Hill-Walking in Donegal
Posted by Glenn
Last Saturday we had another memorable days hill-walking in the hills of Donegal. Irwin kept us a little in the dark again about the route we were to take, only telling us that we would finish with Errigal, the highest point in Donegal at 751m.
Wet.
We parked at the parking area at the foot of Mount Errigal, and headed up the road, away from it, continuing on the road for some way, turning off the road to the left, onto a track which led us eventually to Altan Lough.
Very Wet.
Altan Lough is in a valley, and I am sure it is absolutely beautiful, in good weather. It has a sandy beach…quite unusual for a freshwater lough, and at the waters edge, stands the ruins of Altan Farm, which was a summer residence for Glenveagh Castle (so I am told).
Did I mention it was Wet?
We started up the first ascent…Beaghy, a mere 392m (but it gets there pretty fast!) and before long, we were wanting to stop for a breather or two. The standing joke is asking me if I want to stop to take any photos!
As we proceeded across and down, the weather got increasingly worse, and starting up the second hill, we all thought it wise to walk round the windward side, for safety.
Also Very Windy.
We managed to find a sheltered spot beside a small waterhole for lunch, and we were ready for it! Raymond’s lunch-box was much lighter after this!
After lunch, we decided to at least start up Errigal, and see how the weather developed, and to our surprise, it gradually improved, although as you can see the visibility wasn’t great!
As we kept trudging on, however…the weather continued to improve, presenting us with some stunning views. A really welcome change from the wind and rain!
Please click on the thumbnails to see larger versions, pressing the “Back” button to return here.
In the first of these three, I love the way the wind is coming up from the left side, leaving it clear, while the right side of the mountain is totally in cloud.
As you can see, we were well rewarded for slogging on through the dreadful weather…God was good to us.
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8 Responses to “Hill-Walking in Donegal”
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So, your photography is now an excuse for a break, eh? Typical!
I love that first thumbnail image, Glenn. It’s a real cracker!!
Thanks Armen, I like that one myself!
It is really difficult combining hill-walking and photography! Many times we are at a scene which deserves much more time and thought, and I just can’t hold the whole group up! Often these scenes are quite inaccessible, requiring another full day, if I wanted to return.
Sometimes, however, the timing, the light, and the other variables just click into place, and you get a shot that is worth a thousand.
Just as well I’m going on these walks because I enjoy hill-walking….and not just because I’m chasing that elusive photograph!
More from the Mournes soon!
Fantastic photographs Glenn!!!!!! So it is Irwin who directs all these walks? Very good. I really enjoy checking up on what you all get up to these saturdays. Looks like your having a great time!! Good for you. Keep the photos coming too.
Well, Ruth, Irwin doesn’t plan all our walks…Kenny, who is going to Kilimanjaro too, is also an experienced hill-walker/map reader, and he would take the helm on occasion!
Really glad you are enjoying it…coz we are!
Not telling our route is a good thing (for me). If we make a wrong turning who’s to know? – Only joking he he.
Photo’s are great – can’t wait to see some more of them. Don’t worry about holding the group up – take plenty more and enjoy the moment.
Well, Irwin, if we were not going to Kilimanjaro, I wouldn’t worry about holding the group up, or taking plenty of time to take photos, but we are going! It is therefore the small matter of training/exercise that I feel is quite important.
Because we are aiming for Kilimanjaro, I feel if I didn’t push myself just a little bit, when we are out, I wouldn’t be training, I would just be walking.
I don’t know about you, but I think I need the training!
I am enjoying every minute of it, the photography side, and the training side!
wow the views from the top of them mountains are fantastic!! i just dont think i wud get to the top to c them tho!
LOL Joanna, You will just have to keep visiting here to see the photographs then !