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 IG 92524 90443 G. 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 IG 94834 89585 H. 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 IG 99067 90066 I. 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 IG97840 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: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/2393/