Scenic Walks in South Donegal

Donegal is a picturesque county with breathtaking scenery, dramatic coastlines and an unspoilt natural beauty. The county is the fourth largest in Ireland and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its extensive mountain ranges, lakes and endless coastline. Walking is a treat in Donegal due to the wide range of walking and hiking routes and attracts visitors from all over Europe.

South Donegal has some fantastic walking routes that are suitable for every level of walking fitness. Hiking routes take in historic ruins, wildlife, fauna and unbelievable scenery. Donegal's secret weapon is that it has escaped the riggers of modern construction and is truly an idyllic location that offers visitors beauty and tranquillity.

Lough Eske Loop Walk

Lough Eske Loop Walk  is 6km long and will take approximately two hours to complete. This walk is graded easy to moderate, so would be suitable for most walking levels. The walk is well-sign posted and will take you along the shore of Lough Eske River, incorporating stunning views of The Bluestack Mountains and surrounding countryside. Ard na Mona Nature Reserve is along the route and is home to red deer, red squirrels, foxes and many bird species. Look out for the Famine Pot which dates back to the 1840’s and is allegedly the largest in Ireland.

Cashelard Loop Walk

Cashelard Loop Walk is about a five minute drive from Ballyshannon Town on the N15. Follow the signs for Cashelard Village. The walk commences at the car park next to the Traveller’s Rest Pub, Cashelard. This walk is 6.5km long and will take about two hours to complete. It is graded as easy, so it is suitable for all fitness levels and the terrain is along country roads. Along the route you will see the derelict ancestral home of ex British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which was the birth place of his mother, Hazel Corscadden. The area is rich in flora and fauna and is also home to the Hen Harrier, which is a rare bird of prey.

Creevy Pier Coastal walk

Creevy Pier Coastal walk takes you for a hike along the dramatic Donegal coastline. The walk commences next to Creevy Pier Hotel, which is well signposted out of Ballyshannon Town. This hike is 6km in length and will take about an hour and a half to complete. The terrain is grassy track, stiles and country roads, so caution is required. The hike is graded as moderate and walking boots are advised. You will enjoy fantastic views of cliff-tops and rocky coastline as well as the spectacular Donegal coast, Dartry Mountains and Ben Bulben Mountain.

Roughey walk

There is also a delightful coastal walk  in the picturesque seaside resort of Bundoran, fast becoming the surfing capital of Ireland! The Roughey walk is approximately 4km in length and is graded as a moderate walk, due to its hilly incline. This is a lovely family walk, but caution is required with youngsters, as there are steep drops in many places along the path. The terrain is made up of a concrete path that meanders its way adjacent to the spectacular North Atlantic Ocean. The views are truly spectacular and there are benches placed intermittently along the scenic route so walkers can sit and admire the beautiful and dramatic landscapes. On a clear day you can see as far as Sliabh Liag, which is the highest sea-cliffs in Europe.

As you can see there are some lovely walking trails in South Donegal, each one as spectacular as the next . There are plenty of Walkers Welcome B&Bs available in Donegal. They will have signs outside their home to say they welcome walkers and when you book your accommodation online it will specify which homes are approved as Walkers Welcome.

Booking a Donegal B&B 

Posted: 04 Mar 2013 by Claire Regan | with 0 comments

Tags: Donegal, Walking, Walking Trails