CLIMBING DONEGAL

Guided Hikes, Climbs and Scrambles

People doing mountaineering

The Derryveagh mountains are Donegals highest mountain range and named coolest place on planet by National Geographic

We are the leading provider of guided ascents of the Derryveagh mountains  (translated from the Gaelic “Cnoic Dhoire Bheatha)”.

On the day of your climb you will be personally led by Irelands leading Mountaineer Jason black who will share a wealth of information on the history, geology, flora and fauna, along with lots of entertaining & interesting tales from these mountains, gained through many years spent climbing their slopes along with all important local knowledge. You will be given assistance, encouragement and guidance and will never have to worry about navigation or route finding. Any ascent of Donegals highest mountain is a tough challenge requiring a good level of fitness enabling you to hike in mountainous terrain for 6 hours+.

All that’s required is for you to arrive with suitable footwear and clothing, a packed lunch and sense of humour and adventure, ready and up for the challenge and the rest we will look after!!!

Choose Your Grade

Graded on fitness 

Moderate

 

No prior hiking experience needed but a moderate level of fitness certainly is an advantage. Good underfoot conditions with short simple inclines. Time 6-8hrs.

 

Strenuous

 

Prior hiking experience advantageous but not necessary, a good level of fitness certainly is an absolute must. Can be rough and uneven in sections. Longer sections of steeper ground with rocky terrain / scree at times requiring easy scrambling on exposed terrain. Time 8-10hrs.

 

Challenging

 

Must have a high level of mountain fitness from regular hikes of duration 5hrs + is essential. Previous scrambling experience necessary as this grade may involve prolonged scrambling on precarious terrain. Being completely comfortable on exposed ground is essential as terrain may involve ridge or traverses or scrambling on exposed cliffs. All of this may be in adverse weather conditions. Time 8-11hrs.

Choose Your Hike

If your looking for a specific date please contact me directly 

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MAP & COMPASS SKILLS WORKSHOP – €65 

Spend the morning 4hr in the lowlands of the Derryveagh Mountains learning the basic skills of map and compass, which will keep you safe to explore in the mountains. No experience is needed. You will be introduced to the following aspects :

  • Introduction to Map and Compass 
  • The 4D’s in navigation 
  • Bearings and headings 
  • Hand railing and Aiming off.
  • Reading Grid references
  • Navigating in poor weather 
  • Emergency procedures
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CNOC FOLA HIKE – €65 

Moderate grade hike – 6+ hrs, 15km.
This is a flat hike – Cnoc Fola, or ‘The Hill of Blood’ suggests that this was the site of some ancient Celtic battle. However Bloody Foreland takes its name from the way in which the setting sun enhances the natural red of the granite cliffs.

This richly varied hike through landscapes that represent the best in Donegal’s coastal scenery, including a promenade through moorland just under Bloody Foreland, with spectacular views of tory island -and a scattered Atlantic sea coast line that will leave you speechless. Perfect for those that just want a day on the flat. 

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POSION GLEN HORSESHOE – €65 

Moderate grade hike  – 6 hrs, 11km.
It is the site of a mythical battle between Lugh – king of the Tuatha De Danaan, and his grandfather Balor of the Evil Eye. The Poisoned Glen horseshoe renowned for its sweeping valleys, imposing mountains and shimmering high lakes. It is very true to say the magnificent beauty of this area is such a capturing sight remote and undiscovered. Keep an eye out for the ghost of the Green Lady on the Guinness Estate across the tranquil Dunlewey Lough!!

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DERRYVEAGH 2 DAY CAMPING EXPEDITION€149

Strenuous grade hikes – 6+ hrs, 11km.
Specialised overnight expedition training, learning the specific skills needed for wild camping or long trips to remote mountain ranges. We meet, we climb, we educate, we explore & we inspire by breathing fresh air back into the way we think and act in the great outdoors 

  • Expedition tents provided
  • Expedition food provided
  • Cooking equipment provided.
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SLIABH SNEACHTA HIKE – €75

Strenuous grade hike – 6/7 hrs, 11km.
Sliabh Sneachta is the second highest mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains area and the 149th highest in Ireland. Sliabh Sneachta is the second highest point in county Donegal and boasts the magical rock structure.

