Approached on a a very quiet lane skirting the south of the hill, parking at an old forestry entrance (844359 D) to the SW .

A good track heads uphill nearby, climbing steadily and levelling out above cleared and replanted forestry. Old stone walls provide evidence of different times and lifestyles. A lovely cairn about 4feet high heralds a stone pathway heading directly uphill to steeper higher slopes. This path must have local significance in the past as much effort has went into its construction, with stiles also provided. With height the path becomes rougher and i eventually lost its comforting presence.

Views reach down to Carrigeencor Lough, still water reflecting trees on the shore. A fence is crossed, with the aid of a small stile if you arrive near to it, to reach the summit ridge after 40 minutes walking. Views spring up from all directions - Knocknarea with Maeve's Cairn had twin rays of sunshine either side in an otherwise dull monochrome landscape. A number of cairns mark progress along the top. Black Lough had nothing bright about it today as it stretched out like a halved starfish.

The summit cairn reached in just over an hour. Views are impressive - Castegal Hills, the grown up Truskmore and Tievebaun, Donegal hills, Donegal Bay at the end of Glenade and sun picking out patches of snow atop Cuilcaigh.

Drop down nearly due E towards an area of old turf cuttings, steep drop which picks up a long disused track heading downhill. This descends steeply and roughly as it curls down the hillside to the forest edge, with houses and the river Bonet below. Blooming gorse shouts out its presence in colour before the almost surreal entry into a stand of naked broadleaf trees - just a contrast to the ground covered! Reach road and follow for 20 mins, passing numerous mobile homes which seem to be prevailant in the area.

A great wee walk rounding off a couple of days in the area, easily done in an evening. A rough and rugged hill, with plenty of charm and colour and a bit of bite - like an old gunfighter taking on the big bad old boys in these here parts and coming out on top! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/761/comment/5867/