Walking & Hiking in Donegal

This section of the Burtonport Railway Walk is a 6 km route through spectacularly remote areas of County Donegal with magnificent views as it follows the route of the railway line to Burtonport. This section runs along Muckish Mountain from Creeslough to Falcarragh. Along the way the trail passes by lough Agher, cuts through rocky outcrops showing some of the engineering fetes involved in the cons…

Donegal really is a special place, it still retains a real sense of wildness and remoteness. If you’re looking to get away from it all, recharge and re-energise yourself there is no better place than the mountain ranges in Donegal! At Awaken Adventures we can take you on a guided hike around the many ranges, the hikes can be specifically tailored to suit your needs. Whether it’s iconic Erriga…

this is a walk for fit and experienced walkers only. Starting at the spectacularly located car park on the north side of the Gap of Marmore, this route takes the walker into the heart of Inishowens finest hills. The walk offers an unfolding backdrop of the rugged coastal scenery of north Donegal with Panoramic views in all directions. There is also a linear walk Marmore to Straid incorporating i…

This trail takes the walker on forest road through mixed age coniferous plantations past Rinnalack Hill and on to the shores of Lough Lilly. A small fen has developed here allowing white and yellow water lilies to flourish. A visit to Ards Forest Park will reward everyone at any time of the year. The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among t…

Loch Chonaill Railway Walk - This walk on a wide gravelled track provides pleasant easy walking, for most of its length following the north western bank of Loch Chonaill with a lovely open vista of typical Donegal bogland, lakeshore and mountain landscapes. Linear Walk Length 2.2km Time 35min Nearest Town: Loughanure Local Walk

Slí na Rossan - Slí Dhún na nGall - Part of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall, Slí na Rosann is a 65km circular route covering an area called the Rosses, which lies between the western outliers of the Derryveagh Mountains and the much indented Atlantic coast in west County Donegal. It is a wonderfully scenic, rock-strewn landscape scattered with more than a hundred lakes, which make it a mecca for angle…

The views in Donegal are stunning, so a country stroll becomes a mini-adventure for all the family. Ardnamona Woods is a marvellous quiet Nature Reserve with a nicely created walking path loops around large oak, hazel and holly trees in a Woodland that is left in its natural state. There are beautiful mosses, bluebells, wood sorrel, streams and the lakeside to enjoy on this delightful walk develo…

This linear trail on forest road and path takes in Bonnyglen Lough and Lough Namanlagh with some smaller lakes and streams to be seen along the route. There is a number of tree species to be enjoyed in this beautiful and peaceful woodland with a wide variety of wildlife including a heron colony. Linear Trail Length: 3km | Time: 1 hour - moderate Nearest Town: Glenties

Inch Wildfowl Reserve - Situated in the shadow of Scalp Mountain on the eastern shores of Lough Swilly, tucked neatly behind Inch Island, you will find Inch Wildfowl Reserve. The combination within this site of extensive feeding areas and safe resting and roosting sites makes this site one of the most important wetlands in the country for wintering waterfowl. This site is situated to the east of L…

Come along and experience the magic of watching the sun rise from the summit of Errigal, seeing the amazing Donegal landscape slowly being revealed as the sun rises over the land! Clothing - wear comfortable and warm clothing, no denim, bring an extra warm layer plus waterproofs. Footwear - hiking boots are ideal but any sensible and secure footwear with good grips will suffice (no open toes…

Walking around Dunree Point is undoubtably one of the highlights of a visit to the Inishowen Peninsula. A series of signposted footpaths allow the visitor to explore at their own pace. Detailed information boards, shelters, picnic tables and benches help to create a memorable experience whether you are a first time or regular visitor. Walk 1 is the most effortless of the three walks but it is…

The Milford Slí na Sláinte is 3.7km in length and starts at the Diamond, at the top of the town. To follow the route, continue downhill along the main street, crossing the bridge over Maggie’s Burn. Continue onto the Ramelton road and then turn left onto the Fanad bypass road. Continue for well over 1.5 kilometers to the ‘Lough Road’ junction (recognised by the white stone edging). Turn left again…

Cosán Colmcille - Although close to the town of Milford, and easily accessed from there, Loch Colmcille is a remote and tranquil location in an area which is rich in history and wildlife. The route to and from Milford is along footpath and quiet roads, whilst the 2.5 km section to the east of the Loch is along a disused road which is not accessible to cars. Distance: Approximately 7 kms Time…

Loch Eachnais - 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 the Rosses and out towards Arranmore Island. Linear Trail Distance: Approximately 4 kms (there and back) Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour Terrain: Rough track, quiet roads. Gra…

Slí Cholmcille is a section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that circles around the remote landscapes of south west Donegal. The name of the route is derived from that of St Colmcille, one of Ireland’s early Christian saints, who was born in County Donegal and lived for a while in this region. He is recalled in the name of Glencolmcille, Donegal’s westerlymost village, a place steeped in pre-Christ…

Lúb an Chlochain Bhig - This is a very pleasant, historically interesting walk that loops from the village of Crolly mainly on tracks and minor road with an optional a spur which is a short but attractive path along the tree-lined banks of the Gweedore River Estuary to the west. There are spectacular views along the river to the coast and across the bay. Looped Trail Length: 6.3km Time: 1hr 50…

A visit to Ards Forest Park will reward everyone at any time of the year. The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. With such a variety of landscapes, it is possible to spend many hours exploring this wonderful park. The…

Length: 8km (Not a looped walk so walkers must return or arrange a drop off or collection) Time: 2hrs Terrain: A mostly flat dirt/gravel road rising gently over last 3km This walk is a natural extension of the lakeside walk. It follows the shortest and most easily negotiated natural route through the Derryveagh Mountains. However, before the glen road was built, the route was so r…

Pleasant walk through bogland & heather offering great views of Muckish Mountain & the vast expanse of bogland in the shadow of this iconic mountain. Walk is short but provides a good atmospheric flavour of the vast walking potential of this area. Walk is adequately signposted - best in dry conditions and suitable for whole family. Looped Trail Length: 2km Time: 35min Nearest Town: Crees…

South West Donegal offers one of the most breathtaking stretches of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. From the vibrant fishing port of Killybegs to the cultural heartland of Glencolmcille, this region is rich in natural beauty, heritage, and traditional charm. Explore the lively village of Kilcar, known for its handwoven tweed and coastal walks, and nearby historic Carrick, the gateway to the majest…