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THE SEVEN SISTERS – €85

Challenging grade route – 10+ hrs, 21km.
Hiking the seven mountains from Muckish mountain traversing the Derryveagh Mountain range, finishing on the summit of Donegals highest Errigal Mountain.
Our Seven Sisters Challenge is as follows:

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BLACK EYE GULLY€75

Strenuous Grade 2 scramble – 5+ hrs.
Blacks Gully located on the East face of Mt Errigal. This specular gully was developed for mountaineers in preparation for Mt Everest and ambitious new heights. You require a climbing helmet for a safe ascent.
This Gully is the most direct and exciting ascent route on Errigal Mountain. The loose Gully requires confident scrambling ability, you should not be afraid of heights. This is a tough arduous route. It requires a good level of fitness.

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Miners path

THE PIG – €75

Strenuous Grade 2 scramble – 5+ hrs.
The Pigs Back gully scramble located on the Mighty Muckish Mountain. This Gully is the most direct and exciting ascent route to the summit cross. You require a climbing helmet for a safe ascent. The gully requires confident scrambling ability, you should not be afraid of heights. This is a
tough arduous route. It requires a good basic level of fitness.

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Errigal Mountain 2

TOWER RIDGE€85

Challenging Grade 3 scramble – 5+ hrs.
Tower ridge located on the North west face of Errigal mountain is a much steeper and much more exposed affair. The route requires the use of a rope, helmet and a small selection of climbing gear for a safe ascent, as this ridge is a very steep but an excellent grade 3 scramble.

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Stay and Play

Our jaw dropping adventure base in the heart of the the Derryveagh mountains.

Accommodation Options

We have a range of accommodation types, take your pick.

THE BUNK HOUSE

8 guests – 4 bedrooms – 4 Bunks – 2 doubles.

The space

Rented a room or rent the complete bunk house, the choice is yours.
The Bunk house is a clever conversion from an old garage to an entire stylish 4 room bunk house complete with full size kitchen and shower room & toilet. It has been fitted with modern and high quality features throughout and features jaw dropping views over Hornhead. Located right in the heart of Dunfanaghy, you’re only a few minutes from shops, eateries, bars, the beach and all local tourist attractions. The perfect place for that adventurer or a couple looking for a comfortable stay.

  • THE BUNK HOUSE – Minimum stay is 2 nights.
  • Four rooms available (sleeps 2 per room)
  • Book a bunk room (sleeps 2)
  • Book a double bed room (sleeps 2)
  • Kitchen / Dining 
  • Private room’s
  • Washing & Drying room
  • Private entrance 
  • Tv & Wifi 

AVAILABILITY

Check your dates in our occupancy calendar.
Note: Dates highlighted in Red  are not available.

EVEREST LODGE

12 guests – 4 bedrooms – all ensuite.

The space

Rented on a complete house only basis. The accommodation hosts 12 guests, Bedroom one (2 x King double beds) Bedroom two (2 x King double beds) Bedroom three (Queen size bed) Bedroom four (Queen size bed)
The wall’s of this famous property speaks a thousand words filled with magical photos and artefact’s from expeditions to the greatest mountains in the world. This unique property is kept in the highest standard with each spacious bedroom all ensuite with power showers. The house boasts two large sitting rooms a welcome open fire, a modern kitchen and a beautiful outside BBQ dining area. This is a very unique comfortable private accommodation in Dunfanaghy with the Derryveagh mountains behind and everything adventure on your doorstep.

  • EVEREST LODGE WEEKLY full house arriving Saturday and departing Saturday
  • EVEREST LODGE WEEKEND full house for two nights or three nights options. 
  • Kitchen / Dining 
  • Private room’s
  • Washing & Drying room
  • Private entrance 
  • Tv & Wifi 

AVAILABILITY

Check your dates in our occupancy calendar.
Note: Dates highlighted in Red  are not available.