At the summit of Aghla, with loughs a little lower on its slopes, and beyond to the Atlantic coast.
In Part 1 I described my walk to the trig pillar on top of Aghla, and having rested there a moment, I set about taking photographs of the views in all directions. Previously hidden by the summit ridge, to the south I could now see the rest of rhe Bluestack Mountains, Aghla being a bit of an outlier of this range. I could now also see Slieve League and Slievetooey to the west. Moving north, there was the area around Rosbeg, Portnoo/Narin and Lettermacaward, then Croaghegly Hill and Maghery. Northwast was Aranmore Island, and further north, I could just make out Tory Island in the haze. And still visible were the Derryveagh Mountains in the north.
The rest of the Bluestack range to the south.
Another minor summit of Aghla to the west, with the western edge of the Bluestacks beyond.
The line of mountains on the horizon includes Slieve League and Slievetooey.
Norheast, with Croaghegly hill and Aranmore Island visible.
Gaugin Mountain, in the east of the Bluestacks, on the right of the frame.
Walking over to the minor summit, west of the main summit, and looking south.
Two of the several loughs near the summit.
Zoomed in on the Derryveagh Mountains, with Slieve Snaght and Errigal prominent.
The cliffs of Slievetooey dropping into the Atlantic in the distance.
I took a fair bit of time wandering around the broad summit, so I took another breather sitting with by back against the trig pillar, before beginning my descent. Making my way around the rocks and loughs, I made my way back to the top of the steeper drop down to the Glenfin Valley, Lough Finn now visible again.
Still a bit to go before reaching the car at the GAA pitch below.
Almost down.
Back in the valley floor, and gloomier weather didn’t bother me now.
I was pleased to have reached the top of Aghla – a mountain that had impressed me for its scenic qualities from below for years. A very satisfying walk, and yet another brilliant Bluestack mountain.
Yet another great day by the looks of things there Aidy, MM 🍀
Very addictive being up in the hills John.
Some of this group of images are really stunning. I thought that photographs 1407, 1424, and 1441 were truly beautiful.
Thanks Jessica – appreciate the kind words.
Great pics, Aidy. I did this one on Saturday. Our route was a bit different by the looks of things. It was a tough enough aul climb and coming down was very steep, we eventually met the forest where you seem to have stayed further west. Interesting reading your descriptions of the views as I’m not as familiar with that area. Great mountain though and I’ll be back to explore more of the Bluestacks.
Cheers Martin. Great mountain isn’t it, steep as you say, and you could wander over it for days. You can see most of Donegal from up there.