I read pdtempans post about Tievecrom with great interest. Having survived gruelling encounters with Collon Hill and Barranisky in Wicklow I felt suitably prepared for Tievecrom. As an MV completist I was due to climb it soon anyway.

As suggested by pdtempans I started near Forkhill House at a set of gates at J025 146 E. There is a rough area just next to these where it is possible to park off the road. Go over the locked gates, and follow the track to another set of locked gates at the end. This leads you out onto the forest track referred to by pdtempans.

I turned left on the track as I intended to tackle Tievecrom from the steep SW side. I followed the track and at approx J022 151 B I headed up into the trees. pdtempan is spot on in his description – the going is very difficult. Overgrown brambles, ferns and fallen trees, mixed with the steep terrain make this quite a challenge. I was relieved to eventually scramble up on to the large granite protrusions near the summit. The summit area is clear of anything other than heather. Someone has put a few large granite stones together next to the trig pillar to create a nice seat from which to take a breather and admire the view. Just like Barranisky, Collon Hill & Carrick Mountain in Wicklow, I wondered how long it had been since the surrounding hill had been clear enough for the trig pillar to be built. It is certainly a jungle now!

Continuing to reverse pdtempans route I headed SSE. The brambles and ferns quickly become thick and almost impenetrable again. I found the remains of a large stone wall heading steeply downhill at approx J025 153 H. Keeping to the right of this I was able to descend slowly and carefully to the forest track below. The ground is steep and tricky in places but manageable with care.

This hill is indeed only for purists. It requires a great investment of effort and patience, and all for just a 263m hill! Accidents could easily happen in these steep overgrown conditions. But I agree with pdtempan – the reward is the view from the top! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/989/comment/3852/