We are now well into autumn, or the fall, here in Inishowen, County Donegal. The trees are busy changing colour and shedding their leaves while the evenings are also getting shorter. So far it has been a gentle introduction to the coming winter months with some lovely mild and sunny hiking weather. The hills and mountains are glowing in their autumn colours and it is one of the best times of the year to have a hiking or walking adventure in Donegal. We are often asked what our favourite walking routes are. There are so many, and it’s a tough pick but our top hiking and walking locations at this time of year would have to include the Bridal Path in Glenveagh National Park, Fair Head in County Antrim and our very own Bog Safari Hike here in Inishowen.
Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal Any walking route in Glenveagh, located in the wild and unspoilt Derryveagh Mountains, is always an excellent choice. The Head of the Glen hiking route, known locally as the Bridal Path, is extra special during the autumn season. Starting at the Head of the Glen trail head, you can follow this atmospheric walking route either as a through walk to the Visitor Centre Car Park, or to the Castle and back again. A Hikers Bus is available to the trailhead at the weekends and on demand. Contact the Glenveagh National Park for further details. Top tip: call into the Castle coffee shop for coffee and homemade cake.
Fairhead in County Antrim, Northern Ireland With stunning views of Rathlin Island, the Scottish coastline and Isles, this walk never disappoints. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, its dramatic airy cliffs, loughs, native woods and cultural heritage has something for everyone. You will also often spot climbers scaling the cliffs. The native woodland is now taking on its autumn colours and is a joy at this time of year. At sea level you will pass by kilns that were once used to burn kelp to extract iodine for a variety of uses, was a traditional industry in the Glen of Antrim in the 18th and early 19th Centuries. Top tip: the shoreline opposite the bothy was used as a Game of Thrones filming location and is a great spot for a lunch stop.
Bog Safari Hike, Inishowen, Co. Donegal. Rated as one of the best things to do in Donegal by Tripadvisor, this authentic hiking experience will provide a fascinating insight into this unique and primaeval landscape and is our signature guided walk. With the purple colour of the heather blossoms coming to an end, the peatland or bog is taking on a mellow hue of russet, gold and brown, highlighted by the gorgeous autumn light. On this hike we journey through time, exploring how the bog was formed, its myths and legends, traditional turf cutting and the unique biodiversity of the bog and its role in the fight against climate change. Top tip: don’t miss the views of Lough Swilly (aka the Lake of Shadows) and the Wild Atlantic Way of Donegal. It’s a bit of a climb but well worth the effort!
We hope you have enjoyed our top seasonal autumn hiking and walking picks. Our scheduled walks and hikes may have come to an end for the 2022 season but we will be adding our 2023 dates very soon. In the meantime, you can book bespoke walks and hikes by emailing us at info@solasireland.com. So, hatch a plan!
