[RWD version 1 ] Start from forestry entrance on minor road (off the R294 as it rises NW through The Gap).

WAlk back along the minor road past recently cleared and fenced area with house which looks to be occupied. Just past this and before the river head for the old abandoned building nearly obscured by trees. Worth exploring and marvelling at nature reclaiming. There is an old caravan with a large mirror which nearly gave me a hear attack as i thought there was someone in there as my reflection was captured!

Continue up along the beautiful little glen alongside the river past a number of old farm buildings. Cross a fence atop an old stone boundary wall, with the top of Largan visible above the forestry ahead. As the river heads into the forest rise out of the little glen to find a wide forest ride, a stile gives access over a fence.

The forest ride heads straight uphill parallel to the river. The ground is damp underfoot (after prolonged dry spell!) but dries out somewhat as the ground rises more steeply. Dragonflies kept me company all along this stretch. The river is rejoined and crossed at a lovely little waterfall. Damsel flies and butterflies added to the company. A heat shimmer held in the space between the trees and had me puffing.

A T-junction is reached and a right turn keeps on track, well worth stopping to look back across Lough Conn to the height of Nephin. The corner of the forestry plantation is reached at 3896317164. Cross a rusty fence and head uphill through mature heather and then easier going. Summit is clearly visible ahead and the treeline stretches across the hillside below. A little newt quickly disappeared into the heather as i went by.

The summit has no real distinguishing features. It did read as 413m (3906617736) and was reached after 50 minutes. Views reached N to the cliffs of Slieve League basking in sunlight, the Derryveaghs and Bluestacks. S over Lough Talt and to the Nephin Begs, Achill, Croagh Patrick, Sheefreys and more of the hills of Connemara. A new windfarm is being constructed just to the west.

Drop down to to forest edge and follow it as heads westwards. A nice inviting green forest ride opened out at 3830417629. It was pretty good for a while and fallen trees were easily bypassed by entering the forest with mature trees. On reaching a fenceline there was a spell of about 20 mins when i perservered straight ahead - this was tough going and i must have collected a kilo of pine needles as i brushed past and under trees. Trying to keep low to the ground and follow drainage channels and streams made for interesting going and at times my legs disappeared up to the knee. Reflecting back i would probably do it the same way as i hadn't a clue what was coming next - until finally coming out into clear air. (Continuing past the ride i dropped down and following the edge of the forest off the hillside would certainly be an easier proposition!!)

This is the same fence that was crossed by stile at the start of entering the forest and i headed back easily to the car from here. Would have stripped naked to shake all the pine needles out but a few people had just walked past!

A good walk of around 2 hours to a great viewpoint north and south from the summit. Some nice airborne wildlife. Care with the forest will ensure easy and pain free walking!