A moderate trail, Slí Cholmcille is a 65km looped section of the longer 280km Slí Dhún na nGall in stunning southwest Donegal.
This inspiring loop connects the area’s main towns and villages - Glencolmcille, Kilcar, Carrick and Ardara - and passes through swathes of untouched coastal and mountain landscape.
The route consists of tarmac roads, bog roads, and open moorland. It’s worth noting that considerable stretches of the tarmac sections do take place on busy, narrow roads where care and attention is required. Some of the route’s open moorland sections, which are quite isolated, can also be very wet, so appropriate all-weather walking gear is needed.
Over the entire loop, the total aggregate ascent is 1,600m. Walkers will find plenty of overnight accommodation and friendly welcomes across Glencolmcille, Kilcar, Carrick and Ardara.
Trail details
- Grade:
- Moderate trail
- Format:
- Loop trail
- Length:
- 65km
- Highlights on this loop include a stunning valley stretch reaching down to the inlet of Port, and the dramatic valley of Glengesh.
- The name of the route is derived from that of St Colmcille, one of Ireland’s early Christian saints, who was born in County Donegal and lived for a time in the region.
- Glencolmcille, one of the villages this loop connects with, is Donegal’s most westerly village. The surrounding area is rich in prehistoric and early Christian monuments.
The entire route is highlighted on the Discovery Series Ordnance Survey no. 10 map, which you can buy locally.
