Heathcliff:16/03/2016 climbed Slieve Snaght (615m) via Slieve Snaghtbeg (505m) in warm sunshine and descended via Slieve Main( 514m) after a wonderful 4/5 hour walk! A 12 km trek with a total ascent of approx 650m,using OSi map no.3.
I parked at Drumfree(Drumfries on road sign) School on R244 between Carndonagh and Buncrana at C386392 J.I headed southwards(10 m) in direction of Buncrana before turning northeastwards up a narrow lane way. Tarmac soon turns to stony track and you cross two metal gates before veering right at a crossroads,signed Slieve Snaght. At the end of this track you are left to decide your route up the mountain! I chose to ascend gradually up grassy/heathery slopes northeastwards before looping around to climb Slieve Snaghtbeg southwestwards up moderately steep slopes,a flat section,and then a steep rise to the summit cairn.
From Snaghtbeg I descended southwards along flat grassy section before turning southeast up peaty slopes to rock strewn summit with a stone shelter and trig point. A great spot to pause for lunch and take in the extensive views.
Southwestwards from the summit lies Slieve Main's 'whaleback top'. To reach it descend south and then southwestwards down a steepish slope to a peaty col and a stream which you cross. Pick your route and ascend up a grassy slope to the broad summit(no trig point)!
A steepish slope northeastwards and then northwestwards brings you to a flat area. On a clear day you should have already been able to spot the track you left earlier in the day,and now head for this, keeping well to the right of some trees.
If you are thirsty the North Pole Bar is a short distance from where you parked your car. The pub has an interesting history and I think it is a ' listed' building. Altogether a really great walk up Innishowens highest mountain!!!!! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/250/comment/18480/