Crocknamoghil
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Exploring Crocknamoghil
Welcome to Crocknamoghil, a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of County Donegal! At an elevation of 319 meters, this hill may not be the highest on the block, but it certainly holds its own with captivating views and a charm that’s hard to resist.
Geology
Crocknamoghil is primarily made of granite, a rock that has seen it all—from ancient glacial movements to weather-induced transformations. As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for fascinating glacial striations that tell stories of a time long gone.
Access
Getting to Crocknamoghil is a breeze! The nearest town is Ballybofey, where you’ll find ample parking and a good cup of tea awaiting your arrival. If you fancy a ride, regular buses connect neighbouring towns to Ballybofey, making public transport a viable option.
Routes
The primary route from Ballybofey is a moderate trek that stretches about 8.0 km. It’s a well-trodden path through heather-clad hills and stunning vistas, perfect for hikers of all levels—just be ready for a bit of a climb! Expect to spend around 3.5 hours, including time for those all-important photo ops.
Summit Features
Once you’ve sweat it out to the top, you’ll be greeted by a large stone cairn and a trig point that screams ‘I made it!’ It’s the perfect backdrop for your summit selfies or a well-deserved snack.
Terrain and Views
The terrain varies from grassy expanses to rocky outcrops, with a few boggy patches thrown in for good measure. Don't forget your walking boots, as those marshy areas may surprise you! The views are truly the cherry on top; you'll be treated to sights of the Bluestack Mountains and, on a clear day, the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.
Hazards
With great views come great responsibilities. Be cautious of loose rocks and muddy areas, especially during or after rain. And let’s not kid ourselves; the weather can switch from sunny to wet faster than you can say ‘Where’s my waterproof jacket?’
Nearby Summits
If you’re up for more exploring, Cairn Hill lies nearby, standing tall at 340 meters—a perfect next stop on your adventure.
Facilities
After a day of hiking, you’ll need to refuel! Thankfully, Ballybofey brims with facilities, from quaint cafes to restaurants, ensuring you won't go hungry or thirsty.
History
Crocknamoghil’s name reflects its rich heritage, originating from Irish lore and meaning 'hill of the little Magh.' This hill has served as a silent witness to the tales of ancient tribes and their folklore, enriching the hiking experience.
So, lace up those boots, grab a friend, and get ready to discover the beauty of Crocknamoghil. You won’t regret it!
Happy hiking!
Explore routes near Crocknamoghil
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Banagher Glen and Forest: complete higher-return circuit
View route
Derry~Londonderry City Walls Circuit
View route
Peatlands Park Red Trail: Annagarriff Wood and Derryadd Lough
View route
Portadown to Knock Bridge: Bann Boulevard and Moneypenny’s Lock
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Ballybofey to Crocknamoghil
A scenic approach from Ballybofey, winding through heather-clad hills and offering stunning views.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
335m
1,099 ft
Prominence
172m
Coordinates
54.7106, -7.1040
H578851
OS Map
13
At the Summit
The summit sports a sizeable stone cairn, with a trig point standing tall—a perfect spot for a photo opportunity or a celebratory snack!
Terrain & Geology
Crocknamoghil is primarily composed of granite which forms part of the underlying geology of Donegal. Interesting features include glacial striations and weathered rock outcrops that tell tales of ancient ice ages.
Views & Scenery
On clear days, breath-taking views of the Bluestack Mountains to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west can be seen.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Crocknamoghil derives from the Irish 'Cnoc na Móghail', meaning 'hill of the little Magh', reflecting its location and cultural history.
Historical Significance
This region is steeped in local folklore, with stories of ancient tribes and mythical creatures woven into the narrative of the land.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
There is ample parking available in Ballybofey, just a short drive from the trailhead.
Public Transport
Regular bus services operate from Donegal Town and other nearby towns, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.
Nearby Facilities
Ballybofey offers a range of facilities including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets for those in need of a refreshment break.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Watch out for loose rocks and boggy patches, especially after rain. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared!
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Crocknamoghil?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Crocknamoghil through the maps
Are there other walkers around Crocknamoghil?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Crocknamoghil search or of course create your own walk for Crocknamoghil
Can I organise a walk to Crocknamoghil?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Crocknamoghil.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Crocknamoghil?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Crocknamoghil here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: H578851
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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