From Fethard village take the R704. At a sharp right-hand bend go straight and take the first right where there is a sign pointing to the Holy Year Cross. Park considerately where a lane leads right and uphill and there is another arrow pointing for the Holy Year Cross. It's a moderately challenging route that traverses featureless upland with sometimes disagreeable heather so you need to be reasonably fit. Navigational skills required in mist. 

This is one of the busiest and most popular walking routes in South Tipperary, with most people going up and down in about two hours. 

I headed for Killusty which lies in the western shadow of the fabled mountain. I followed a tarmac road and then a stony lane that led me easily through a gate to open hillside. Immediately, the route swung left to attain a serenely located Millennium Cross, before proceeding uphill on a stony path to Killusty Cross. 

Directly below me were the ramparts of 13th century Kiltinan Castle which was once a seat of the Butlers. The castle and adjoining stud farm are now owned by international composer and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

Turning to the east, I began following a path that weaved its placid way upwards before petering out as the rough moorland terrain leveled for a time before rising sharply over Slievenamon's shoulder to reach the summit, which is heavily shrouded in myth. A huge burial cairn is reputed to contain the entrance to the precincts of the Celtic underworld. It is also believed to be the place from which Fionn mac Cumhaill watched suitors for his hand in marriage race to the summit. 

Slievenamon has a flattened top, and to appreciate the full vista on offer it is necessary to circle the plateau. To the north and east lie the Blackstairs Mountains, the Wicklow Mountains, the Slieve Blooms and the Slieve Felim Hills. Completing the upland necklace to the west and south are the lordly Galtees, Knockmealdowns, and Comeraghs. 

Instead of retracing my steps, I descended the tourist route. This track runs roughly southwest and offers a great outlook over the densely castellated Suir Valley below. 

On reaching yet another cross I proceeded right on an agreeable track by a stone wall. My route traversed open mountainside before crossing a stream to reach a forest edge. After negotiating a small ravine, I swung right to cross another stream. Proceeding upwards on an undulating stony path that skirted forestry on my left, I continued circling the flanks of the mountain. Eventually, I arrived back to join my route of ascent which led easily down to my parking place above Killusty.

• Featured in 50 Best Irish Walks, Currach Books, by John G O'Dwyer