Kinballycrowie Loop

Seven kilometres from Burtonport harbour and back, an hour to an hour and a half, along the old railway corridor out and quiet country lanes home. Spectacular views, a great deal of flora and fauna, and a fine stretch of ash woodland.

Following the route

Orange directional arrows on a white background mark the loop.

• A–B: leave Burtonport Harbour through the industrial area, past the wind turbine and over the causeway to Alcorn’s gatehouse No 24, following the orange arrows marked Lúb Cheann Bhaile Cruaiche — Kinballycrowie Loop. Keep straight on past the gatehouse, where the surface turns to gravel, to the main Dungloe Road opposite Sweeney’s gatehouse No 23. Take care crossing the road.
• B–C: carry on along the gravel path past Dungloe Road Station, under the bridge and through the ash woodland, as far as Marjorie’s gatehouse No 22.
• C–D: turn left onto the tarred road, up a small hill, and follow the narrow country lane for about 2.5 km to the T-junction with the R259.
• D–A: turn left towards the filling station and immediately right, onto the road that brings you back to the harbour.

It shares its first half with the Old Railway Walk, so the same stations, gatehouses and woodland are on the way out; the difference is the return, which climbs away from the line and brings you back on the lanes.

Before you go

• Minor roads and surfaced track throughout.
• Full services in Ailt an Chorráin at the start and finish.
• Dogs on leads. There are sheep on the land.
• Phone signal is generally good.
• Open all year. Grid reference B717 151, OSI Discovery Series sheet 1.

In an emergency, call 999.