Up the airy mountain

Mount Errigal may look daunting, but the beauty of walking is that you can make it as tough or as easy as you like, writes Francis…

Mount Errigal may look daunting, but the beauty of walking is that you can make it as tough or as easy as you like, writes Francis Bradley

FOR ALL the acknowledged merits of Co Donegal, Errigal - at 752m (2,467ft) its highest mountain - deserves to be the first walk from the northwest of the country to be included in this series.

No matter what your approach is - north, south, east or west - the majesty of the mountain dominates the landscape. Its relative isolation helps, of course, and it looks big, alp-like and, in young eyes, and from certain angles if you squint, like a volcano.

Errigal is not that big - it is 286m (938ft) lower than Carrauntoohil - and comes only 76th in the all-Ireland list of mountains by height.

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But in Errigal's case looks are everything, and from all angles it is beautiful. The view from Dunlewy, with the old church in the foreground and Errigal soaring up behind, is perhaps its most iconic.

Another great thing about Errigal is that you can make your walk as tough, or as easy, as you like. Apart from an approach from the east, all other routes are strenuous, with most taking you up the scree slopes that characterise the mountain.

Our walk starts from an elevated position of about 240m (787ft) on the R251, about 10km east of Gweedore. This is the shortest route to the summit, so if time is a factor this is the route for you.

Starting from the car park on the R251, you have a choice of established tracks to begin your ascent. Travelling in a northwesterly direction, you soon reach firmer ground on the shoulder of the mountain.

This section becomes steep, and the sense of exposure is very evident. Farther along, the angle eases, and suddenly you are at the first, and highest, of the twin summits.

And what an airy place it is - there isn't another top like it in the country - its isolated position giving it a unique panorama.

There is one final task before you return to your car, and that is to take in the second summit by way of a narrow exposed track. It is quite safe, but take extra care in strong wind or if conditions are icy.

It wouldn't be unusual to spend more time on the summit than it takes to walk back down to the car.

Your return route is the reverse of your ascent.

Mount Errigal, Co Donegal

WhereMount Errigal, Co Donegal.

Start and finishCar park on R251, about 10km east of Gweedore.

How to get thereBy car.

DistanceUp to 5.5km.

TimeUp to two hours, or as long as you care to take.

MapsOrdance Survey Ireland Discovery Series sheet 1.

SuitabilityAn easy but steep walk suitable for all ages. Take care on the summit. Know how to read a map and use a compass. Dress appropriately, bring drinks and snacks - and don't litter.