Started at the Old School House in the Reelan River Valley and followed the Sli na Finne over open hillside, forest track and a quiet country lane. This was some 10km away from the summit, though it made sense for the circuit I had planned, accessing the main Bluestacks via the ridge starting with Cronamuck. Stopped for a good chat with a women hanging out her washing who knew the names of the hills I was about to climb much better than me :-)

Followed a track off the road at H0118 9424 A which crossed the Owengarve River. This went past a house where I was prepared to ask permission though didn't see anyone. I had to open/close a couple of gates after the house on an old bog track. A further river crossing of the Owendoo River is required, though without the aid of a bridge this time. It was fairly easy for me to cross and I would expect this to be much more difficult after wet weather.

It was a good climb up Cronamuck, though nowhere near as steep as its distant profile had suggested. The views up the Owendoo River Valley were stunning and with height the corrie lough of Cronloughan, nestled below Glascarns Hill became visible. With height the grass satisfyingly gave way increasingly to rock- as with many of the hills in the Bluestacks.

There are a number of little tops on the summit and the area is well worth exploring for the outstanding views in all directions. There is also a beautiful little lough that is well worth visiting to gather breath or some water. A great ridge walk was laid out before me to Croaghbarnes and then on to the main Bluestacks. This was a great alternative to my traditional route up Glacarns Hill, though did clock up quite a few extra km :-) Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/638/comment/20898/