Walking Routes

South & West Donegal's unspoilt beauty provides walkers with the opportunity to experience the different cultures, folklore & landscapes which make up this unique part of Ireland.
Our dramatic landscapes are just waiting to be discovered.There are coastal walks looped walks, long distance waymarked routes and beautiful forest walks, you will be spoilt for choice.

Way Marked Ways

Blue Stack Way

TheBluestack Way is 47km long from Donegal Town to Ardara, with local link routes from towns and villages where accommodation and entertaiment are avialable, adding a further 63km to the route. The Bluestack Mountains are rugged mountain range with peaks in excess of 600m and in parts are quiet remote.

Bealach na Gealtachta

Bealach na Gealtachta, Dún na nGall is a set of four long distance walking routes which have been developed as a National Waymarked Way by Donegal Country Council and Údarás na Gealtacht in association with Fáilte Ireland. These routes have been developed in the Donegal Gealtacht and Islands. A total of 290km provides the walker with many opportunities to sample the unique landscape and heritage of the region. The four waks are: Sli are Earagail, Sli na Rossan, Sli na Finne and Sli Cholmcille

Looped Walks

Glencolmcille Loop

1. Tower Loop
From St. Columbia`s Church, the route meanders towards a beach along a quiet lane, before heading north onto a step mountain track. A short detour takes you to Glen Head, where the cliffs drop 200m into the Atlantic. The track continues over the southern shoulder of Beefan and Gavercross Mountain and then descents into a lane.

2. Drum Loop Detour
Take a left to follow this loop, which climbs around the eastern summit of Beefan and Gavercross Mountain before going down again towards the village through the townland of Drom along a steep track, and rejoining the Tower Loop. The Drum Loop means you have bypassed only a few hundred metres of the Tower Loop. which won`t take long the explore.

Distance: Tower Loop - Approximately 7.5 kms
Tower Loop with Drum Loop - approximately: 11kms
Grade: Tower Loop- Moderate although there is a steep climb to the tower.
Drum Loop - Hard and relativively remote.
Terrain: Quiet roads, bogroad/rough track, bog.

Inishowen Head Loop

Start from the village of Greencastle in north east Donegal. Follow the R241 out of the village in the direction of Stroove. On the outskirts of the village, the R241 turns right and follow the coast for approximately 5 km to reach a lighthouse at Stroove. Just 200m past the lighthouse, leave the R241 as it turns sharp left and take the minor road (straight ahead) sign posted Inishowen Head. This roadway ascends onto Inishowen headland - the trailhead is located on the right after 1 km.
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Bog roads, Laneways, rough tracks and minor roads.

Arranmore Island Loop

The walk around Arainn Mhór (Arranmore) is sign posted as Sli Árainn Mhór (part of Bealach na Gaeltacha) and begins and ends at the Ferry Port. The views in all directions along that walk are stunning and the western half of the route is particularly remote.
Distance: 14 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Quiet roads, rough tracks.

Tory Island Loop

Tory Island is a unique walking destination with its own very unique atmosphere, culture and historic heritage. Add to this, coastal scenery which is simply stunning and, thanks to the absence of rats, an abundance of wildlife else in Donegal, and the walker is guaranteed a memoralbe walking experience.
Distance:8 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Quiet roads and tracks.

Gola Island Loop

Although relatively small, Gola Island is the ideal destination for a walker seeking an off the beaten track walk which, whilst not difficult, brings with it ample rewards. The Island is gently undulating, with superb coastal scenery and the unique atmophere of an island community with its own distinct identity.
Distance: 4 km
Grade: easy
Terrain: Quiet roads and track.

Forest Walks

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of County Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. There are 5 signposted walks within the Park ranging in length from 3km to 22km long to suit both the casual and experienced walker.
Most of the Park is mountained and is suitable for property prepared hikers only. If you intend walking on the hills, please leave details of your planned route and expected time of return at the Visitor Centre.

Ards Forest Park

At Ards Forest Park you can enjoy many forest walks,a car park and childeren`s play area. There are a number of signposted walks incorporating the main features of the park. These include the Ards Heritage Trail which is 3,5 km long, the Nature Trail and the Green trail which are both 3km long and the Red Trail which 13km long.
This walk does incorporate some provision for shortcuts back to the starting point should the weather change.

