mcna on Mullaghclogher

I parked at the Picnic area just beside Drumnaspar Bridge (GA (R522 914)). It is clearly signposted and easy to see on the right as you drive along the Glenelly out of Plumbridge. The aim of the day was to find Fr. Devine’s Well, which is the sight of Rev. James Devine’s demise in 1933. It is a location talked about in Tyrone though anymone I talked to said it was hard to find. From the car park we set off right along the Glenelly road, took a left at Castledamph road, and followed the road until it took a 90o right and a muddy track continued north. This track sweeps right and we followed this to the junction minor road. It was very muddy and we lost count of the gates we climbed – the only other living thing? – Sheep – lot and lots of sheep! This road traverses the valley and is a lovely scenic walk. The road slopes gently gaining height slowly. The road peters out into a muddy, boggy, wet track which we duly followed and after 3km from the joining the road, we left the track following a bearing of 320o for 350m to where I thought Fr. Devine’s well (GB (R532 947)) would be located. This is steep, wet ground, littered with boulders. The going was not so easy. When I paced out 350m there was no well. I walked south, north, gained a bit more height. No Well. I gained a bit more height (maybe about 25-30m) and looked about - and there it was – gleaming white cubed shaped below me with a grey stone on top! I couldn’t see it because it was surrounded in rushes and hidden from view below. The sides of it were also covered in rushes so there was no hope of me finding it at the same level. You need to be above it to see it! After a quick visit and a few photographs (to prove I found it!), I then took a bearing on the summit and went straight up (302o). Summit was reached in about 20 minutes over steep rocky ground. Windy, raining and freezing. As usual for me, the mist was in and the view was out. Am beginning to think am not worthy of good views! From the meeting of three fences I continued west to Mullaghcarbatagh where the views we marginally better. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/324/comment/2597/

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Cotton wool col

Happened upon this pretty little sight in the col between Mullaghsturrakeen and Mullaghclogher (both otherwise unremarkable tops.) A little research revealed it to be Cottongrass, which isn't really a grass at all, but a type of sedge. The "cotton" is made of long white hairs that help the seeds to disperse in the wind. Cotton grass been used in the past for making candle wicks, stuffing pillows and even dressing wounds. Now you know! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/324/comment/6437/

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Not The Intended Route

I had meant to climb Mullaclogher as part of the walk starting with Mullaghcarbatagh and ending with Mullaghclogha, but due to choosing the wrong road from the Glenelly Valley, it ended up first on my list. I parked at the Drumnaspar picnic area, and headed east on foot, but instead of ascending via the Castledamph Road, I took the Glenroan Road, signposted for Father Devine's Well. This took me along the Eastern side of Mullaclogher, but realising my mistake, I decided to head for the summit anyway, rather than going directly for Mullaghcarbatagh. The road turned into a rough track, and before it veered off for Mullaghasturrakeen, I left it for the open hillside, going on to the rounded spur south of the top. I followed this up in glorious sunshine, soon reaching the unmarked summit at a junction of fences. It was a beautiful day, and my amended route would now be headed for the remaing two peaks to the east. I assumed at his point I would have to leave Mullaghcarbatagh for another day, but this was to change later in the day. In the meantime, i tarried to enjoy the amazing views around the rest of the Sperrins, and over the spectacular Glenelly Valley. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/324/comment/15958/

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gerrym on Mullaghclogher

Climbed 18.4.04 parking at Drumnaspar picnic area in Glenely Valley ( Drumnaspar Picnic CP (H522 914)). Walk west along road for 5 mins and turn right up Castledamph Road with Glenmass Burn tumbling down to the left. When road levels out and just after a stand of young conifers turn left up a track and follow as rises up valley (met a farmer here and had a long and pleasant chat). At fork take poorer track to right to head of valley then climb slope of Mullaghcarbatagh (517m). As near top ground is rockier and there is a near perfect cairn at summit after an hour of walking. There is another cairn with a cross off to the north west. Drop down steeply off the rocky top, skirt a wet area and follow fence east towards the top of Mullaghclogher. This is afairly easy climb over good ground to reach the joining of three fences at the top in 20 minutes. Fantastic views up to Slieve Snaght and in a line down west to Muckish, Aghlas, Errigal and further down the snow capped Bluestacks.! At the end of the Sperrins can see the windfarm on Bessy Bell and the large transmitter mast above the town of Strabane, next the border. To the S Mullaghcarn was profiled with its distinctive communications masts atop. There is a short steep drop down west to the col at the head of the next valley- a descent could be made from here to the Glenelly Valley again. I continued west up the whaleback of the Mullaghasturrakeen - see for continuation of this circuit. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/324/comment/2517/

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Brief Foray

I had a quick wander around the snow-covered slopes of Mullaclogher and Mullaghcarbatagh yesterday, being unable to resist the lure of a winter hike after being kept out of the hills by lockdown for so long. I didn't quite reach the summit of either mountain, as the walking was extremely difficult with deep snow lying on top of high heather and rushes. Even so, it was a great release to be out in such magical conditions. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/324/comment/22193/

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