Adventure Walks
There are few places in the modern world where one can take off on a day’s walk in the hills and not meet another person along the way; Donegal is one such place.
The high moors, remote glens and unspoilt mountain scenery offer the more adventurous walker an unforgettable experience, no matter what the weather.
Safety First
Walkers on these walks should come prepared with hiking boots and gaiters, waterproof rain gear, snacks, and a mobile phone with a fully charged battery. You should always inform your hotel receptionist or guesthouse owner of the route you are taking and the latest time you expect to return or arrive at your next accommodation provider.
Mount Errigal Summit Walk
Mount Errigal dominates the landscape around Gweedore and has been described as Ireland’s most iconic mountain. At 751 metres, Errigal is the highest mountain in Donegal and its majestic glittering quartzite peak attracts large numbers of hikers each year. The bird’s eye views from the summit on a fine day are very special with the Donegal coastline and islands to the west and the Poison Glen, Loughs Nacung and Dunlewey and Derryveagh Mountains to the south and east. Keep an eye out for the Golden Eagle which has returned to the skies over this part of Donegal.
Walk Start: Car park on left-hand side of R251 (1 mile past Dunlewey village coming from Dungloe direction)
Distance: 4.5km
Walking Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Route Difficulty: This is a steep hike in places with a total height gain of 770 metres and requires a good level of fitness
Terrain: Dry gravel track, loose scree, mountain path, muddy in places (hiking boots or trekking shoes required and warm clothing)
Slieve League via The Pilgrim’s Path Walk – Teelin
This is a moderate trek that should suit most reasonably fit walkers. The walk proper commences in Teelin where walkers will slowly climb the Pilgrim’s Path to the church ruins and holy well on the eastern summit of Slieve League. Here walkers have the option to proceed along the One Man’s Pass to the trig point, descend the mountain via Bunglas Car Park, or return via the Pilgrim’s Path. This first option is definitely for the more adventurous and includes an exhilarating trek along the ‘One Man’s Pass’ to the trig pillar on the summit ridge of Slieve League. Be sure to check the weather forecasts and pack a fully charged camera as the views on a fine day are beyond words.
Walk Start/Finish Point: Car park at Teelin
Distance: 7km
Walking Time: 3 to 3.5 hours hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate, steep sections
Terrain: Quiet country roads and rough tracks, (hiking boots or trekking shoes advised)
For further info contact: +353 87 9879130 or info@sliabhleaguewalkers.com
Trusk Lough Linear Walk
This is a very rewarding walk and was somewhat of a secret to walking enthusiasts up until a few years ago. Although less than a 25 minute drive from Harvey’s Point, this walk will bring you into a wilderness area with wonderful sweeping views of Barnesmore and the Bluestack Mountains.
Walk Start: Car park at Trusk Lough
Distance: 14km
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate, rough track and quiet roads
Terrain: Quiet country roads, bog roads (wet in places) and hillside tracks (hiking boots essential)
For further info contact Letterkenny Tourist Office: +353 74 9121160
Tower Loop Walk – Glencolmcille
The stretch of coastline between Slieve League and Slieve Tooey is a hiker’s paradise with breathtaking cliff scenery and a wonderful sense of space and unspoilt wilderness. The tower in question is a signal tower built as an early warning look-out for possible French war ships during the Napoleonic Wars.
Walk Start and Finish: St. Columba’s Church.
Distance: 10km
Walking Time: 2 to 3 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Minor roads, mountain paths and tracks
*A more challenging and longer Drum Loop Walk (13km) is also possible.
It also begins at St. Columba’s Church and follows much of the same route.
Inishowen Head Loop
The ancient territory of Inishowen is the most northerly part of Ireland and is famed for its rugged and diverse landscapes, castles, churches and ancient Celtic crosses. This walk starts at Inishowen Head, next to a World War II look-out tower. This remote coastal loop walk is full of dramatic scenery with views of Stroove Lighthouse and across to the west of Scotland on a fair day.
Starts: Look-out tower on Inishowen Head
Distance: 8km
Walking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Bog roads, laneways, rough tracks and minor roads
International Appalachian Trail
Tymeen Park (Letterbarra Football Pitch) to N15 at Clar Chapel or Harvey’s Point
A day’s walk on part of the newly opened Donegal section of the International Appalachian Trail Donegal, which totals a distance 118.5km. This section of the route skirts the southern foothills of the Bluestack Mountain range. The last stage on this route passes by close to Harvey’s Point Hotel which warmly welcomes walkers. You also have the option of staying with us the night before and then hiring a taxi the following morning to bring you to the walk start.
Walk Start: Tymeen Park Football Pitch
Distance: 20.5km
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Tarmac back roads and gravel tracks, moderate climbs, cross-country over upland mountain bog (hiking boots essential, gaiters are advised)
Route well marked with brown posts and yellow hikers logo
For further info contact Donegal Town Tourist Office: +353 74 9721148
International Appalachian Trail
Clar Chapel or Harvey’s Point to Northern Ireland Border
This route winds through hill farm communities and offers commanding views of Lough Eske, the Bluestack Mountains and the new windmill farms before rising into a wilderness area on the Northern Ireland border. You have the option of beginning this walk from Harvey’s Point which will add an extra 3km to your route. You will need to book a local taxi in advance to collect you at the end of this day’s walk.
Walk Start: Clar Chapel or Harvey’s Point Hotel
Distance: 15.5km
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Route Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Back roads and dry gravel tracks
For further info contact Donegal Town Tourist Office: +353 74 9721148