Moanbane is the eighty fifth highest mountain in Ireland and sits at an elevation of 703m above sea stage. Silsean is 698m and is a 30-minute stroll from Moanbane.
Moanbane to Silsean hike- Key data
- Allow 2-3 hours to hike from Ballyknockan
- Parking and picnic tables initially level
- Navigation Skills- Essential
- No indicators or seen path to observe
- Amazing views
- 8 out of 10 for difficulty-Very steep
- 11 km out and again hike
Starting level to hike Moanbane and Silsean
At the bottom of the mountain, there’s a designated automotive park with 2 picnic tables and sufficient parking for 5-10 vehicles. We parked our automotive right here.
Initially, couldn’t see a definite mountain climbing path to stroll the mountain. We began our hike to Moanbane by crossing the gate in entrance of the automotive park and strolling within the route of Silsean, first (RHS of the mountain).
Hiking to Silsean
We determined to hike to Silsean first, then we might cross over the ridge to Moanbane. After strolling via the 2 flat fields initially of the hike, we got here to an open space under the bottom of the mountain. We stroll in direction of a just lately cut-down forest to the precise as we appeared on the mountain.
We observe the road of the fence ascending in direction of the summit till we attain the top of the fence. This part of the hike is EXTREMELY steep and really robust on the legs.
From right here, we proceed in direction of the summit. The panorama begins to show very boggy with massive peat mounds. After mountain climbing 55 minutes from the automotive we see Silsean summit stone mount perception.
Hiking from Silsean to Moanbane
The summit of Silsean is distinct as a result of massive stone mount and the view over the Baltinglass lakes within the background. We flip left at Silsean summit, passing a small lake. We stroll within the route of Moanbane whereas descending barely and crossing the ridge between each mountains. The floor could be very boggy on this location, with deep holes from water and peat.
We ascend once more to climb the aspect of Moanbane however it isn’t too steep or lengthy earlier than we see a publish within the distance marking the summit of Moanbane.
The summit of Moanbane is marked with a timber stake and a small lake.
Descending Moanbane to Ballyknockan
From Moanbane, we descend downward whereas attempting to trace again towards the bottom of Silsean. The descent is straightforward however navigation is required, because it’s straightforward to choose the unsuitable reference level to descent in direction of. Our descent was fast and straightforward. We walked right into a herd of deer grazing whereas descending, it made for an excellent distraction on our descent.
Conclusion of Moanbane and Silsean hike
A really good hike with two nice summits. It took us 2 hours 10 minutes to summit each mountains and return again to the automotive. The hike is hard however very rewarding. Navigation is required on this mountain. We advocate the Viewranger app and an influence financial institution on your cellphone.
