Southern top of a wonderful plateau

Agow Top is at the southern end of the wonderful plateau dominated by the shapely figures of Keeloges and Arroo to the north. This does not diminish its part in the drama of a complete round of the plateau and it is a worthy additional challenge worth the 4km return trip from Aganny Top.

My visit was on a cool day in May, with dry conditions and a clear sky providing glorious walking. These conditions are what tempted me to include Agow Top as part of a round taking in the other 4 tops on the plateau.

Access was from Glenade, where there is parking at St Michaels church (C (G803 503)) leading to Keeloges, Arroo, Aganny Top.........from here there is a leisurely drop of 100m to Lough Nabrack, although I counted 6 loughs in total standing out brilliantly amongst the brown shades of the hillside. A fenceline comes in from the left and can be followed straight to the northern finger of Lough Nabrack, where stiles aid progress. This feels really obtrusive as there is a distinct lack of fences in the area, adding to that wilderness feeling.

It is then not too taxing a walk to the summit area itself......there is a cairn prior to the summit and a large collapsed area of boulders which may indicate an older cairn. The summit cairn itself would receive high marks indeed for its professional build, as would the views that surround it. Across the waters of Donegal Bay to the fine Bluestack Mountains. Barnesmore and the equally fine Sperrins. Dough Mountain dominates immediate views west but beyond The Playbank and Cuilcaigh are easily picked out as they vie for top spot. A continued sweep brings rugged Benbo and the Castelgal Hills and of course the big daddies of Truskmore and Tievebaun.

There are three little loughs just below the summit and I dropped off past one (Lough Agow) to pass by the opposite end of Lough Nabrack on my way back to the flanks of Aganny Top and then Aghalateeve, before the descent of Keeloges. When looking back along the plateau to Arroo it does seem like a long way (about 5km), reminding that it is a good days walk over this plateau.......but it is a good days walk. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/725/comment/14912/

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evening walk 14/6/2011

Exit Manorhamilton on R280 for app 3km turn right on to minor rd L2127. In townland of Mullies take rd to righr D (G86430 43419). Room to park at A (G87073 44228) note farm access. Follow bog pass keep right at bridge and left at Y junction continue past small stone culvert turning left at B (G87172 45480) past old stone sheep pin continue uphill to cairnmarker at E (G86665 46359) where you will find a nice track leading to summit F (G86532 47166) NW of cone shaped cairn. Great views of its more famous neighbours.7km up and back to car app 2 hours Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/725/comment/6375/

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Burning off Christmas Dinner

Climbed Agow on 28th of December past, following Sandmans route to the top. The picture below was taken in the direction of Manorhamilton, with Crocknagapple visible on the left and Benbo on the right of the picture. Not a very strenuous climb and good views over Mullies and Rossinver. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/725/comment/20737/

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