Sliabh Snaght

This walk in nearby Inishowen is on the highest point in the peninsula, the aptly named Sliabh Snaght (snow mountain).  When there is any snow .. it falls on this mountain.

The route follows turf-cutting paths to the foot of the mountain. From here a short dash across the scarred turf and bog pools to the dry and heathery slopes of Snaght Beg, the lower summit of the mountain.  At the small jumble of stones that mark the cairn of Snaght Beg the path leads across the plateau to the second and main summit of Sliabh Snaght.

The summit of Sliabh Snaght is marked with a large cairn and inside a Trig point (Ordnance Survey measuring post).  On a cold or windy day a great shelter for lunch. Returning to the start along the same route.

Sea Arch at Horn Head

This coastal walk is a spectacular combination of beach, cliff and headland. A loop walk following the beaches and cliffs of the Horn Head peninsula and then returning along the roads to the start.

Starting at the bridge at the neck of the Peninsula, the route crosses the dunes to the long and dramatic beach of Tramore.  Then from the eastern end of the beach the route follows the coast, rising and dropping to another beach before reaching the high cliffs of Horn Head.  These precarious cliffs, alive with wheeling seabirds and nesting birds are a dramatic and one of the most scenic spots in Donegal.

From the cliffs, the route climbs up to the old WWII lookout bunkers and then follows the roads back to the starting point.

Binnion cliff path

The hill of Binnion, located beside the strand at Ballyliffin is an enjoyable and scenic coastal walk in nearby Inishowen.

Starting from the strand at Ballyliffin, the route follows the cliff path and rises to the summit overlooking Lough Swilly and Atlantic coast of Inishowen. Views of Glashedy Rock and nearby Malin Head and the Urris Hills to the south provide a scenic backdrop.

The route is unmarked and travels over open headland, it may be wet and boggy in places.

Fair Head, Co, Antrim

Starting from a small car park beside a farm, we trudge through the cattle mess until we reach the open headland. An ancient lake dwelling (Crannog) in a small nearby lake confirms that this location has been inhabited for thousands of years.  Reaching the famous Fair Head cliffs (don't look down) the route heads East along the cliff path and reaches the National Trust area at Murlough Bay.  All along the route the northerly views are of Rathlin Island and the west coast of Scotland Mull of Kintyre and islands of Islay and Jura .. (on a clear day).

At the far end of Murlough Bay we descend a trail to the shoreline, have a lunch break and then follow the road  UPHILL to the car park at Murlough Bay and then back across the headland to the starting point .. taking care to avoid the cow pats and muck .. where possible.

Refreshments in the village of Ballycastle or Bushmills on the way home.

Read a little more about the National Trust in Northern Ireland here .