I recently hiked from Carraigshouk (parking at the little layby on the Military Road), we headed over Carraigshouk, and the across to Mullach Cliabháin (East) across the bog. The ground is extremely boggy here, gaiters are an absolute must, and the going is quite slow as you work your way around, and in and out of holes. Once you reach the slope of Mullach Cliabháin East, the ground firms up considerably, making the going a lot easier. When heading over to Mullach Cliabháin proper from the east top, it's best to stick to the higher ground on the shoulder that links both peaks. There are massive areas of exposed peat and eroded bog here, so it's best to try and avoid them. I headed back the way I came then. All in all this is a nice hike, and despite the boggy conditions it's really enjoyable, your efforts are constantly rewarded by stunning views. Tóin le Gaoth, Barr na Cuilleann, and Stoney Top, and Logalla, Cnocnacloghoge and Lough Dan from Carraigshouk. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/52/comment/2232/

Mullaghcleavaun East Top is a really enjoyable hike from Blessington. We left from Blessington in the middle of a hurricane during the August Bank Holiday and took the road around the lake turning left at this pub and small shop up towards Black hill. We went over Black Hill and ascended Mullaghcleavaun which was hidden from us by some very thick fog. Visibility was down to about ten feet. The wind was howling and the hail started to come down quite heavily but the walk was pretty invigorating. The ground can’t get very boggy so picking out a path or following one of trails has its merits if the weather is inclement. Once we got to the top of Mullaghcleavaun the view was spectacular. A parting in the cloud threw the lakes open before as the afternoon sun shimmered briefly across them. The brief walk from there to the East-top is a pleasant jaunt down through a saddle past a few somewhat startled sheep through some heavily eroded bog.

We completed the circuits by walking around in the reverse direction around Mullaghcleavaun from the East Top to get back to our starting point. The first people we saw all day was on the way back to main road once we’d left the hills behind us. That may or may not be normal but it was very much virgin space that day. A most pleasant climb and with no forests in the vicinity we got a break from all those pesky flies. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/52/comment/1403/