White Mountain has been a slow burner in my heart but recent cold spells have turned up the heat (if that makes any sense?). Recent trips over the Glenshane Pass have provided long lingering views of the shapely curve and rise to the summit from low level - something that i did not appreciate when using the hill as an add on to the more exciting neighbour of Mullaghmore.

A recent trip took me along this shapely curve on a seven hour journey starting and finishing in Glenshane Forest (777043 C). Everywhere was blanketed in 6-8 inches of snow, the fir trees looking stunning under their heavy burden and the river starting to freeze as i followed it to the ends of the forest - a walk of 3-4 km which seemed never ending in the snow. Past the Priests Chair and uphill steeply to break out of the gloom to a stunning blue sky contrasting with deep white powder for as far as the eye could see.

Low cloud still rolled about in the valleys below and touched down on the odd top but the clear Arctic air provided stunning views as i ploughed through wondrously sculpted snowdrifts to the top of Bohilbreaga (478m). A drop and rise brought the cliffs of Criag na-shoke as my boot prints left their mark in an otherwise virgin whiteness. Moydamlaght Forest below just barely standing out from the deafeningly white landscape. Great fun trying to stay atop 3-4 ft drifts by carefully spreading weight, with the odd mishap having my legs completely disappear.

A touch of mist with a bright sun above gave the summit of Mullaghmore a hauntingly beautiful feel, the normally sticky peat lost in a carpet of white - with wallpaper of the same colour covering the transmitter station. Followed the nearly invisible access road downhill as big drifts filled in the ditches either side. The walk off to the top of White Mtn was glorious, the name bringing a wry smile as i went through drift after drift which brought a rare equity to the hillside. Stunning views from the summit as the winter light began to fade from the high Sperrins to the west and a towering snow cloud loomed over Benbradagh to the North.

With the light gone i dropped off into the valley below instead of going over Corick Mtn - not a good move as i plodded endlessly through the deep snow for an hour to reach the Ulster Way track heading back to Glenshane Forest. The flashing lights of gritting lorries worked their way up and down the Glenshane in the bitingly low temps as i went. A beautiful cloudless sky revealed millions of stars to go with the millions of glittering ice crystals at my feet.

Truly special to have such amazing winter weather conditions here, transforming our hills into a walking experience which is hard to put a cost on and leaving memories which will last a long time! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/380/comment/1394/