I decided to approach Cushbawn from the E and therefore parked at the forestry entrance at
E (T154 841). There is another forestry track just W of this point which would appear to lead directly to the saddle below Cushbawn, but I chose the first track. Soon after starting out I took the right hand path when the track split. I followed the track for another 15 minutes until I reached a t-junction where I turned right. Following the track brought me to a mobile phone mast fully built and protected by security fencing-there was also a sign explaining that Retention Planning Permission was being sought for this. It is interesting how they built it first and are seeking permission later. Just after the mast the track ends so I turned right into the trees along a rough grassy track at
F (T153 832). This brought me through the trees to a clear felled area. I headed W across this area to a fence that separates the forestry from grassy farmland. By heading right (N) along the sturdy fence I found a place where a large branch had fallen on it making it possible to cross the fence. I then headed NW downhill across the large meadow to a corner where two fences meet the forest at
G (T149 833). A rough forest ride extends W from here, and I followed it for about 700 metres, passing a lookout platform similar to one I had seen on Tinoran Hill last year. The going is tough at times here but eventually I reached a forest track at
H (T142 834). This track headed S steeply uphill to the summit area of Cushbawn at
I (T141 830). The views were lovely and the good weather made the Blackstairs shimmer in the haze to the south. I decided to find an alternative route down and so I headed directly E from the summit across heather and downhill towards forestry. By following an old line of fence posts I reached the trees and followed a firebreak down to a forest track at
J (T143 829). I turned left and followed it until I came to a point where the track bends and there is a curious little pond/puddle teeming with frogspawn. (
K (T147 831)). I walked directly into the trees here and using my compass I headed E for about 250 metres. This section was the usual bending, crawling and branches whipping my face. However I eventually reached the grassy farmland at
L (T149 831), emerging from the forest at a rusted cylindrical tank. This was the same meadow reached earlier on the way up so I just retraced my route back to the car from here. The walk was about 2 hours in total. While not the most straightforward route, it provided plenty of challenge in negotiating terrain, navigating through forest and exploring new territory. Be careful using map 62 as it does not depict the forestry on this hill accurately.
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