[RWD version 1 ] A loop walk from Carrignagunneen to Silsean
This route is another route from the archives and was completed in late 2020. At the time when we completed this loop walk there was ongoing tree felling just off from the R756 road resulting in limited parking in some of the laybys and forest entrances. We decided to park at O03121 02691. There were also limited parking spaces here but enough for a couple of cars. This also helped us in our descent and return to the car later on that day.

With a brief walk on a section of road (R756) we entered the forest track which is signposted for St.Kevins way. We followed this for a short section before striking off up the forest track and later the side of Carrignagunneen. This is all straight forward until you leave the track and head up to an open hillside which was previously felled. The underfoot conditions with its associated trip hazards are what one would expect from a clear felled section of hillside. Alas, open bog is reached with relative ease here. This access may prove more difficult in years to come if (I do not recall) trees were/are replanted on this felled patch of hillside.

Once on Carrignagunneen we headed to Mullaghcleevaun. This is a long bog slog which in poor visibility would make for some interesting navigation. We, for the best part, had great visibility with only passing clouds and showers. Nearing the summit of Mullaghcleevaun the damage to the peat and bog is quite extensive. I can only imagine that overgrazing coupled with climate and erosion is to blame, but it fascinates me all the same. The summit of Mullaghcleevaun is well defined and sports a Trig Pillar. The views too, if you're lucky, are rather pleasant from the summit.

From Mullaghcleevaun we headed down the spur in a Westernly-ish direction to the col known as Billy Byrne's Gap. Although this is enjoyable walking it was extremely wet underfoot and our gaiters and boots were much appreciated. Once on the summit of Moanbane it's an easy and short traverse over to the summit of Silsean. The summit of Silsean was waterlogged on the day, like probably many of the days one visits it's summit. I shall keep my rants about the biker damage to a low, but it was rather depressing to see how much damage from dirt bikes was around the summit area of Silsean.

Our descent in a SSE direction was fairly straight forward and it provided us with a lovely view of our first summit of the day, Carrignagunneen. I find it is always an interesting perspective seeing one's route from a distance and at the end of your day, a sense of satisfaction, for me at least, is often felt in those moments. It is also worth noting that we had to cross one fence near the end of this spur before accessing the road via a gate. Access didn't appear to be a problem but it is worth keeping this in mind if you access Silsean from here. There may be better options for access too. From this road it was a short walk back to the car and at the end of the day that is always a welcomed prospect. Overall, a nice loop walk with great views but if it has been recently wet, make sure you're wearing boots, it's a boggy one up there at times!