A walk over 4 x 400m tops in the Reelan Valley. Starting point was the old schoolhouse, oft used to tackle the bigger brothers and sisters to the south of the Reelan River.

No one else was about this late September evening with the sun vanishing on the horizon. A pack full of camping gear meant the lowly light held only anticipation of what was to come on hills i had not set foot on before. A lonely walk up the road through the valley brought a rough track heading up to peat cuttings (just before the waymarked path). This followed a fenceline and stream heading for a gully on the flank of Croveenananta.

A cresent moon hung over the main Bluestack ridge and provided light enough to walk in the gloom for a while before the headtorch made an appearance high up the slope. A myriad of stars joined the moon and stopping to turn of the torch was a must to marvel at was above. It is a steep old haul up the slope of Croveenananta before reaching the top at 476m, with no distinguishing feature that i could see. Only a couple of lights broke the vast darkness of the Reelan Valley as the last remaining light disappeared over the Atlantic.

Drop nearly due west through a wet col and a sort climb brought the summit of Lacroagh at 403m. This was my camping spot for the night, with tent up for 10.00 and sound asleep for 10.30. It was a cool night but with only a light breeze it was nice and comfy in my sleeping bag. Having to get up and pee at 12.30 felt like a real discomfort until i stepped outside of the tent and the sight of a star filled night nearly took my breath away as much as the cool air!

Sunrise got me up and the early light picked out the tops of surrounding hills. Was sorted and off for 8.00, dropping down along a fenceline heading towards Croaghugagh. The ground was pretty wet, but isn't it always here? Pick up a little stream just before the hill and cross to climb at convenience. Again a short climb brought the top which had a small cairn and great views out to the coast around Slievetooey and north to the Derryveaghs and the hills of Inishowen.

Drop off south and Lough Analf which had been hidden until now comes into view. Short steep drop brings the col, cross a fence and up again to the top of Croaghubbrid. Another small cairn here and similar views.

Follow line of hill east and drop down to road in Reelan Valley at a cluster of farm buildings/old vehicles. From here it is a few km of road walking back to the old schoolhouse.

Something different if have tried the rest. Not too taxing but a good walk and with good views thrown in.