Route over Brandon and onto the ridge taking in Brandon South, Brandon Peak and Gearhane. Track starts in the parking places in Ballybrack and, for variety, descends the ridge west of Gearhane that culminates in sh 404 above Ballycaneen.

This ridge is surprisingly airy and divides the arid looking Feohanagh River Valley from the much greener and fertile valley of Glin North. The descent to the road at Ballyloghig is tricky with a lot of confused ground and vegetation covering the gaps, meaning a lot of steps that don't end until a foot below what you expected! There are also a lot of fences to be crossed, but this ridge is is a worthwhile diversion, particularly today when the sun shone for the duration.

On the downside, there is a 3k road walk back to your car, the last kilometre of which is decidedly uphill...

Descending earlier into the Feohanagh Valley may be possible, thus shortening the walk and eliminating the road walk, and I had considered this. However, no obvious descent presented itself, and in any event, the floor of the valley looks pretty inhospitable.