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: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/1956/