Arroo from the east

Most walkers approach Arroo from the steeply-sided west slope, but as I wanted to also take in Conwal North top to the east, I decided to start from the eastern slopes. There is a parking space opposite a track, just where some forestry starts at Avoghil Mid (G858 516). (Alternately there is another clear parking space 300m or so south up the road). Follow the distinct track across the road from the parking spot, which continues for about 500m, and then peters out amid a turf-cutting area. Continue directly west across gently rising and in parts, distinctly boggy land (although it is relatively easy to navigate around the very marshy bits). Around B (G848 516) the grassy ground starts to rise fairly steeply, but is very firm underfoot. The slope eases about 300m later and there is a relatively gentle climb all the way to the summit, the approach offering a partial view of the towering cliffs on Arroo's north side. There is also a fascinating area to the north-east below the summit, (see pic) featuring a number of diminutive but very sharp peaks, surrounded by grassy bumps and knolls, which looks like the kind of place you might find a hobbit living! Returned the way I'd come, getting back to the car precisely 2 hours later. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/407/comment/14917/

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simon3 on Arroo Mountain

A long ridge extends South East from the highest point on Arroo to Lough Aganny. This picture was taken from near Lough Aganny, looking towards the cliffs of Largy, part of a broad spur that leads to the right of the picture to Truskmore. Largy itself is not so interesting apart from its cliffs, however centrally on the skyline can be seen Crockauns (463m) and to the left edge the start of the rise to Hangmans Hill and Keelogyboy Mountain (438m). As written up by Claude Wall, these are part of the Castlegal Mountains. "The Castlegal Mountains, south of Glencar, are somewhat neglected owing to the proximity of the Dartry range, but they provide a good ridge walk ... "
The Lough that is visible is Glenade Lough. This view will be familar to anyone who has done the "Benbulben Challenge" as the route from Arroo goes near Lough Aganny, passes to the right of Glenade Lough, turns left diagonally upwards towards the end of the cliffs and then right again along the top of the cliffs. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/407/comment/388/

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A Short Film

Since no one can be a judge in their own case I will say nothing about my short film on Arroo - other than than it irritates me greatly. Nevertheless I must concede that one might consider a quick look before heading up. Delighted to see that Harry Goodman has written up the route.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CapVertigo#p/a/u/3/kojN2hcB_a4 Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/407/comment/6626/

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eflanaga on Arroo Mountain

Started this walk at a track in the townland of Aghanlish C (G80481 52522) (95m). Parking is a problem as the road is very narrow. I went to the bungalow on the other side of the hedge to seek permission to park. However, there was no one home. A woman in the neighbouring house was quick to spot me and to investigate what I was doing there. When I explained that I was looking for permission to park she directed me to the first house on the left about 500m further down the road, which belonged to a family member of the people who owned the bungalow. The gentleman at the house was very obliging and allowed me to park in the drive of the bungalow. I pulled in well to the side so as not to cause any obstruction. The track runs from the road for about 500m before reaching a gate at the side of an outbuilding and then continues for about another 100 metres or so before it peters out naturally into the lower end of a Burn. From here I took a bearing of 116 degrees SW. I kept to the left bank of the Burn until I was able to cross above it to a fence D (G82290 51925) (347m). Once over the fence I continued on the same bearing veering to the right of the main bulk of the mountain so as to reach the lower end of an obvious ridge. At the top of the ridge I turned left towards the mountain climbing a narrow spine, the top of which E (G82755 51852) (495m), adjoins an eroded area of peat and shingle just below the top of the plateau. I took a bearing of 56 degrees NE from here, which is about 500m from the summit cairn. However, if you veer left to the end the eroded area there is a fairly well worn track which swings across to the other side of the plateau and from there all the way to the summit marked by a Trig point & cairn. GPS reading here was F (G83303 52060) with a height of 522m. The views from the summit are spectacular. To the west Tievebaun & Truskmore looked resplendent as they basked in the sunshine. Across Donegal Bay Slieve League was clearly visible. Below and to the east the impressive Lough Melvin and beyond that to the north-east Lough Erne. Due south the hills of County Leitrim were bathed in wonderful sunshine. The walk (I returned by same route) took 2 and a half hours and was one of the most pleasant I have enjoyed in recent times. On way back to car I noticed some fresh blood on the track and shortly after a sheep with an obvious limp and in some distress. On arriving at the car the gentleman who owned the bungalow was home and I informed him about the animal. He in turn informed his brother-in-law who owned the sheep. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/407/comment/2291/

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simon3 on Arroo Mountain

This picture shows the steep cliffs to the North and East of the summit of Arroo. According to Duchas, the Irish Heritage service, the steep cliffs and rocks beneath them contain many botanical rarities, including various forms of Saxifrage, Mountain Avens and Mountain Sorrel. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/407/comment/389/

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