Bluestack Mountains Way
36 miles (58 km)This long distance waymarked walk takes you through the Bluestack Mountains from Donegal to Ardara.
The trail captures the rugged, isolated essence of County Donegal. Linking the historic Donegal Town to the coastal heritage village of Ardara, this trek usually takes about three days to traverse.... The journey begins at the Diamond in Donegal Town and quickly transitions into nature as it hugs the shores of the scenic Lough Eske, a lake famous for its luxury castle hotels and the surrounding oak woodlands.
As the path climbs into the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, hikers reach the ancient site of Disert. This area is steeped in spirituality and folklore, containing a medieval monastic enclosure, a holy well dedicated to St. Colmcille, and a "cillín" or ancient graveyard. Beyond Disert, the trail enters its most wild and challenging phase, crossing remote moorland between the peaks of Binbane and Cloghmeen Hill. This section offers total immersion in an upland wilderness before descending into the isolated peatlands of Meenawannia. For those hiking in poor visibility or heavy rain, a lower-level alternative route is available to bypass this exposed mountain pass.
The final leg of the journey leads into Glenties and follows the peaceful banks of the Owenea River, a renowned salmon fishing spot, all the way to the Atlantic-facing town of Ardara. While the terrain includes a mix of bog roads, open moorland, and quiet tarmac lanes, the total ascent of 1,430m is manageable as most of the route stays at lower elevations. Beyond the scenery, the region is rich in granite geology and local legends, including tales of the warrior Finn MacCumhail. Visitors might also find interest in Ardara’s history as a hub for traditional Donegal tweed weaving and its brief connection to poet Dylan Thomas, who famously spent a summer in the area.
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