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: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/154/comment/17628/