A Knee Killer After A Long Walk

I reached Lavagh More having already walked Ardnageer, Ardnageer SW Top and Croaghgorm, and virtually climbed Croaghbane and Glascarns Hill too at the start of the walk, although I turned west just shy of those two summits having done them before. It had been a long walk, and as I stood on Croaghgorm, Lavagh More looked formidably high, and incredibly steep from this angle. The drop down from Croaghgorm took its toll on already sore knees, and the climb up to the summit, although maybe not as big as it had looked, was indeed steep, requiring the use of hands at many points. I was relieved to reach a cairn marking a minor summit as the slope levelled out near the top, and it was a short walk from there to the highest point, also marked by a cairn, across gentler slopes. I had great weather for most of the day, but it had now turned wet and gloomy. As a result, the photo is one taken of Lavagh More from the white quartz mound near Ardnageer SW Top earlier in the day. The murky conditions didn't lend themselves to photography, but I could still appreciate the extensive views, particularly towards Slievetooey, Slieve League and Donegal Bay.

It had been my intention to go on to Lavagh Beg, but Lavagh More had done for my knees after the day's exertions. I made my way down on to the col between the two mountains and found I didn't have the legs for another climb. If the light and weather had been better, I might have forced myself, but it was now dark and raining heavily so there would be no more photographs. Instead, I dropped down northeast alongside a stream and made my way wearily across the bog to the road along the Reelan Valley, and back to the car at the old schoolhouse. I practically collapsed into the car, and was relieved that I hadn't continued up Lavagh Beg or I can't imagine what kind of state I would have been in. It'll keep for another day along with some of its neighbours that I haven't done yet. I was content though to have hiked four of the six highest Bluestacks in what had been a magnificent mountain walk. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/17628/

Read Less

eflanaga on Lavagh More

Climbed June 7th – Having dropped down from the summit of Ardnageer SW Top IC (G96330 90487) I made my way along the lower part of Croaghgorm’s northern flank, although did try to maintain some height as I traversed it in order to lessen climb onto saddle NE of Sruell Gap. Wonderful views north as I crossed towards Lavagh More over Croaghanard Lough into the northern part of the Reelan River valley, its beauty extolled by others below. Eventually dropped down onto col/saddle below the target mountain ID (G93903 90398) Picture does not do the height to be scaled on this SSE side of Lavagh More justice. The grass covered slope had quite a steep gradient and required hands on a few occasions for balance, yet surprisingly (for me) I managed to reach the lower part of the summit plateau in about 20 minutes. The top is quite broad and as described below the summit can be found with smallponds around it. The views from here were spectacular. The haze having lessened and the low lying cloud all but burned away by the increasing heat of the day allowed me clear views of the Derryveaghs with Snaght and, of course Errigal, prominent. To the south I could clearly make out the broad linear shape of Cuilcagh in the distance. Then it was ever onwards to Lavagh Beg the next summit in the circuit. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/2388/

Read Less

gerrym on Lavagh More

Lavagh More has a very large presence in the Reelin river valley, from where i have climbed it on several occasions. This is due to its separation from the long central ridge by the deep Struell Gap. I have tended to reach it as part of a route starting at Glascarns Hill and following the high ridge to the summit of Croaghgorm, before dropping down into the high Struell Gap (E (G939 904)). A succession of walking posts head through the gap on their way steeply downward, whereas the summit area of Lavagh More is a steep ascent of 15 minutes over good ground. There are a few rocky areas with small scree beneath but generally the slopes are of grass. When leveller ground is reached one can take time to look back and appreciate the views to Croaghgorm and the length of the Bluestack ridge which have just been walked. A short walk brings the first of two summit cairns, the top being blessed with a number of small pools of water in between.
The views are far-reaching - to little sister of Lavagh Beg and past Silver Hill and Carnaween to the end of the range, up to the Derryveagh mtns and out to sea past Maghera, Slieve League to Donegal Bay and the hills of Sligo. To finish the circuit of the high Bluestacks it is a short drop down to the col and an equally short climb to the summit of Lavagh Beg. I have also climbed up from Croaghanard Lough, along the NE spur, but this was on a day of mist and drizzle and midges so it did not endear itself to me - though the weather did clear on the summit and offered the views already described and provided an excellent camping spot.
Lavagh More is a hill different in character to the preceding rockier ground but it has a presence of its own and views to match. As it is part of perhaps one of the greatest circuits in the country could you ask for any more? Few if any other walkers are to be found on this or any of the surrounding hills, despite all their attractions. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/2255/

Read Less

Murphysw on Lavagh More

I climbed this last Sunday on an absolutely cracking day with the sun splitting the rocks. I turned off the R253 at F (G968 964), followed this road nearly to its end, took a left, crossed the Reelan river and turned left again. At the end I asked the landowner, a neighbour of my uncle, if i could park in his yard and then I set off. There are minor access difficulties getting from Mr. McAloon's farm onto the mountain beyond but it just requires patience and probing. Despite it being a Sunday afternoon I had the mountain all to myself with the exception of the blasted insect life. I have never seen the like of it! I never got a minute's peace as they buzzed into my eyes, ears and hair, and I made a great meal for the gadflys. This is probably to do with the fact that, unlike most of the Bluestacks, Lavagh More and Lavagh Beg are fairly boggy - a great habitat for flies and things. Indeed the sheep were hanging around above 500m were the flies were less in number. From the base Lavagh More is rather dull looking compared to Lavagh Beg, which actually looks a bit higher, but the views from More's broad summit are unreal. Errigal is plain to see to the north, as is Ben Bulben to the south and you also have a great panorama of Donegal Bay and the 'Rough Hills' of the Blue Stacks. After an hour lazing in splendid isolation on the summit (which has a small cairn to mark it) I descended to the pleasant col to bag Lavagh Beg as well. I decided not to bother with Binnasruell. My uncle, who grew up here, said the ground over to it is quite unpleasant. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/1803/

Read Less

murphysw on Lavagh More

I shot this picture of the rounded dome of Lavagh More's summit from the summit of Lavagh Beg. The 'Rough Hills' of the Blustacks can be seen rising behind it. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/1806/

Read Less