I did this one a couple of weekends ago with the dog, parking at Goles Forest just off the B47 Draperstown-Plumbridge road through the Glenelly Valley. For a Sunday there wasn't a single other car, nor did I meet anyone else all afternoon. I got the impression that it's largely only dedicated hillwalkers who use this forest/parking facility; the forest tracks are steep and not particularly enjoyable walks in their own right. Upon walking into the forest I initially took left where the track forks, origially planning to climb the lower peak of Slieveavaddy (486m) first. But after a prolonged downpour struck I gave up on this idea and headed back towards the car, frustrated. The rain finally eased off though and I decided to tackle Carnanelly directly, by taking the track heading right. This starts off gently but became increasingly steep and tough going, until I finally reached the point where it takes a sharp 90 degree angle into the middle of the forest (eventually descending via the other track I had attempted earlier). At this point I instead took right through a distinct clearing, which is marked on Discover Map 13 about H677931 A. This was quite overgrown in parts but I pushed through, passing an old abandoned car (!) until I reached a fence . I crossed this and descended over a tiny stream that marks the boundary of the forest, and up again onto the welcome sight of open hillside. This was quite wet in parts with tiny, hidden creeks but it was a pretty easygoing, steady climb to the summit. The views on the ascent are excellent, over to the high peaks across the valley and down to the busy main road. As others have said the summit area is marked by rocky outcrops which were visible from the ascent - so more aesthetically pleasing than many other summits in the Sperrins (e.g. Mullaghbolig which I had climbed the previous day). While it was still pretty overcast the view was impressive: southeast to Slieve Gallion with its transmitter and Lough Fea, with Lough Neagh beyond. The small Lough Ouske could be seen slightly to the northeast, and even the distinctive rounded profile of Slemish off in the distance. I then made my way east along the fence down to the small cairn, which provided a degree of temporary shelter from the wind and slight drizzle. If it hadn't been for the poor weather I might have attempted neighbouring Mullaghabane but was happy to call it a day. I chose an unusual method of descent, crossing the fence and heading straight down through the forest rather than skirting back to the west or to the east. I wouldn't really recommend this idea as it quickly becomes disorientating and at one point I fell into a hidden drop and found myself covered in peat! Also, when I finally met up with the main track it seemed like I had saved little if any time. All in all though, an enjoyable climb and one of my more memorable excursions in the Sperrins. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/comment/3944/

Started this walk from the beginings of Glenlark forest, reached by a high and lonely road from the hamlet of Sperrin - there is room for several cars to park at a cattle grid at 646927 B. Walk back along the road out of the forest and follow the open hill along the forest edge, would not be a pretty picture in wet weather. Already at a height of over 1000 ft, with Sawel and Dart beautifully framed across the valley. Leave Glenlark forest behind and shortly thereafter pick up and follow the edge of Sawelabeg forest to the top of Mullaghbane (467 m) with views SW to Mullaghcarn and the Bluestacks. Leave the last few straggling trees behind and follow the fenceline downhill, looking along the heavily forested Glenlark river valley (climbing this side of the Genelly valley brings home the true extent of forestry operationasin the Sperrins) before climbing to Carnanelly West, after 45 minutes of walking. The everchanging views now present Meenard and Mullagheaney as companions as drop and rise to the summit of Carnanelly. Pass rocky outcrops which are the true summit and drop slightly to an area of stones which were obviously a handy spot to build a cairn. Views open out here to the S and E towards Slieve Gallion and Lough Neagh.
I returned to point 505 m and headed SW along what looked like an old track of sorts. The ground isn't great but is no major problem if wanting a different return route. Richard Rogers (Ulster Walk Guide) suggests continuing E from the summit of Carnanelly down past Lough Ousk, the only downside being a long road walk back to the starting point. Reach the boundary of Glenlark forest and then the road (646908 C)- it is a pleasant walk of 20 minutes back to the car, passing little Lough Lark on the way. Do I really need to add that there were no other people about ? Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/comment/2224/

Carnanelly is the only big hill on the southern side of the Genelly Valley and Goles Forest continues right up to just below its summit. It is a great viewpoint for looking across to the big hills on the northern side of the valley. Park at Goles Wood (683942 D) and follow track into forest, keeping left as climb up until parallel with small stream. Cross stream onto hillside before path heads back into the forest and climb over difficult ground SSE towards summit of Slieveaddy (486m) - there is a sheep track wich makes life a whole lot easier. From the top there are good views down over Lough Ouske ( one of the few bodies of water of any size in the Sperrins) and across the valley to the northern range of the Sperrins. Pick up fence at summit and follow west climbing gently above top of Goles Forest. The view is restricted tot he south here across to Slieve Gallion and Lough Fea with the Mournes and Cooley mountains in the distance. After 1.5 hours reach rocky summit with a rare cairn ( handy shelter from hefty shower which blew across). There are slightly higher rocky outcrops a little further along the top again with excellent panoramic views. Descend along fence and take an adjoining fence heading off to the right (north) which heads down into the Genelly Valley again ( pic was taken here looking across to Meenard and Mullaghaneany). Make for the edge of Goles Forest where a stream has cut a steep gulley and makes for an interesting descent. Just after crossing a fence over a little waterfall and before some buildings cross into the forest - the track is only some 30 ft in. Follow this downhill back to the carpark. 2.5 hours. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/comment/1030/

I climbed this mountain today and could not have picked a worse day for it in terms of views from the summit. But I had lots of navigation practice anyway! Started from Goles forest, which I reached from Plumbridge along the Glenelly Road. Past Sperrin Heritage Centre, through Cranagh and the last hamlet before the forest park is Sperrin. The forest is clearly marked on the right hand said of the road. (GR 682939 E) Thanks Gerrym for your reports they were very helpful in route planning. There is ample parking space here and you’re well off the road. From the car part I set off along the track. At the junction, about 150 m from car park I Took a right and followed this up through the forest. The road is tarmac and has a sustained incline. After approx 1.5Km on the track, it takes a sharp left turn but in front there is a clearing that is marked on the 1:25 000 scale map of the area. Leaving the track behind I used this clearing to make my way out of the forest and on to open hill side. This is a steep enough climb and the wind was starting rise. I left the forest at the foot of Carnanelly (GR679925) and climbed straight to the fence that runs to the summit. This is over very tough ground. Not particularly steep, but at this time of year, the softness, coupled with heather and bog, was tough going. I then followed this fence over stone mound to the summit, which, unfortunately, had absolutely no view - but the wind was very refreshing! Still optimistic about the reported good views, I made my way over to slieveavaddy (486m). I followed the fence down off the summit, past the cairn on the right hand side, and along the edge of the forest, onto open hillside and over to the summit. This was an easy walk along the fence as there was a small track alongside the fence and there was very little incline at slieveavaddy summit. Summit to summit took approximately 25 minutes at a steady pace, though against the wind! - But sadly, poor visibility prevented a good view. Though here, we could see the main Glenelly road. From the summit I walked straight down and followed the stream to the road. Before we got to the road we had a stream to cross and by chance or good luck we just happened to be standing beside what I could only describe as a sheep bridge! So this saved the feet for a while!. Took a left on the road and walked back to the car park which took approx.5 minutes. A lovely walk, great navigation practice, plenty of variation in terrain but I'll be back in the better weather to take in the views! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/comment/2586/