An Bheann Mhor in south Iveragh is the highpoint of the E-W ridge that links Glanbeg to Coumcallee. Its summit isn't v distinguished but the views of the immediate corries and lakes as well as the more distant coastline, islands and peninsulas more than compensate for this. Navigational difficulties are minimal; just be careful of what fence line you follow.

S. From the S drive to V60267 66312 A and seek permission to park from the farmer. Follow a broad track to V60996 68103 B, just 50 metres short of the ridge fence which you can then follow to the west. As you approach Beann na Stiocairi the fence splits. Take the right-hand option before shortly picking up another fence to the west. After reaching na Stocairi the summit is quickly attained after a short descent and re-ascent. 1.5 hrs to top

N. From the N park just E of the bridge over the Oveveen River (V59676 69799 C). Head back to the bridge, and go west along the road to V58568 70027 D. From here follow the obvious track south. This track ascends steeply, keeping east and well below the ridge of Glanbeg. When you reach the top of Glanbeg head east to tackle the steep 225m rise to the summit. Allow 1.5 - 2 hrs. Return the same way or continue to Coumcallee and complete the Maugherane circuit as detailed in track/3406.

This summit is inevitably combined with other peaks and there's a very fine 3 day route from Waterville to Ballaghbeama.

Noteworthy tracks include track/3566, track/3613 and the 25k track/2495. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/4908/

Following the fence west from Beann na Stiocairí arrival on An Bheann Mhór is borderline inevitable: the shallowness of the depression between the two renders the final section barely worthy of the word 'climb'. And on arrival at the trig column the view becomes a fabulous 360 degrees of mountain walls and loughs, land and sea...one of the very best I've ever seen. It was late afternoon when I arrived on An Bheann Mhór, and the low winter sun fighting successfully through the occasional rainclouds rendered me in acute danger of benightment as I tried desperately to take it all in with the camera. The attached pic is a totally self-indulgent self-portrait looking south: the other picture is taken from the descending ridge to the west, bound for the final top of Glanbeg (descent details included under that peak's entry). The aforementioned ridge is steep and rocky in places but should be totally straightforward under normal conditions: under snow, it required a bit of concentration. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/3480/

A route (the Maughernane circuit) recommended by Joss Lynam combines the tops of Coomcallee with those of L Iskanamacteery Mtn. For the benefit of any who follow this route, this picture shows that a direct descent to the north from the final peak (the one on the right)would be steep but practicable. However, it is slippery when wet, and the recommended descent is to descend the west ridge part way before descending the slope to the road. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/1745/

It is clear from the map that this top must be an exceptionally fine viewpoint, and I look forward to another member posting a view soon! I ascended it in cloud by following the fence that runs along the ridge from the east. The fence bifurcates just short of point 672. The right (north) fork follows relatively firm ground, and leads to another east-west fence. The summit is quickly attained after a short descent and reascent. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/1744/

For main ascent, see comment for Beann na Stiocairí, from where it is a short hike about 600m to the west to reach the rounded summit of An Bheann Mhór (which means literally 'The Big Peak' and not as someone recently suggested to me, 'The Big Woman'), which is marked by a trig pillar. Eagles soared overhead for the duration of the walk to the top and had a chat along the way with a friendly local sheep farmer who informed me that he only took the larger of his sheep dogs up there as he was afraid the eagles would snatch the smaller ones. (See comment on Beann na Stiocairí for pic of eagle) As I returned in the evening light towards Beann na Stiocairí to begin my descent, the tip of the Beara peninsula was suddenly lit up by shafts of light, making for a beautiful end to a rewarding day. The land poking out into the Atlantic on the right is Dursey Island. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/14884/

Looking west towards Lough Currane & Ballinskelligs Bay Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/148/comment/2401/