There are two distinct access routes up to the summit on the South Peak; the hermitage is associated with the later route. It is located just below the South Peak on terraces cut out of the rock and levelled using drystone retaining walls. Access begins from Christ’s Saddle and rock-cut steps and narrow terracing facilitate the ascent, which passes through an enlarged natural feature called the Needle’s Eye. Above this feature there are platforms, which were possible staging posts for the transport of building stone to the upper terraces. There are three main terraces, a possible Garden Terrace, the Oratory Terrace and the Outer Terrace, which is very difficult to access from the north side of the peak.

Extensive quarrying was carried out on the South Peak and excavation and study have added much to our understanding about how the terraces were constructed.

The Oratory Terrace

This is the most important of the terraces on the South Peak. It is quite intact and lies on the south side of the peak. It contains an oratory with the remains of an altar, a leacht and a long low bench on the west side. Water is gathered from the rock faces above the terrace and is channelled into two small inter-connecting water basins located near the entrance to the oratory. Adjoining the east end of the terrace is a narrow tapering platform upon which are located the remains of a possible shrine.