd never knew about and that was another great experience, with other features to see and talk about.Īfter lunch in nearby Louisburgh we set off for Mweelrea. It really added another dimension to our hike and made it all far more interesting and enjoyable. We took the normal 'Pilgrims Path' to the summit of Croagh Patrick and Michael filled us in along the way on the history of the peak, stopping along the way to point out interesting features and sights to see on and around the Reek. He kindly advised me beforehand via email what I needed for the hike and my friend and I met him at 9am Saturday morning at the Reek carpark in Murrisk. I booked to attempt these two peaks in the one day with Michael Cusack of Reek Tours online. I had also never hiked up Mayo's highest peak, Mweelrea, even though I had often passed it while driving through the breadth-taking glaciated valley that is Doolough Pass. I had climbed Croagh Patrick, or The Reek as it is fondly known, a few times in the past but never with an expert and always the same route up and down. At the end of our tour he generously gave us a signed copy! I was humbled and delighted. His book, "Croagh Patrick and the Islands of Clew Bay: A Guide to the Edge of Europe" (2016) is excellent: a detailed natural and local history. Making it up safely under his expert care and kindness gave me and my family memories for a lifetime. As someone facing health issues, making this trip and getting to the top of Croagh Patrick with prayers for my grandma who recently passed were core goals. ![]() I know he could fly up, but he never once made me feel inadaquate or unable. He was well prepared: snacks, hydration, poles, and even coffee. He picked us up at our AirBnB, drove us to the start of the traditional Pilgrim's route at the foot, and we began our trek. Truly a treasure.Īs we approached out hike date, he communicated well, preparing us for the day. His hospitality and gentle warmth, humor and good natured humility make him rare as a *person*. Michael's deep connection and local wisdom, his athleticism, and love of the habitats of Clew Bay and mountains, make him an ideal guide. We specificlly returned to Ireland to reach the peak, and under Michael's generous, expert good care we made it.īut more than just "making it to the top", every moment was an experience. Sherpa, expert trail guide, storyteller, hiker-cyclist-athlete, writer, Clew Bay roots/family historian, AND genuine "good folk"? My family and I were genuinely fortunate to have had the opportunity to discover Michael Cusack for our Croagh Patrick goal. ![]()
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