Serene, Graceful and Light

A Bhinn Lair sails like a ship between the waters of Namona and Cloonaghlin (pictured) to its south and Derriana to its north, heading for Ballinskelligs Bay. It tapers like Sheep's Head Way or Croaghaun, but it an understated way because,while it is sea bound, it has some miles to travel before it will reach its destination. I found its narrow southern road and the degree of habitation on its south western flanks a little disconcerting so I parked near Oweveen Bridge (under Bheann Mhor) and walked across between Namona and Cloonaghlin shortly after dawn. The isthmus is cut by a stream between the lakes bridged by stacked flat stones. Seek permission before you go this way. From this point you can see the great horseshoe of surrounding mountains.
There is something serene about this mountain. If some of its compatriots are rough, gnarled or even monstrous, this one has a certain delicate grace and, surrounded as it is by water, lights up easily. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/424/comment/16024/

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simon3 on An Bhinn Láir

The summit is part of an east west ridge more than 3k long. At the east end is the rough tumult of ground dotted with lakes, ponds, cliffs etc between Coomcathcun and Cnoc Breasil. Walking away from this to the west you find yourself on a grassy ridge. It feels higher and airier than it is because of the lakes on either side (Cloonaghlin Lough to the south and Derriana Lough to the north)
The rising ground on the left is part of An Bheann Mhór (The Big Peak) a summit just a little higher than Coomcallee which is better known.
Access to An Bhinn Láir is no doubt possible from the roads to either of the loughs beneath it, however I got to it via some rough ground from Coomcathcun. Most probably also you could construct some interesting walks around the loughs, using An Bhinn Láir to gain height.
From most ways up you this summit will be able to savour the walk its long grassy ridge for its views and unusual lake surrounds. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/424/comment/2486/

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simon3 on An Bhinn Láir

An Bhinn Láir is a great place to look at the spectacular wild north side of Coomcallee.
This view of the wind-ruffled Lough Coomeathcun with the glints of sun on it was one of the chief delights of a visit to An Bhinn Láir. So strong was the wind on it that we could barely stand. Go and enjoy. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/424/comment/2487/

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Pretty but wild.

Ah, Middle Peak, I have viewed you from the north and east, now here goes from the south. Your southern flanks are rougher than I thought, so although you have the prettiest of locations between lakes, you do have toughness in your pedigree. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/424/comment/6829/

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simon3 on An Bhinn Láir

This photo was taken on the summit of Coomavaniha, 2.5km to the NE, showing the steep cliffs on the whole of the northern side of the mountain.

The mountain's long western spur (with two bumps at the right of the picture) divides Derriana Lough (North and right) from Cloonaghlin Lough behind the ridge, though neither lough is visible in the picture.

The twin peaks central on the horizon are on Bolus head. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/424/comment/1937/

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