Dromavally
Dromavally Mountain is on the ridge above Annascaul Lake. Parked at Annascaul Lake where there is room for a good few cars.
Having previously done the Knockmulanane ridge to the west it was time to do this one.
Proceeded to head into the valley along a nice road that meets a few bridges as you start heading up the back of the valley, Macha na Bó, i believe.
Annascaul Lake
The sound of of waterfalls was all around, little and large, there was a lot of water coming off the hill. I decided to just head up the slope to cut out the track as its quite muddy, The slope was fine, a bit of heather but mostly firm ground.
You can see in the video a blustery shower blew over. It was visible a way off, so the waterproofs were on in plenty of time. That was the last of the rain for the day, but makes a great start to the video..
Rain making an appearance
It was then a matter of the trudge across the bog towards the ridge. There was the odd bit of a path where the streams were showing rocks, but it was mostly just long grass and very very wet ground.
Beenoskee Rainbow
I veered off to the right to give a look over Annascaul lake. It’s an impressive view looking down. Looks very similar, sans lake, to the view from Beenbo down into Macha na Bó from the other side of the plateau.
Annascaul Lake
Once the elevation has been gained the walk along the ridge is interesting. There are 3 (i think) large cairns of various shapes between the peak overlooking the lake and Dromavally. In between them there is very obvious paths, small walls interspersed with a number of small standing stones. I’ve no idea the history, if anyone can link an article i’d appreciate it. It reminds me of the route between The Paps in the Derrynasaggart mountains.
Cairn and Standing Stones
A quick bite to eat at Dromavally looking towards the Slieve Mish Mountains and one of my favourites, Caherconree. From Dromavally, looking towards Stradbally, you can see two rather large rock formations on the edge. Its worth going for a look and you get a great view of Glanteenassig, which stays with you as start walking back towards the lake.
To return it’s just a case of following the track the same as the way up. I tried to see if there was a drier alternative, but no luck. Wet bog it is.
Beenbo and others
The views on way back give you all the peaks done previously, Beenoskee, Combane, Beenatoor, Beenbo, Slievenagower, Slievenalecka, Slievenea, Cnoc na Banoige, Knockmulanane. It’s worth trying to learn the names. I’m sure i’m still getting some wrong but makes it interesting to try remember them. plenty of time for learning them, they’re going nowhere…
Overall a very enjoyable hike, but i’d definitely rather do in in drier weather the next time. A bit rich of me since we’ve have great weather for the last few months and i waited until it was wet to do this, oh well.…
We’re back into the grey/green/brown picture season, so its probably going to be like this for 5-6 months. The clouds can be great and the neverending wind can be refreshing!!