Coastal Walks

Creevy Shore Walk

This purpose built shore extends from Rossnowlagh, through Creevy and to the mouth of Erne Estuary at Ballyshannon.
Walkers shoud note that fence crossing along the route are by stile rather than gates.
Distance: 10 kms
Terrain: Prepaired path.
Grading: Moderate due to its length and exposure. The ground can be slippery in wet weather.

The Rougey Walk

A circular walk taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean from Rougey and Bundoran`s bustling Main Street.
Distance: 4,5 kms
Grading: Moderate-Care should be taken on exposed sections in windy/wet weather.

West End Cliff Walk

Start from Bundoran Tourist Office and follow the main Sligo Road through the West End. After a short distance West End Cliff Walk is signposted on right hand side. Join the walk at this point and follow it long the cliff top path. At the end of the of the West End Cliff Walk continue by following the path on your left through the residential area until it joins the main road. Turn left and follow the main road back towards the Tourist Office.

Other Walks

Mt. Errigal

Startin/Finishing Point: The most popular point for starting the ascent on one of Donegal`s most easily recognised peaks is at grid ref. B947199. at this point, it is possible to park a few cars safely off the R251 which runs between Dunlewy and the Genveigh National Park.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
From thecar park", make your way towards the base of the mountain. The beginning of the path is over boggy and often waterlogged ground. In the distance, you will see a set of fence posts. Make for these, as they mark the start of the path up the eastern slope of Errigal. After approx. one hour, you will come to one of the narrowest parts of the path, with a sharp drop on your right side. Shortly after passing here, you will crest a ridge with a small ring-fort like structure that can provide a bit of shelter from the wind. Beside this small windbreak, stands the Joey Glover Memorial. From here, you are only approx. 10 minutes from the top. The summit actually consists of two peaks, connected by a narrow ridge. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, with most of Donegal and some of the surrounding counties opening out below you. To return to your car, retrace your steps, remembering to take care when descending the scree slopes. Great care should be taken on the scree slopes, especially on the descent. In the area between Errigal and Mackoght, you can see small mounds. These appear to be ice-age drumlins, however, these consist of stone, and not the usual soil that is more common.
DISTANCE: APPROX. 4 km
ASCENT: APPROX. 510 mtr
TIME: APPROX. 2.5 HOURS

Corravaddy Wood

A varied and easy woodland walk in Coilte Forestry which is just 10 min drive from Letterkenny. Its elevated location ensures impressive views of Lough Swilly and the surrounding countryside.
Distance: Approximately 4kms
Terrain: Forest track
Grading: easy.

Doocharry- Fintown Walk

This spectacular walk, which is a section of Bealach na Gealtachta Waymarked Way, can begin/end in ether Doochary or Fintown. It takes you through some of Donegal`s finest woodland walking and a modest climb just north of Fintown gives spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
Distance: 9 kms
Terrain: Quiet roads, bog road/ rough track, open bog
Grading: Difficult.

Lough Derg

This walk is based on the route of a Pilgrimage path which has been in use since the 12th Century. Today the route, which is fully sign-posted, extends through an area being managed by Coilte, the Irish Forestry organisation. In addition to its historical interest, the walk also offers exceptional lakeside views of Lough Derg and the surrounding countryside. A number of spurs allow access to view points and historic intrest.
Distance: 12 kms
Terrain:Forest paths and roads
Grading:Easy.

Maghery Walk

This walk forms part of Sli na Rossan (National Waymarked Way) but is an excellent short walk on its own. Shortly after leaving the beach/car park you are in quiet countryside with excellent views over Roses and out towards Aranmore Island.
Distance: Approximately 4 kms (there and back)
Terrain: Rough track, quiet raods
Grading: Moderate, Altough the walk is only moderately difficult, there is a relatively steep climb to begin with.

The Gap Trail

This purpose built walking and cycling trail follows the old railway line which served a Bord na Mona turf extraction facility. It crosses the Owenea River (and the Bluestack Waymarked Way at this point), passes through an area of forestry and ends at the remote, but hauntingly beautiful, Lough McHugh.
Distance: Approxmately 2,8 kms
Terrain: Purpose built path suitable for walking and cycling
Grading: Easy to moderate.

