Colmcille Climbers

Inishowen, Co Donegal Map OS 1:50,000 Sheet 3

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 The Ride.

 This very hilly route, follows part of the “Inishowen Scenic Loop” on a good track, before it “takes off” on a turf cutter’s track  across the bog.  The second half of the route is a long climb and descent on a minor tarmac road.  Due to its elevation, there are extensive views across the mouth of the Foyle, North Derry and Antrim coasts.  

Terrain. Mostly good tracks, but also a section of boggy terrain.

Time 2-2.5 Hours, Distance 14 Km

Approach    

From Derry to Moville/ Grrencastle, following the higher road towards Shroove to the Drunken Duck Pub.

Route

 From the Drunken Duck ( Sheet 3; Gr C 673 425), follow the road North East for less than a kilometre, turning up hill at Gr C 680 430 (where the main road turns back South downhill to the beach/lighthouse).  A substantial climb takes you up to the old wartime lookout post on top of Inishowen head, and the track continues past the picnic area/information board (where St Columba left Ireland for Iona, and climbed the hill for a last look at Derry and the “Auld Sod”), in a North West direction, before turning SW at Gr C 660 452, and going uphill again.  The track has been badly damaged here by quads and 4x4s, but is still passable.

Ignoring one turn to the right (to an isolated shed) turn right at Gr C 655 446 onto bog tracks over Glenane Hill, keeping  left and continuing to a gate/wall.  The track continues on the other side to Craig.  Out of courtesy, stop  and say  “thank you” at the first house on the right (The Music House), when you go through the second gate. The lane you just came down is private, and belongs to Mr. Anthony McHendry, a musician and generally hospitable man.

 A long climb from Craig, leads over Barnes Hill/Crockmore, and descending, take the left fork at Gr C 641 426, turning downhill again at Gr C 649 428, and  first left again (at Gr C 650 424), finally descending to Tawnawaddy.  Turn left, and just over two kilometres along this elevated road will lead back to the “Drunken Duck”, which hopefully will be open!