HIKING DONEGAL
Butler's Glen Looped Walk
Access: Public transport is limited in this area, but a local bus service does link villages in the locality. A car park is available on the north side of Mamore Gap at the beginning of the hike with ample parking available.
Hike Distance: 10.5km
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult - This hike varies between bog land, old dirt roads and steep hill sides so you are advised to wear appropriate hiking footwear. There are a number of ascents and descents on this hike so you will need a good level of fitness in order to complete it.
Time to complete: 2.5hrs to 3 hrs - allow time for a bit of food to enjoy the views and recharge your energy levels
Notable features and additional info: The beginning of this hike is close to Mamore gap and offers some great views of Lenan Bay and Dunaff head. As you begin to ascend the Urris hills you will start to see some better views of the wider Inishowen area. The path itself is marked with stakes making it easy to navigate, once you reach the summit of your first climb you will have the option of which direction to complete your loop in. If you keep following the stakes to your left you will descend into Butlers glen along an old dirt road. This road takes you along the little stream that eventually feeds the famous Glenevin waterfall (not part of this walk, but can be accessed further down if you wish to encompass it into your hike.). You will then turn back on yourself (at the park bench - follow the stakes that lead off to the right) and begin the ascent of Crocknacurragh, once at the summit you will have a spectacular view of north Inishowen and Tullagh Bay. This part of the loop is not on a pathway therefore you will be required to walk on steep boggy land at times depending on weather. As you travel back in a south westerly direction from the summit, you will eventually join up with the starting section again and views of Lough Swilly on your left. You will then descend down the same route to your initial starting point.
Alternative Butler's Glen Loop
Access: Public transport is limited in this area, but a local bus service does link villages in the locality. A car park is available at the Glenevin waterfall entrance, however opening times may vary depending on the time of year so be sure to factor this in when planning your hike.
Hike Distance: 6.5km
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult - Going in a clockwise direction, you will have a steep ascent at the beginning of your hike until you reach the summit of Crocknacurragh. Depending on the time of year, ground underfoot can be wet and boggy so extra care should be taken when ascending and descending. Appropriate hiking footwear should be worn.
Time to complete: 1hr 40min to 2 hrs - allow time for a bit of food to enjoy the view from the summit of Crocknacurragh
Notable features and additional info: Prior to beginning your hike you may want to take in the Glenevin waterfall which is located close to the start of this hike. Be aware though that the walk to the waterfall is roughly 1km away from the car park and is not part of the looped walk. Depending on what direction you opt to do the loop in, you may have a steep climb as you ascend Crocknacurragh. Once at the summit however you will have a spectacular view of north Inishowen and Tullagh Bay. This part of the loop is not on a pathway therefore you will be required to walk on boggy land at times depending on weather. The loop is marked with stakes that are relatively easy to follow so you shouldn't have any issues navigating the hike.
