eflanaga on Croaghgorm

From Binnasruell summit (See fro previous part of circuit) I took a bearing of 93E to take me in direction of the saddle above Sruell Gap passed earlier in the day prior to climbing Croaghbane. The terrain was not as difficult on this side of the valley as it had been when crossing from Lavagh Beg to ‘Sruell. I decided to veer slightly of course so as to come around the southern end of Spot Height 465m ID (G92524 90443). This took me along the heights above Sruell Gap with wonderful views up and down the valley and across to Croaghgorm. Aided by sheep tracks managed to maintain reasonable height. Decided to drop down to floor of gap short of the saddle as I could see what appeared to be relatively straightforward route up SW slope of the hill. Grassy slopes for tmost part, eventually reaching height before drop into gully then steep climb up rockier ground to wonderfully broad summit IE (G94834 89585). Fantastic views in every direction. This is really a beautiful mountain. Stopped for a while hunkered down in the shade of the small stone shelter with what appears to be a ‘water hydrant metal lid’ in it! What’s that about? While there heard the noise of an engine. Looking over rim of shelter I saw a tractor with man and child on lower slopes below. My wave was returned in a friendly manner and the man got on with his business, while I got on with mine, which was to take the easiest route possible over roughly 5k back to camp site on Croaghbarnes IF (G99067 90066). Decided to take a bearing of 76NE and make for Binmore above Lough Belshade and then drop on to the saddle between Croaghbarnes and Croaghbane, On the way passed some of the wreckage of aircraft mentioned by gerrym. Initial part of descent was over exposed slab and boulder & was relatively easy. However, once I passed below Binmore I realised that things were not going to work out as easy as I thought. Was faced with a series of very deep gullys, which spilled their contents into the beautiful Belshade lough below. While the exposed rock made for steady footing I was faced with ‘cliff like’ drops in places necessitating a degree of ‘switchback’ in order to reach slopes of Croaghbarnes. Making the saddle was not an option so had to drop to within 100m of lough & struggle over deep tussock grass and gorse before I could eventually begin final ascent of the day up to camp site. Once I had decamped and removed all trace of my presence I had the long slog with heavy pack on tired legs over 3K over difficult terrain following course of Corabber river to start of Edergole track IG (G97840 88071) and the car a further 2K beyond. Despite difficulties encountered in latter part of Croaghgorm to Croaghbarnes stage (not recommended), entire route, was extremely challenging but enjoyable. Summiting Croaghgorm was a cause for celebration in itself as it marked my 100th summit over 500m since I started on July 4th last year with Errigal. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/2393/

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Waterfalls and great views

Bluestacks - Binmore-(Groaghgorm) 29/08/2005
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series map 11

We started out from Donegal Town direction Bluestacks/Letterkenny (N15). On the first signpost Bluestacks Way (mapgrid 79/95) turn left towards Harvey’s point (Lough Eske) (mapgrid82/96), continue on the road round the lough. When you come on the far point of the Lough (mapgrid 86/96) you wil see a small road going up the mountain. Follow it until you see a sign “private road” and a fence next to it where there’s a parking spot to leave your car. Now go on foot through the fence and follow the road until it peters out into a path. One point of interest : almost at its end you will see a little stream coming down the mountain - follow your ears and you’ll find a magnificent waterfall, the water falls down in a deep gully with a black pool at the bottom. If you follow the goats down (it's real easy) you'll be rewarded mid-stream with a beautiful spot on some big boulders in front of the fall for a rest or a picnic before the actual climb
Once your on the move again, a little further the track ends and you have to find your own way up. We chose to go by the first gully ahead and that route seemed ok - other ways are possible. Once on top we steered toward Binmore, through a valley of bog who takes up some time to work (find) your way through. Noted there are three little lakes (mapgrid 88/96). Once you reach Binmore things are easier again (no more bog). It’s a nice climb with nice views as more and more of the Bluestack range reveals itself, while behind you in good weather great views of Lough Esk and Ben Bulbin open up. As you get to the top of Binmore on your right you will see a giant’s footstep (mapgrid 89/97) - I think Finn Mac Cool who built the Giant Causeway made a stroll inland at one point. The moment I saw it I named it Lough Foot. Once on top you'll find a sheltering cairn big enough to put one or two small tents if you're prepared for it and plan to stay overnight. For me and my wife this was as high as we got Although we wanted to stay a few hours longer exploring and push on over the ridge to Croaghgorm, time was against us going way past over 19:00 so it was wise to head back down during the daylight that was left - all in all a more than recommended walk/climb.
Next time I will try not to linger that long by the waterfall… Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/1956/

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Extensive Mountain Not Fully Explored Yet.

