Having earlier summited Knockfierna and Corronoher I assumed, wrongly as it transpired, that Ballyea Hill would be an easy additional top. I started from Ballingarry, walking as far as the previously prescribed access point at R3979135683 A. Since the last entry for this hill, the access track at the gate appears to have become completely overgrown and impassable. I continued for another 150m along the road and entered at the next gate , R39680 35595 B, which has a ‘Beware of the bill’ sign. The bull was benign and behind a wire fence. Had he been loose and I wearing a flowing red cape it would have been the least of my problems, as things would unfold. I ascended the good track to where it ended and then into a field. To the right there is a visible forest-edge track which has some thick gorse but nothing too bad. At the top of this track the problems really begin. 50m of the most painful and bloody hiking I can recall. I was on the point of abandonment when above the shoulder-height gorse and bramble appeared the summit trig like a siren on the rocks from an ancient epic tale. I headed for a large patch of fern which merely cloaked the brambles underneath. I circled four times to find a way to the verdant trig area. I couldn’t have come back the same way so picked up the track at R39205 36222 C , just east of the trig and followed through farmland to the road at R39059 37000 D. I would not recommend this ascent route on any account. I didn’t meet the farmer at the farmyard where I gained the road on my descent so can’t vouch for any issues with access. Someone local must surely know of an easier route to this unassuming hill? Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1274/comment/23656/