Northern Ireland
Carnanelly
562M
1844FT
About Carnanelly
Rising above the picturesque Glenelly Valley, this significant Sperrin peak offers a true sense of isolation amidst peat bogs and heather. Its rounded profile is characteristic of the range, providing a demanding trek that rewards walkers with wide-reaching vistas over the nearby summits of Sawel and Mullaghclogha.
Key Statistics
Rank
11th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Sperrin Mountains
Prominence
?
306m
Nearest Town
Moneyneany
Geology
Dalradian Metamorphic (Schist & Quartzite)
Find It
OS Grid Reference
H674921
Latitude
54.7723°N
Longitude
6.9520°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Irish Carn an Ailigh, meaning 'cairn of the stony place,' which refers to the ancient burial cairn situated on the summit, now weathered and partially reclaimed by the peat.
- •From the summit, you earn a clear line of sight across the deep trench of the Glenelly Valley to the distinctive profile of Sawel Mountain, the highest peak in the Sperrins.
- •As a Marilyn, the hill possesses a topographic prominence of at least 150 metres, making it a standalone landmark in the Tyrone landscape rather than just a shoulder of a larger neighbour.
- •The ascent is often grouped with a visit to the nearby Gortin Glen Forest Park, though the terrain on Carnanelly itself is significantly more rugged and pathless than the park's groomed trails.
- •Navigating the summit plateau in a typical Sperrin mist provides a stern test of character, as the bog is often deep enough to claim a walking pole or a significant portion of your dignity.
