My route from Annatoran summit IG 47497 24486 A (513m) brought me across flat plateau of light trussock grass and the odd peat hag towards obvious spot height to the northeast. Eventually drop down to cross below ridge overlooking Owenduff valley. As you climb to spot height the Wind Farm in Owenduff valley is visible to left. It was obvious before reaching spot height that OS map contained major error. I was expecting to meet up with fence at Knockacappul going north then northeast towards summit of Knocknalongy. However, there was neither fence nor forestry to be seen save for that much lower down the hill to the east and on opposite hills. Not only was there no forestry but no evidence that the area south or west of Knocknalongy having ever been planted. After reaching Spot Ht 521m IG 49557 26925 B the summit of Knocknalongy can be seen to the northeast. There follows a short drop crossing a wide track with numerous ‘danger signs’ along its length warning of buried 20000 volt cables beneath, presumably connected with the Wind Farm a short distance to the west. Then a short climb crossing stream, peat hags and another large peat covered eroded area before reaching Trig point on summit IG50428 27513 C. From the summit Knockachree is a short distance north with Benbulbin & Truskmore tops visible behind. Slieve League enveloped in an ‘inversion’ could be seen across Sligo Bay, while to the west lie the North Mayo range and Killalla Bay. Not wanting to retrace my steps I took a bearing which took me across the Owenduff valley above the Wind Farm, dropping down to the marshy valley floor then crossing Owenduff stream before short climb to ridge just west of Spot Height 490. After attaining ridge I maintained a height of about 350m following the contour of the hill passing below area named White Rock on OS map, then and around to Farbreagamore which is marked by three sets of impressive large boulders. Nice views from here over the nature reserve area, Wind Farm and beyond Sligo Bay & Slieve League. Finally, the circuit ended with a steady drop southwest over the usual terrain ending with a relatively steep descent over rockier ground back to the car park at Easky Lough. Given the heat of the day I took the opportunity to indulge in a refreshing feet soak in the lough which lay resplendent in the early afternoon sunshine. Knockalongy like its near neighbour Annatoran does not have a lot going for it aesthetically, but nevertheless does provide an opportunity for a pleasant, not too strenuous walk, and one which I may do again sometime in the future. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/366/comment/2377/

Praeger [The Way that I Went] said "The Ox Mountains do not offer much to the visitor - broad, wet heathery slopes and a broad flat boggy top are the leading features, and only about some of the little lakes is the range attractive."

How do you like your mountain experience? Ascetic? Energy sapping? No people?

Ah yes you would like this ridge from Annatoran to Knockalongy. eflanaga says "light tussock grass and the odd peat hag" .. ha, more like soggy ground in between eroded channels and big stretches of sucking bog.

For further penitence bag both of the summits without a car split so you go forth and then back. Feel free to chant - no-one to notice. In my case I started from the Lough Easky ( which is pretty) and the Annatoran, western end. I can promise you few distractions, truly.

Oh ok, there was this 25MW wind farm in the Owenduff valley to the west of Knockalongy. Light relief from the ascetic experience. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/366/comment/2700/

The comment by davema (admittedly 8 years old) seems to suggest that there is an obvious access to the summit slopes from the forest track at point D. Be warned, this track simply leads to forestry, and unless you're prepared to clamber through several obstacles, I suggest starting somewhere else. Anyway, I followed the track for 100m where it comes to a T-junction. I turned right (having tried the left with no success) and had to cross two barbed wire fences on the track. After about 200m the track ends with another fence and a fallen tree. I turned towards the forestry and clambered through brambles, mounds, a hidden brook, marshy ground and another barbed wire fence to get to the trees. Being mature, these were relatively easy to walk through and after about 50m came on to the open hillside. The ascent to the SW is steep but relatively straightforward and most of the climbing is done in the first km. After that continue directly SW for 2km to the broad mound that is Knockalongy. Having done Annatoran previously, I was expecting a dull slog through mud and peat hags, but snow and blue skies transformed the broad area into a winter wonderland of pure white drifts, icicles and frozen ponds and brooks. Reached the summit in 1.45min and was back at car after 3 hours total. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/366/comment/17776/