I have had a lot of pleasure walking in the Bluestacks, and Croaghgorm, the highest in the range had long been on my list. I had previously climbed Croaghbane, but hadn't been able to continue along the rest of the ridge due to the weather, so I set off on the same route again, on this occasion just missing Croagbane's summit, and approaching Croaghgorm on a great walk via Ardnageer and Ardnageer SW Top. The top is marked by a stone shelter cairn, which I was grateful for as the weather had turned windy and cold by the time I got there, and I was able to rest the legs in relative comfort.

Croaghgorm is a broad lump of a mountain, and I would have loved to take the time to to explore the extensive ground to the southeast and east towards Lough Belshade, and to the south west. However, I had a long walk already done, and still wanted to visit Lavagh More and Lavagh Beg, before another long walk back to the car in the Reelan Valley. I think I will come back another day, maybe taking a more direct route to Croaghgorm by itself to do it justice. Due to the lack of time, I also couldn't find any trace of the World War 2 plane wreckage, and I would like more time to find that too. For now though, it was on to Lavagh More. The photo was taken on the way up the east side. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/17627/

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Demands Repeated Visits To Fully Appreciate And Explore

The first time I climbed Croaghgorm, I did it as part of a long walk along the central spine of the Bluestacks, going over several summits, and I didn't really have the time or energy to explore the huge bulk of this mountain, just making sure I visited the summit before continuing to Lavagh More. At the time, I remember thinking that it deserved a longer visit and more exploration beyond the summit. Since then, three further summits have been added, that would previously have just been considered subsidiaries of Croaghgorm itself. As a result, I have returned twice more to bag those new tops, and also to find the wreckage of the World War II plane that I missed the first time. Its been great to get more familiar with Croaghgorm's fantastic rocky summit area and the various views it offers. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/18696/

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From Ardnageer

I have approached Croaghgorm from both E and W as part of routes over the central Bluestacks. It is a rugged mountain with fairly complex terrain approaching from neighbouring Ardnageer/Knockgorm on the eastern side (see here for previous part of a circuit). This ascent is south west from Ardnageer over firm but rough ground into a col. I kept close to the northern slopes, avoiding more complex ground running off south which could be difficult in poor visibility. The climb ahead arched around northwards with the summit hidden in mist. There is not a great height to be climbed going by the map but this is deceptive as have to climb in and out of a series of gullies.

I came across a 3x3 section of riveted aluminium, which i presume is part of the Sunderland aircraft which crashed here during the war (as described in Walk Guide West of Ireland by P. Simms & T. Whilde). This was in a gulley just before a perfectly formed little lough prior to the final climb to the summit area. If the gully is followed N it will reveal more parts of the aircraft, including two engine blocks, with further wreckage strewn over the hillside. There is also a poignant memorial on a rock further down the hill, including several rememberance wreaths placed over the years.
There is a cairn on climb to the summit - the true summit is about 5 minutes off to the N.W., past the end of a newly constructed fenceline, marked by the remains of a stone shelter. The mist was beginning to lift by this time and i got glimpses SW to Donegal Bay and NW to Lavagh More. Descend NW taking a bearing to point 597 on the map, skirting around this and the neighbouring loughs to descend steeply over grassy ground into Struell Gap.
The approach from the W was also from the Struell Gap, but in better weather and allowed me to fully appreciate the monster views from the hill, down into the deep Struell valley and further afield to the other high peaks of Donegal. Bathed in sunlight the hill and those surrounding it can take on a magical persona, rugged, rocky, wild, beuatiful, isolated and even warm (just about). Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/1015/

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