Here's another one for the 'what constitutes an ascent?' debate. The newly appointed Binnion of Ouley Hill is one of the nearest MV tops to our house, and was thus ideal for a quick Sunday late afternoon race with the gathering gloom. Inspection of the map suggested it to be a little more than a hop, step and a jump from the minor road cresting its western slope, and so hopes were high for neelix_tdog and myself.

The reality is somewhat different. The top of the hill is the site of a substantial quarry, and the track marked as leaving the road at (380625 B) is soon blocked by substantial gates and proper 'we mean it' warning signs regarding trespass. Slightly further south at (382623 C) another track heads east...by walking along this and nipping through an open gate a short way along and heading north, it's possible to walk up a field to reach a fence nigglingly JUST short of the apparent summit (about 5m in height, I reckon). Alas this fence is decorated with the same signage as the other approach (see photo...apologies for the blurring, but it was a bit windy) and as I was aware of the watching eyes of someone in the farmhouse at the bottom of the field I decided against going further.

Not one to give up that easily, I also explored the possibilities from the A7 to the east. This side doesn't seem very promising either, approaches seemingly under the control of the quarry company or a building firm.

So, have I ticked it? My conscience says no.

UPDATE 25/08/14. The summit IS the top of that embankment...double Garrrgghhh! But at least it's done now.

Other summit aspirants might wish to note that there is even more 'Keep Out' signage about now (I used Harry's route)...it may not be long before this hill is pretty much inaccessible. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/1310/comment/15810/