Grianan

Grianan

Grianan Group Walks | Join a Walk

295m Elevation
131m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Hump 200-299m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Grianan together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

295m

968 ft

Prominence

131m

Coordinates

56.9853, -7.4659

NF681015

OS Map

31

Explorer: 452N

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find the impressive Grianan of Aileach fort, a stone ring fort with panoramic views and a great spot for a picnic (minus the ants, ideally!).

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops perfect for both walking and contemplating life's mysteries.

Grianan is primarily composed of ancient volcanic rock, offering glimpses of the region's geological past and providing a sturdy footing for hikers.

Views & Scenery

The sweeping vistas include Lough Swilly, the Inishowen Peninsula, and, on a clear day, even the distant hills of County Derry.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Grianan translates to 'The little place of the sun' in Irish, which sounds far better than 'the place with rocks on top'.

Historical Significance

The fort's historical importance dates back to the 5th century, serving as a royal seat and a strategic military point.

Popular Routes

Grianan of Aileach Trail

Moderate

A well-marked loop trail leading from the car park to the historic Grianan fort at the summit, featuring gentle ascents and stunning views.

4.5 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a dedicated car park at the trailhead near Grianan, which is free of charge – just don't forget where you parked!

Public Transport

Nearest bus stop is in Burt, approximately 5 km away; a bit of a trek but good for the glutes.

Nearby Facilities

Public toilets are available near the parking area, and don't miss the cafes in Burt for a slice of cake to fuel your journey.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes; it can go from sunny to 'where did I leave my waterproofs?' in moments.
  • Uneven ground and rocky areas may present a challenge, particularly for those who don't see eye to eye with their balance!

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

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Grianan and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Grianan?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Grianan through the maps

Are there other walkers around Grianan?

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 Grianan search or of course create your own walk for Grianan

Can I organise a walk to Grianan?

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 Grianan.

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 Grianan?

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 Grianan 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