[RWD version 1 ]
There is some very boggy ground on this route so would advise waiting for a day with good visibility as the views from the hilltops will compensate for the hardship and nuisance encountered on the wet ground.
Good views across the Reelan Valley to the Lavaghs on the ascent of Croveenananta.Had intended following Garmin's Track 2074 but, as I drove along the narrow lane to Garmin's start point, two very stubborn, uncooperative sheep insisted on walking or running ahead of the car and I couldn't get past them. To avoid harassing the sheep I changed plan and parked beside a ruin at around G94785 93686 and headed straight up Croveenananta along the west side of the fence. It was a steep enough climb, about one kilometre with 270m ascent, but on good ground.
Croaghubbrid with Silver Hill & part of Lavagh Beg in the backgroundThe col between Croveenananta and Lacroagh was very wet and one had to pick one's way very carefully to avoid going thigh deep into very unpleasant black stuff. SlĂ na Finne / SlĂ Dhun na nGall passes through this col and this section of these walks is a very unpleasant morass.
Lacroagh from the east with Slievetooey on the horizonThe stretch between Lacroagh and Croaghugagh was even worse - terrain as haggy and boggy as I've ever encountered apart, perhaps, from the "land" between Finlieve (578m) and Shanlieve (626m) in the Mournes.
The marvellous views from Croaghugagh, my lunch spot, were ample compensation for the slog through the mire though, especially across Lough Ea with Slieve Snaght and the Derryveaghs on the horizon.
Croaghugagh from Croaghubbrid with Aghla (Fintown) behind with Slieve Snaght and the Derryveaghs on the horizon.The last hill, Croaghubbrid, was a dawdle and gave good views across to Silver Hill and the Lavaghs. Descended to the lane then and dandered back along the lane to the car, relishing the nice view of Gaugin ahead as it alternated between shade and sunshine under Paul Henry skies.
The view east to Lacroagh, Croveenanantaâ & Gaugin from Croaghubbrid