The Route:
The Donegal Ways follows of country roads (30%), forest paths, mountain tracks, sheep trails, boggy tracks and sandy beaches. There are some short open hill-walking sections. It is well signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs.
You will enjoy this trip if you are physically fit and like to hike. The hikes each day will vary from 12-20 km (8-12 miles) and cross some rough, wet and rocky terrain.
8-Day Trip:
Day 1: Arrival in Donegal town
On the north eastern shore of Donegal Bay, the town is a lovely traditional town, and the county capital. Your guesthouse is situated 2km from the town on the Bluestack Way with wonderful views of the mountains. Dinner is available in your guesthouse or in Donegal town.
Day 2: Walk the Bluestack Way following the Eske River to Lough Eske.
20km Ascents 440m approx. walking time 5 hours
The Way follows the western shore of the lake and woodlands before climbing the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains. You will be rewarded with beautiful views from the Banagher saddle of Lough Eske and the mountains ahead. Follow the Eglish river valley through the drumlins of south Donegal to the deserted townlands. Your hosts will transfer you from the end of the walk back to your guesthouse.
Day 3: Hike to Glenties over the pass at Cloghmeen Hill through blanket bogland.
13km Ascents 370m approx. walking time 4 hours Optional extra route to Lough Anna 5km
Your hosts will transfer you to where the walk finished yesterday. Today’s walk is through more of the lowland settlements, past the pre Christian graveyard of Disert. Traverse the mountain of Luaghnabrogue to follow through the solitude of the Owenroe River to the sheep farming country south of Glenties. Overnight in Glenties village.
Day 4: Free day to walk in the Glenties area. 14km. Ascents 130m approx. walking time 4 hours
Walk through lanes and boglands to the beautiful Lough Naeroaghy on the little drumlin of Derkbeg 330m. Enjoy fabulous views of the Gweebarra Bay and west to the Atlantic. Return to Glenties and overnight.
Day 5: Follow The Bluestack Way and the Owenea River to Ardara. 12km
Today’s walk follows the fishing access route to the Owrnea River on gorse lined paths with the Atlantic ahead and the mountains behind. It’s a relatively easy day’s walking and allows pleanty of time to enjoy the lovely town of Ardara. Overnight Ardara village.
Day 6: Follow the Slí Cholmcille along the foothills of the Slieve Tooey and Crockuna mountains to Glencolmkille. 20km Ascents 630m approx. walking time 6 hours
Transfer by taxi to Maghera Strand. This walk is demanding but very rewarding. Climb by road to the top of the Owenree River valley to look down on Loughros Beg Bay, Maghera Strand and east to Ardara. The Way crosses a mountain pass at 350m to descend by road through sheep farming foothills to the gloriously remote cove of Port. What a place for lunch! (Packed…there’s nothing here but boats and gulls!) Your final climb of the day takes you up Faugher Mountain to descend to the village of Glencolmkille. This remote and beautiful corner of Donegal is also a Gaelic speaking area and has many interesting megalithic and early Christian monuments.
Day 7: Follow the Slí Colmcille to Cashel via Cornadreeshark and Crockunna hills (200m). 14km.
Ascents 310m approx. walking time 4 hours
Optional route to Slieve League Cliffs 12km Ascents 550m
The route to Carrick follows blanket bogland and the traditional cart tracks between the settlements. Teelin Bay is a lovely enclosed fishing harbour, a gentle introduction because over the top are the stunning, exhilarating Slieve League cliffs. Don’t miss them. Your hosts will collect you from Teelin and transfer you to your accommodation near Kilcar.
Day-8: Transfer from Kilcar by public bus to Donegal.
10-Day Trip:
Day 1 - 6: As per above itinerary!
Day 7: Rest day in Glencolmbcille to enjoy this fascinating corner of Ireland with its many cultural and historical aspects. Coastal cliffs walk from the village to Sturrall Head and return via Garveross Mountain.
Day 8: Follow the Sli Colmcille from your guesthouse to Cashel via Cornadreeshark and Crockunna hills (200m). 14km.
Day 9: Hike the Slieve League cliffs at Bunglass, hiking along some of the highest cliffs in Europe. 12km.
Day 10: Departure.
Maps and Information:
We will provide you with copies of the relevant Ordnance Survey maps of the area, the new 1:50000 "Discovery" series, sheet numbers 1, 10, 11. You will also have detailed text descriptions of each day’s walk and information on where you are staying and where you can eat.
The information pack (1 per 2 participants) will be mailed to you at home on receipt of full payment. If there is not time to send it to you, it will be at your first guesthouse and you will receive instructions to get there.