http://youtu.be/ys5XhaOpqYM
http://youtu.be/teE-IzY5Or0

The recent cold spell has created stunning winter conditions in the Sperrins. The favoured approach is from the large layby at Iniscarn Wood (833907 A). Roads were reasonably clear but thick ice sheathed the layby and as i was changing footwear the car started to slide despite handbrake and in 1st gear!

A straight forward track heads through the forest, passing an abandoned house and woodpiles past 'gate 2'. A carpet of snow had been through the freeze/thaw cycle and the path was very icy. With height the snow was more pristine and walking was easier, allowing eyes to rise to capture the opening views across to the line of Antrim Hills defined by thier similar white dressing. A narrow rough track begins where the forest track ends, rising further up the flank o f the hill. Power lines cross this track and a clear line to the summit follows thier swathe. This is a steep haul and i could imagine the wooden poles lifting skiers to the top (there was an idea from a local farmer at one stage - maybe if future winters are like this?).

Coming out from the trees i followed the trail left by others through the windswept powder snow to a stile. Creative new signs have been put in place over the hill guiding to the tops - they do the job in a very natural way. The communications masts loomed out of the total whiteness that was the hillside, with snow drifted 2-3 feet alongside thier protective fence. I stopped beside a telegraph pole to take some pics and a large chunk of ice fell and glanced off my hand - a timely reminder not to do that again!

Views were spectacular with the contrast in colour from the brilliant white of the snow on top to the drab browns and greens of the Lough Neagh basin. To the east the Antrim Hills were doing as well with the wintry weather and Divis had a crown of white. Most breathtaking were the views west to the rest of the Sperrins - they had a real bright cold white look which shone strongly in the full sun. I suppose if i was to get too lyrical it was a virginal perfection, with no blemishes.

There were a few other hardy souls knocking about the top as i took the road from the summit which was just about visible. Heading for the true top was a bit more difficult as the bog road was filled in with 4-5 feet of snow. But it was great fun tramping a path withwind sculpured snow, half buried fences, blue skies, magnificent views and a fresh wind to cool me down from the heat being generated. Return was back to the road which i followed downhill to take an extremely icy farm track back to the road and car.

A truely amazing experience on Slieve Gallion which just brings a smile to my face thinking about it. With this weather set to last for a while give it a visit and experience it for yourself! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/470/comment/4317/