Walk Grade

Moderate linear walk of about 12km. Requires about 5.0hours.

Access

This is a linear walk requiring cars at both the start of the walk and the finish of the walk. Proceed first to Ballymacarbry on the R671, which is about 12km south of Clonmel. From Ballymacarbry take the turning off the main road for the Nire Valley. Proceed along this road in an easterly direction for about 4km until you come to a bridge. At this point go across the bridge to the left, which will firstly be in the direction of the finish of the walk. From here on always keep to the left until you eventually reach the R678. At this junction turn right and drive about a further 1.5km to the finishing point of the walk which is on a small slip road to the right off the R671 at GR(26.32 20.19). Leaving half the cars at the finishing point drive back the way you came to the bridge where you initially turned left. Cross the bridge and turn left and continue on for about a further 4km until you come to a car park GR(27.67 12.84) on your left hand side, which will be the start of the walk.

Walk Features

Knockanaffrin Ridge commands some fine panoramic views of the Suir Valley below including two corries, which drain into the Clodiagh River. Knockanaffrin (which means 'Hill of the Mass') is not quite as high as the broader Comeragh Plateau to the south, but it has the distinct advantage of being firmer underfoot with far less boggy ground. This area is covered in OS Discovery Series Map No 75.

Walk Details

From the car park GR(27.67 12.84) climb upwards directly above you taking a bearing of about 76 deg, which will take you in a northeasterly direction to ‘The Gap'. Follow the path upwards through the heather as you gain height. When you have climbed about 110m you will pass through a gate. As you now continue along the path you can make out the white posts in the distance, which mark the track leading to The Gap GR(30.11 13.41), which is about 2.5km from the car park. The aptly named 'Gap' is simply a gap in the Comeragh Mountains between the Comeragh plateau and the Knockanaffrin Ridge to the northwest. When you reach 'The Gap' walk along the side of the fence to your left without crossing it towards the mountains on your left. As you gain height you will be following a track, which will eventually lead you up to the top of Knockanaffrin. The ground will become steep to your right and you will get a good view of the Suir Valley. Also on your right you will get a good view of Coumduala Lough below. Proceed on past this point up the ridge until you get to the top of Knockanaffrin 755m GR(28.54 15.28), which will be the highest point in the walk. From the summit of Knockanaffrin go down to the coll above Lough Mohra. As you continue on to Knocksheegowna 678m GR(27.77 16.56) you will see a large displaced rock to your right, which could be a good place for photographs. The top of Knocksheegowna is marked by a trig point. I f you are unable to make this a linear walk, this could be a point to turn back and retrace your steps to the start of the walk. From Knocksheegowna continue to walk along the ridge towards Shauneenabreage as you lose height. On a clear day from this ridge you can get a good view of Slievenamon Mountain to the north. From the northerly tip of Shauneenabreaga GR (26.92 17.93) a bearing of 350 deg will take you down along the ridge to meet a small stream at GR(26.54 20.12). From this point you will cross a bridge and walk up a road to your left to the cars. Also as you come down the ridge you will see a TV mast, which you will have passed earlier on the road. You must aim a fair bit to the right of this mast.

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