padodes on Ardnageer SW Top

The photo was taken as I made my way over rocky ground, riven with faultlines and dykes, between Ardnageer SW top and Ardnageer, heading for Croaghbane, further east. The lake below is Belshade. I was following David Herman's Circuit of Lough Belshade, described in his "Hillwalkers' Donegal" (according to his figures, the walk is 17km long, with an overall climb of 740m). I met not a soul during the six hours or more I spent on this lonely stretch of the Bluestacks and have seldom experienced such a deep sense of solitude in Irish mountains, even though I am well used to walking alone. The oblique green line that drops to the middle of the lake shore on the far side marks the line of descent to the very soggy ground that bounds the lake and then follows the stream flowing from it down the valley to the right towards Lough Eske -- a boggy end to an otherwise dry walk most of the way. Herman ranks this as equal to any of the great hill walks in Ireland, and I would not disagree with that. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/235/comment/2789/

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eflanaga on Ardnageer SW Top

Climbed June 7th – After a short stop on Ardnageer summit IB (G96967 90899) I took a bearing of 244 degrees and dropped down over exposed rock before crossing terrain consisting of more of the same as well as a few peat hags. Generally, though the going was firm, no doubt aided by the prolonged spell of good weather enjoyed for over a week. The mound of white quartzite on Ardnageer SW is like a beacon and helps identify the mountain (can be seen fairly clearly if picture enlarged!). The climb to the summit and the small cairn there is relatively easy approaching as I was from Ardnageer. The ascent would prove more difficult if coming from other directions I expect. From the summit Croaghgorm (Bluestack) lay just across the valley. I was sorely tempted to make for it right then but I had already planned to veer west along it’s northern flank to Lavagh More the next peak in this 9 peak circuit Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/235/comment/2387/

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gerrym on Ardnageer SW Top

Reached from Croaghbane (see for first part of circuit) as the second summit in the Bluestack 5 circuit. From the summit of Croaghbane walk down westwards over exposed slabs and isolated boulders, dropping down steeply into a gulley running north south. Cross this entering a spectacular little valley with a lough, large glacially deposited boulders and rock slabs. This was even more interesting in the mist as i had no idea what was coming up next - very varied scenery. Climb steeply beyond this to reach the large summit plateau. It is quite a tramp over this ,crossing numerous gullies and passing a very visible outcrop of white quartzite before dropping down into the col before the main summit of the range. Ardnageer is a massive lump of rugged rock with imposing buttresses on its northern flank. The southern side is perhaps even more impressive looking down over impossibly wild and rugged scenery to Lough Belshade and Lough Eske in the distance. A map and compass are a must in the mist. (see Croaghgorm for continuation of circuit) Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/235/comment/1014/

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Remarkable Quartz Mound Main Attraction

I reached the summit coming from Ardnageer, on my way to Croaghgorm, and although the summit is difficult to distinguish from Ardnageer, it is on the natural route to Croaghgorm, the white quartz mound nearby is a useful guide, and as you get closer, the summit cairn can be seen. Having bagged the summit, I took the short detour to visit the quartz mound, which for me was definitely the most interesting thing about this peak. I've never seen anything quite like it - a beautiful sight. (See my somment on Lavagh More for a photo). Onwards to Croaghgorm from here. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/235/comment/17626/

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A' Leachta Bán

Aidy's "white quartz mound" to the west of Ardnageer SW Top is known as "A' Leachta Bán". Thanks to Aidy for the photo of it (see his comment on Lavagh More). Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/235/comment/17859/

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