A small but important note for anyone heading to tackle Ireland’s highest peak.

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team is warning walkers that a path has developed on the summit of Carrauntoohil which leads to dangerous ground.

The team says walkers navigating from the summit, particularly in poor visibility, need to exercise care to find the correct, safe routes off. Do not be fooled by the false track that has developed. The rescue team says there are no safe descent routes anywhere to the East or North-East of the summit.

The Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI) is also debating a scheme to repair the Devil’s Ladder section of the path leading up the 1,041m peak. The MCI says the Devil’s Ladder route has become more dangerous in recent years with the result that many walkers are using alternative routes, causing serious erosion impacts elsewhere on the mountains, particularly in Brother O’Shea’s Gully, the Heavenly Gates and the approach to the Eagle’s Nest.

The council decided to launch a €10,000 appeal for the repairs, but stresses any such work would need to be carried out sympathetically.