Slieve Snaght & Poisned Glen

STARTING/FINISHING POINT: The carpark at Lough Barra (Grid Ref. B929124), on the R254 from Doocharry to Glendowan.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: Leave the carpark and walk north-east along the road for a few hundred metres. When you pass the line of cliffs, move onto the boggy ground which forms the valley floor, and make for the first waterfall on the right side of the valley (G.R. B929137). To get there, you will have to cross up to three streams depending on the route you take. Climb up the slope beside the waterfall. This is steep, but not impossible. At the top, follow the stream until you come to Lough Slieve Snaght. If you're lucky, you may come across the local Deer, which roam freely among the surrounding hills.
From the Lough, move in a westerly direction up the hill until you reach the cairn, which marks the summit of the mountain. On a good day, the panoramic views are worth the climb, with the lakes below just a small part of the scenery.
From the cairn, take a southwesterly route, and descend the side of the mountain until you come to the waterfall at the head of the valley that you originally started up. Care should be taken on the descent, as the ground is steep and treacherous.
At the top of the waterfall, you have two options, either go down beside the waterfall and make your way back to the carpark along the valley floor, or follow the ridge on the southwest side of the valley.
If you decide to descend the waterfall, avoid the rock slabs, as these are usually very slippery!
This last stage of the walk can be boggy with a lot of holes hidden in the heather.
If you decide to follow the high ground, remember to come back down before you get too close to the road as you will find yourself at the top of the cliffs!
Get back on to the road and make your way back to the carpark

POINTS TO NOTE: The valley floor can be very waterlogged, and the walk may be best left until the summer months.

DURING CERTAIN MONTHS, DEER CULLING TAKES PLACE, SO IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO CONTACT GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK FOR DETAILS.

DISTANCE: APPROX. 7 KMS
ASCENT: APPROX. 580 MTS
TIME: 3 HRS
MAPS:
OS 1:50000
SHEET 1