Parking for a couple of cars at T23362 86056 A. Follow track for about 1km to T23477 86889 B where the track forks. Take the right track and continue along here for a about 200m to communications mast, which is as close as is feasibly possible to get to the highest point, given the dense tree and briar covering. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1190/comment/15434/

The first puzzle of this hill is "Where is the top". Given the current covering in Sitka Spruce with razor wire briers I can't see any onsite determination of this at present and I am not so sure even modern technology like photogrammetry or lidar would do any better. So I think that considering the top to be beside the communications tower is unlikely to be disputable until the trees are mature or cut.

A second puzzle are some of the trees nearby such as the one shown in the picture here. This and another are Chilean Pines, usually better known as Monkey Puzzles.

In fact Westaston Hill is the high end of an arboretum originally started by a line of Cromwellian settlers called Acton. This is now operated as Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens by the OPW. Here's what they have to say about the monkey-puzzles on Westaston Hill:

"Tom Acton had a rule of thumb to plant three of every important tree or shrub. One was planted where visiting plantsmen told him it would thrive, another where he thought it would survive, and the last where it would unquestionably not survive. Examples of the latter may be seen on the brow of Westaston Hill that overlooks the house and estate. To this day, a line of exotics, like Himalayan rhododendrons, mighty North American conifers and Chilean trees, all planted by Tom Acton’s gardeners, still grow on this wind swept site. Most are in ragged order and battered because of their exposed positions – except for two fine monkey puzzles. This tree inhabits the high Andes of Chile where it is exposed to the same raging winds. In this case, a tree planted in a situation where he was told it would positively not grow, did survive, indeed it thrived."

Take a look if you visit Westaston, these trees are magnificent.

More at http://www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmhist.htm Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1190/comment/17739/

Westaston Hill is one of a number of hills on my Local 100 that I had never previously heard of, and likely would never have climbed were it not for the list.

This morning we were blessed with glorious sunny February weather for the short ascent. Parked at the recommended spot T23362 86056 A and followed the track up. Largely uneventful and gradual ascent on forest tracks, ground firm and even underfoot. The only obstacle to be negotiated was a pair of fallen trees blocking the full width of the track just after the fork at T23477 86889 B.

Arriving at the communication mast, we found that the trees have matured to the stage that it's possible to enter the forest without getting scratched up. One possible candidate for the high point is at T23697 87180 C where there is a "lump" about 3 metres higher than the surrounding forest floor.

Total walking distance/time (including exploring the forest in search of the high point): 4 km/50 mins. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1190/comment/24126/

Climbed on 21/2/2014. Had a bit of difficulty navigating to the start point as there were some road closures hereabouts. Eventually made it to T23362 86056 A, followed main forest track to point T23477 86889 B took right fork here and followed track up to communications mast. Nice views east towards Brittas Bay. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1190/comment/15872/

If you go out in the woods today be sure of a supprise when you reach the mast on this hill as the summit is app 65 meters opposite in the dense jungle so you have a choice wait till the trees are felled or prepair to be sliced and diced. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1190/comment/16058/