eflanaga on Benwiskin

(Climbed Sunday 13th March) After leaving Benbulbin summit (See for first part of walk) I followed a bearing of 134 degrees SE, ensuring I steered well clear of the cliff edge, for 2k then switched to a bearing of 62 degrees NE for a further 1.7k which lined me up for a 2.4k walk to Spot Height 508m (C (G719 479)) which marks the start of Benwiskin’s ridge. It’s a further 1.4K to its summit. Poor visibility (sometimes dropping to around 10 metres) rain and biting wind persisted right up until I neared the Spot Height. After such a long trudge with nothing to see but peat hags I was feeling somewhat miserable and sorry for myself until suddenly the mist cleared before me revealing Benwiskin and the Sligo coast in all its glory. Fantastic views even on a murky day. The walk across the ridge to the summit is quite pleasant, slightly marshy at times and one or two peat trenches to negotiate, but otherwise no access problems or warning signs to be seen. The ridge plummets to your right down into the beautiful u-shaped Gleniff valley. There are fence posts right along the length of the ridge but there is no wire attached to these until you near the summit. Approaching the summit from this direction means the mountain’s distinct and aesthetic profile as portrayed by other contributor’s pictures (below) is much less obvious. The summit itself is unremarkable with the fence being the only man made feature. However, the views from the top are extraordinary, even on a day when the Donegal coast across the bay was not clearly visible. I decided to take a fairly leisurely lunch here as the bitter coldness of the wind had abated a little. A hot drink, a sandwich and some fruit later all was relatively well in my hillwalking world and I was ready to face my third target – Slievemore. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/425/comment/2229/

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gerrym on Benwiskin

The dramatic profile of Benwisken seems to have been overshadowed by the difficulties over access. These difficulties where very much in mind when planning a visit to the the plateau, from which Benwisken extends northward. I approached from Glencar - taking the opportunity to walk along the line of hills and cliffs to Kings Mtn and Benbulben on the way. A late start necessitated an overnight camp which happened to be at the head of Glendarragh (D (G708 456))between Benbulben and Benwisken (where the pic was taken - fairly late in the evening)

Come light i continued to circle around Glendarragh, enjoying a brief encounter with two playful fox cubs. Despite the sunlight in the valley below mist was racing over the high ground, coming up from the Glencar side. I climbed up to the prominent point on the Gleniff side (E (G725 469)) which is a subsidiary summit of Slievemore. This gave views steeply down into the valley from nearly 600m through the mist. The long ridge stretching out to Benwisken was well laid out from here, with Donegal Bay and the hills of Donegal providing the backdrop. There is a drop along the cliff edge and a slight rise to pt. 508m, then an easy stroll along the broad ridge itself. Pass an area of peat hags, pools of water and follow a vechile track through the grass beside a line of old bleached fence posts. This walk is a joy with views to Benbulben to the west and Truskmore and Tievebaun to the east. The last bit of the hill (beyond the top) is fenced (with a pile of new posts and wire waiting to be erected). The fence can be followed to the edge for cracking views over the lowland below, across Donegal Bay and to most of the hills of the county, with the Bluestacks to the fore along with a cloud capped Slieve League and i am certain the Sperrin mtns. To the S i had Mayo in vision out towards Belmullet.

I did see a quad bike in the valley below on the return leg but as i did not cross any fences i feel there was no need to worry about trespassing. A long trek out and back but worth it for the views. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/425/comment/3248/

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SeanC on Benwiskin

A lovely access to Benwiskin is to climb Benbulben from the Grange side and to walk across the mountain top (fairly flat) straight over to Benwiskin. The climb up Ben Bulben takes about 1 hour and the walk across to the summit of Benwiskin about 1.5 hours. On a clear day (and one should be careful as the mist descends very quickly and frequently) the views in every direction are spectacular.

As one nears the summit of Benwiskin, there is fencing on one side (Mr Bull's I presume) but the summit is fully accessible and thankfully the no trespassing sign which greeted me the first time I did this climb (about 1 year ago) is gone.

On the way down, one can actually descend Benwiskin (away from the Bull McCabe side which is in the Gleniff horseshoe) into the shadow of Benbulben. Small roads lead back to the main road after another hour or so. The views of Benbulben are very special as one walks around the mountain. If posssible, having two cars will avoid the need to walk along the main road back to your car. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/425/comment/2217/

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tplague on Benwiskin

I have driven up in the glen there to see that famous Ben Wiskin view, and I told myself I will walk up that edge some time. Is there really no possibility of requesting permission from the aforementioned "Bull". I'm always appalled when someone "owns" a special mountain, and can block all access. I certainly understand one not wanting a place trashed however. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/425/comment/2216/

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brenno on Benwiskin

As somebody who made the unwelcome acquaintance of The Bull more than 10 years ago, I've still managed to climb Benwiskin - and it's feasible as long as you don't start from the Gleniff valley. My last route was un Ben Bulbin through Kings Gully and then follow the ridge over to Benwiskin. It6's a gorgeous walk - only downside is yopu have to retrace your steps if you want to avoid descending to Gleniff and take the chances of an enconter with the Bull. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/425/comment/3122/

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