On Sun. 30 Oct 2011, I started my walk up to Cro Bheithe (Crovhey) at
B (B834 100). Access was through a metal gate with a sign for a waymarked route. This track is used to link two sections of the Sli Dhun na nGall looped walks (Sli na Finne and Sli na Rossan). The initial grass covered track which runs more or less due N, soon gave way to a much rougher, stoney one which continued along side a stream for about 1k. As I walked along I could clearly see straight ahead a small col high up on the hillside. Where I started to climb up towards the col the track disappeared into a grass covered boggy area which then shelved upwards a couple of times before reaching its high point at
C (B83157 11307). Once there I found the ground somewhat firmer by keeping to the left edge of the col. A short distance further along where the ground started to drop away N, at
D (B83117 11475), I swung left NW a short distance to Lough Doo
E (B83072 11599), a small mountain tarn and an excellent spot at which to have a snack.. From the lough I turned up left (SW) for a steep but short climb to the top of the hill. Although there is a well made stone cairn it is not on the high point of the hill. This appears to me to be a small peaty mound a metre or so out from a large boulder 30/40m N of the cairn at
F (B82791 11423). Views from the top were quite extensive with the long flattish ridge of the Slievetooey Massif clearly seen to the SW and the Bluestacks more or less due S. NE I could make out the long line of the Grogan More, Crocknafarragh, Adernymore ridge but unfortunately the tops were cloud covered. I returned by way of ascent. Clearly the top could be reached by going up directly NW from around
G (B832 114) but, unless the walker is in a hurry to get up and down, this has the disadvantage that L Doo would not be included. This is undoubedly a small hill well worth the visit. It can be climbed in less than two hours, with little effort, and is a total of 4.25k out and back. The fact that no one had commented on it and that only two mv members had climbed it made me curious to go and see for myself. I am very glad I did. Given the relaive short distance of the route it could easily be included with a walk on the same day to one or more of the other small hills in the area eg Croaghegly.
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