A delightful ramble.

Climbed this hill on Sat 17 July 2010. From OSI Sheet 2 there are at least three maybe four lanes/tracks to access Craigcannon (Lurganboy). We opted to start at the same point as three5four0 Cr'grauv (C243 315) but choose to park just off road about 150 metres NW of the track with room for one car. The track, which was at times boggy and overgrown and a depository for some serious "fly tipping" led up to a coll A (C24374 30594) between Binnaeaghig (334m) and another unnamed small top. Before continuing on from here to Craigcannon, which we now could see for the first time, we made the short climb up left to Binnaeaghig for splendid views across Lough Swilly to Dunaff Head, the Urris Hills, Raghtin More, Bulbin and Slieve Snaght on Inishowen. Once back at the coll it was an easy and relatively short contour around to the steep rocky face of Craigcannon. As we approached the natural route to the top was to head for a dip to the right of the hill and then follow around left and up to the top B (C24424 30273). However we noticed a grassy narrow strip more or less bisecting the the rocky front face of the hill and running steeply up to the top. This gave us a short, steep, scrambly, and enjoyable climb. As three5four 0 has already noted a wind farm partially blocks or at least interupts views to the E and S. In planning the walk I had noted from the map another hill, Crockanaffrin (344m), with a trig pillar and now clearly visable some 850 metres due south. Rather than simply return to the start we decided to make for this top and on the way have a look at the wind farm. Once at the trig pillar C (C24037 29492) we had splendid views W to the Donegal Highlands and E to the Sperrins with the Sawel/ Dart ridge particularly prominent. However our main point of interest proved to be much closer to hand some 150 metres further S on slightly lower ground This was a fine stone cairn D (C23968 29361) which has been constructed with great care atop a small distinct ring contour. For our return walk we headed NNE to our original outward track at A (C24374 30594) and followed it down to the start. Total distance was only 6k with the walk comfortably completed in about two hours with time to take in the many beautiful panoramas. The only blot on this beaufiful landscape was the inexcusable dumping of unwanted household goods (washing machines etc) to the side of the initial access track. Our route added a little variety to an otherwise straight up and back summit bag and would be ideal for an afternoon or evening stroll. Later on it was nice to identify the knobbly ridge we had traversed from across Mulroy Bay on the drive between Milford and Carrigart and yet again across Lough Swilly from the N13 near Newtown Cunningham. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/891/comment/5962/

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Lost and Found

I got a bit lost on the approach and came upon my starting point by accident on a small road cutting through the high ground at E (C276 295). This was beside a large concrete water tank and looked down on a church below.

Cross fence and pass a small conifer plantation to open hillside, aiming for Croaghan Hill (305m). A significant area had been damaged by fire and blackened heather left Zorro like streaks on my trousers. Views were already superb over Lough Swilly, Inishowen and the Sperrins as i passed Lough Garnahalowen below.

A long undulating walk over several tops was laid out ahead with the target of a trig pillar and wind turbines beckoning. The piercing cry of a kestrel was repeated as it moved quickly and then hovered, like a seagull on speed. The next top stood at 327m and had turf cuttings, with little piles of turf looking like camp fire practice for a gang of lost scouts.

The massive blades of wind turbines dominate ahead and the souped up access road from the north. A rough track is joined at a line of telegraph poles and this is followed uphill to a lovely cairn with a makeshift flagpole on Crockanaffrin (344m). The trig pillar is a short distance away. The immediacy of the turbines is joined by those far off on Inishowen, all turning with a mesmerising effect.

Drop down to the turbines and take a track uphill past active turf cuttings to reach the top of Craigcannon. Views to the north coast and Horn Head, Urris and Dunaff and the ferry crossing Swilly. The mighty Muckish, Errigal, Bluestacks and Sligo Hills were all visible.

Dropped straight off the hill east to reach the access road. There was a newly erected memorial here to Fr Peter Hegarty who was killed in 1734 during Penal times. Continued east across some challenging ground in valley to Lough Garnahalowen - made up for with streams. waterfalls, lizards and bees. Then back uphill to start point.

I had found a great walk of 4 hours over remote hillside with stunning views in all aspects and a variety of wildlife. The new wind turbines do dominate the hill and there is a mixture of love and hate for thier presence. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/891/comment/6600/

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LurganBoy!

With a name like a 70's style tartan gang member - on map osi 2 - and no comments to boot, this hill was worth a visit!

The minor road to the north of the hill offers little in the way of parking, giving its narrow nature. However, a short distance down the track, which leaves the minor road at Cr'grauv (C243 315), there is enough space for one car, just get guided in as there is some masonry rubble to avoid, and not block this access track.

Follow this track up hill (the barbed wire fence across the track is merely a gate and can be unhooked to gain access), to where it ends just between point 334 and another ring contour. From here there is a faint sheep track which traverses round to the re-entrant below the summit and another top (better seen from the actual summit), from where a short climb over recently burnt ground, leads to the top. Good views again, with only a newly construct wind farm on the east & south east side of the hill spoiling the views in that direction. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/891/comment/4628/

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How Far Can You Drive.

In a normal road car where the tarred road ends at L Cor Rd (C23420 31143) in a 4+4 you can get to F (C23940 30645) but if you have a farm tractor especially with a turf cutting attachment you can drive all the way to the summit . (Or you can walk) Turf cutting has taken place within a meter or two from the summit cairn . Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/891/comment/18129/

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