24/05/2026
Write up by Raymond our hillwalk guide;
Sunday 24th May.
Today's STEPS hillwalk was a welcome return to walking on the mountain! The group sumitted Craigagh Hill, Spelhoagh, Oughtmore and Mullaghaneany.
Seven walkers set off from the parking location at Altbritain Forest and a short road walk soon has us on the ascent of Craigagh Hill (rocky hill). A stiff enough breeze buffeted us along this section of the loop walk and the views from atop Craigagh, at 1500ft, were a taster of what was to come.
The drop down and out off Spelhoagh Gap (haunt of the cuckoo) can be testing, but with care and patience all were soon heading towards the east ridge line of Spelhoagh at 1863ft, where we sat a while and had some refreshment drinking in the views of Ballinascreen and beyont.
Onwards then to Oughtmore (big mountain breast) at just a shade higher than Spelhoagh at 1866ft, where near 360 degree views were enjoyed, the Mournes, the Hills of Donegal, the Ring of Gullion and Cuilcagh were to be seen.
From Oughtmore we dropped down to the head waters of the Glenedra River which was to be our route down to the cars, but, naw...when the option to ascend the 3rd highest hill in the Sperrins was proposed the walk loop got extended!
It can be a tough enough pull up Mullaghaneany (the height of wonder) but all were again rewarded with views far and wide with Muckish and Errigal prominent on the horizon and the breeze, although still present, was now a touch warmer and was welcome after the ascent to 2057ft!
We dropped down off Mullaghaneany picking out the firebreak in Altbritain Forest to return down to the cars parked fornenst the Glenedra River.
The walk returned just inside the budgeted 5hrs having walked 6.92 miles.
Thanks to all who joined me today on the walk and to the two new faces...see you the the hill again....soooon!
