Brandon Hill Kilkenny RFM Blue Line

 

Brandon Hill Kilkenny 

RFM Blue Line

31/08/25

This hill south west of Kilkenny was climbed by Michael, Katja, Sheila, Tano and me whilst Peter, Christine, Les and Mary were at church. We were meant to meet for lunch but the late start and our pedestrian progress meant that we met for tea instead. I loved the climb as my first hill in Ireland since Peter and I walked the high hills in Kerry 2 years ago. This was more rural than wild.

The landscape is lovely, just like England, not surprisingly.

From the car park,halfway up the hill, the summit looked big but not too high. 

The start selfie managed to obscure Michael sorry but it is taken blind.

Across the valley of the Barrow the mountain called Blackstairs looks a more formidable hill in the lowering weather. It is actually about 600 feet higher than Branden Hill and looks it, maybe next time.

Looking back along the track the distant hills and fields make a very pleasant back drop to the hike. 

As we wind up through the trees Tano and Michael chat together. Tano is struggling on in inappropriate footwear, well done Tano for hiking in ordinary shoes.

Sheila and Katja forge ahead discussing who knows what. 

I really liked the conifer section as the trail began to climb.

The path was getting a little stoney, luckily it was dry. We couldn't identify the unusual butterfly but I now believe it was a Painted Lady, cool.

We didn't take the direct route up the hill but swung around on a slow steady climb up the hillside beyond the trees into the heather.

The views behind us as we climbed were pleasant rather than dramatic. It really is a beautiful palce.

The cross near the summit promised to be the end of the climb. Catholic countries like putting crosses on hills, I prefer cairns to be honest.

I love being at the top of these type of hills and the views from the trig point were excellent.

Views from the trig point.

A 360 panoramic view from the trig.

Wandering around the wdie expanse of the summit there were great views in all directions. Its odd not having a better geographic knowledge of what is where but that only comes with familiarity.

Sheila and Katja posing in front of the well weathered trig point.

The River Barrow in the distant valley below.

A view back to the summit and then we re-traced our steps down the hill.

Its always good to see a friendly Robin on our decent.

A good hill walk and my first in the Kilkenny area.