Colmcille Climbers

Co.Sligo  Map OS 1:50,000 Sheet 16

The Ride

A circuit of, arguably,  the most dramatic valley in the Dartry Mountains by the ‘Horseshoe Road’, including a climb to the mast at the summit of Truskmore, 647m.

Terrain

Mostly tarmac, but includes a climb to over 2000 feet, so not to be underestimated (if you intend to include Truskmore).

Time 3-3.5 hours.  Distance 27 km.   Ascent 700m.

Approach

From Sligo on the N15, towards Donegal Town.  One Kilometre beyond Cliffoney, there is a car park at a crossroads Gr  G 718 546.

The Route

At the crossroads go right (south east) for just over 4 Km, with increasingly impressive views of  Ben Whiskin’s wavecrest ridge, rearing up ahead.  At G 738 503, turn right at a crossroads at Keelogues, cross a bridge and go immediately left.  The road climbs gradually through forestry (The Horseshoe Road) for 3 km, with Dairmuid and Grainne’s Cave high above on the right, before being forced east by the precipitous end wall of the cirque.  Crossing a river, the access road to the mast heads up right, climbing steadily for about 3 Km to the highpoint of the Dartry Mountains ( and this guide) at 647m.

Pause at the summit to admire the view (if it is clear!), across Donegal Bay to Slieve League.

Watch out for potholes on the descent, (and the odd sharp bend), and turn right on rejoining the Horseshoe Road.  Continue down the east side of the valley past Clogh, for about 3 km, to an old mill site now used as a recreation area.  Cross the road to a gate opposite, and take the track over an old miners’ dam, turn right and descend a short distance back into Keelogues.  This time turn left, and then after a kilometre right, to a T junction.  Right again for a short distance to a cross roads, then left into Cliffoney, where there is an opportunity for refreshments.

Your car is less than 2 km further north on the N15.