gerrym on Croaghnageer

From the summit of Croaghanirwore it is a short drop down SE to the river valley separating it and Croaghnageer (see for previous part of walk). The valley contains a sizeable lough and an area of eroded peat hags. I kept to the left of the lough to cross a stream and reach rockier ground. The climb up Croaghnageer is only 121 m on quite firm ground. As can see from the pic the slope is a steady climb with sheer drops further along the ridge to the right. The summit is a sizeable area with three separate summits. The main top is past a level area with a number of small pools and is rocky with a small cairn. There are of course extensive views in all directions. Donegal Town was clearly visible to the SE, windfarms were prominent on most axis as was swathes of forestry, especially W and S beyond the Barnesmore Gap. From the summit drop down SE again to follow a stream which has forced a way through the rock to create a deep and narrow gorge. As the ground steepens there are a number of rocky crags to negoiate over wet and slippery ground. Looking down can see another bleak river valley which also contains Barnes Lough with Croaghconnellagh rising steeply behind. There is a short area of tussocky grass to cross on the valley floor before reach Barnes River (this could be tricky to cross in very wet weather). I had a feeling of total isolation walking in this bleak part of the Bluestacks. The main N15 is only a hill away but if you were to injure yourself you just know that it would be one hell of a long wait for someone else to come along and find you. See Croaghconnellagh for last part of this walk. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/325/comment/1338/

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eflanaga on Croaghnageer

Climbed 7th June – This was the firs of nine peaks in the Croaghgorm (Bluestack) range climbed over two days. Having climbed Croaghconnellagh last year I decided to start with Croaghnageer and work my way around counter clockwise i.e. east to west. Parked car to side of Edergole Lane and took route as described by gerrym in his comments on Ardnageer up and around to where the track ends at sluice gate on River Corabber IA (G97782 87952). From here I took a bearing of 85 degrees ENE & crossed the river (at shallow point) and made my way, passing various lochs & locheens including L. Nacroaghy IB (G99336 88351) & Illanmore. Terrain was difficult enough through the usual tussock grass and the odd marshy piece of ground, particularly, as I was carrying a heavily laden pack. Eventually reached foot of Croaghnageer and climbed fairly steeply up its western side. Summit has a fairly rocky top interspersed with wet patches of ground to catch the unwary. Great views (again as concisely described by gerrym below), particularly across to the major Bluestack peaks in the early evening sunshine. I turned my attention to the short distance NW and my next target Croaghaniwore. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/325/comment/2383/

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Bluestacks Circuit

An easy ascent from Browns Hill, with great views to Donegal Town & all around, with an air of remoteness thrown in as well. On the ascent cairns could be seen on pt521 and pt546. Descended carefully to IIIanicrooney picking your line with care through the steep ground, for the ascent of Croaghanirwore. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/325/comment/4712/

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Short Hop From Brown's Hill

After climbing Brown's Hill, it was relatively easy to make the hop across to Croaghnageer. There was a sort of raised, flat valley separating the two, with a short descent from Brown's Hill, and an easy ascent to the summit of Croaghnageer. Conditions were excellent in the ice and snow, and the views over the rest of the Bluestacks were breathtaking. It looked like Croaghanirwore would be easily reached from here, but as darkness was closing in, I decided instead to begin the trek back via Brown's Hill again, taking in a lower top on Croaghnageer, with its own cairn, on the way. By the time I collapsed into the car, my muscles were aching, my shoulders were sore from a rubbish backpack and my knees were protesting. But I had a feeling of deep contentment and my growing obsession with the Buestacks had deepened further.. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/325/comment/15775/

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