Slieve League

To get here from Donegal Town, take the N56 towards Killybegs. When you reach Killybegs, keep on the R263 until you arrive at Carrick. Cross the bridge, take the second left (follow the sign for Teelin/Bunglass cliffs), and follow the road towards Teelin. When you arrive in Teelin, turn right after you pass the post office (Gallagher`s). Continue up the road, following the sign until you come to the gate, ( close the gate after you). Keep going until you get to the carpark. If you are driving, do not be alarmed if the road disappears from your field of vision, as there are a few steep gradients and the only thing you will see is the distant horizon.

START/FINISHING POINT: Bunglas car park.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: From the car park, follow the well-marked path leading towards the first summit (Scregeighter-308metres). Keep following the path, which changes from following the edge of the cliffs to wandering more inland. On the path, there are a few places where extreme care must be taken. i.e. G558775 after you pass spot height 435metres. One of the paths leads you to a very narrow, steep, knife-edge with a near vertical drop on the seaward side. and very steep slopes on the inland side. However, there is a safer inland path on which you can safely by-pass these places, and rejoin the same route after a few hundred metres. From here, continue to follow the worn path, which leads upwards towards the rock strewn plateau. When you reach the plateau, follow the line of the cliffs until you come to "ONE MAN`S PASS". Although it sounds narrow, it is wide enough, in places, for at least two people to pass by. When you cross over the "pass", follow the cliff until you come to the trig point. You are now at the summit of Slieve League (1972 feet-595mts). If you continue along the cliff edge for approx. 100 mts, look downwards to coast line and you will see rock chimneys, reminiscent of the wild west. When you return across "ONE MAN`S PASS", you are faced with two options, return by the route you ascended, or descend the "Pilgrim's Path" (also known as the "Old Man's Pass"). If you choose the latter, follow the cairns which dot the plateau, and you will find the ruins of a small chapel (associated with Saints Aedh Mac Bric and Assicus). The last pilgrimage to these ruins was held in approx. 1909. From here, start down the valley towards Teelin. Take care, as the path underfoot is sometimes rocky/slippery/waterlogged. At the bottom of the path, you will come to a set of sheep pens. From here, follow the roadway back to your starting point, or if feeling energetic, go "cross country" until you arrive back at the car park.
POINTS TO NOTE: IF YOU SUFFER FROM VERTIGO, OR THE DAY HAS STRONG GUSTS OF WIND BLOWING, I RECOMMEND THAT YOU STAY ON THE "PILGRIM`S PATH".
DISTANCE: APPROX. 10km
ASCENT: APPROX. 700 mtr
TIME: 4/5 Hrs

St Johns Point

This is the end of the long narrow peninsula that runs south-west from Dunkineely. To get here, drive west on the N56 from Donegal Town towards Killybegs. In the locality, you will find the remains of times long gone. Everything from Standing stones to an old castle. From an old Friary, to no less than twelve ring forts. Drive along the peninsula for approx. 8 km until you come to the beach. Park the car, and you can walk in either direction. The walk towards the lighthouse is rewarding with magnificent views of Donegal Bay, the islands, the surrounding coastline.

Slieve Snaght & Poisned Glen

STARTING/FINISHING POINT: The car park at Lough Barra (Grid Ref. B929124), on the R254 from Doocharry to Glendowan. ROUTE DESCRIPTION: Leave the car park 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 south-westerly 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 car park 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 car park.
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 km
ASCENT: APPROX. 580 mtr
TIME: 3 HRS

Bloody Foreland Walk

Walk Details
A coastal walk against the back drop of one of Donegal's iconic landmarks -BloodyForeland.
The route is signposted as part of the Bealach na Gaeltachta - Sli an Earagail.
Distance: Approximately 13 kms
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Terrain:Quiet roads, bog road/rough track.
Grading: Moderate - although there is no climbing involved, the route underfoot can be rough in places and sections of the walk can feel remote, particularly in poor weather.
Getting There
The walk can start/end at either its northern end at Bunaninver(approx 2kms west of Falcarragh) or its southern end at Lough Aninver (approx 4.5 kms north of Derrybeg).
Parking is limited at both locations and visitors are asked to park sen-sitively and to ensure that parked vehicles do not obstruct access for local people or work activities.