Slí Na Rosann – Sli Dhun na nGall

Part of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall, Slí na Rosann is a 65km circular route covering an area called the Rosses, which lies between the western outliers of the Derryveagh Mountains and the much indented Atlantic coast in west County Donegal. It is a wonderfully scenic, rock-strewn landscape scattered with more than a hundred lakes, which make it a mecca for anglers. Slí na Rosann brings walkers through this dramatic and often harsh landscape, passing on its way through the town of Dungloe and the villages of Crolly, Maghery and Burtonport. Terrain on the Slí consists mainly of boreens, some open ground which can be very wet, and quiet country roads that rise and fall as they cross open country. There are also, however, some busier roads which carry fast-moving traffic, so care is needed. Some sections of the route, particularly that between Maghery and Crolly are quite remote and little overnight accommodation is available. The total aggregate ascent over the entire route is 770 metres, with no significant climbs. The route connects from the village of Crolly with another of the Donegal walks, Slí an Earagail, by way of a 4.5 km link that is partly on a busy road. There is also a 22 km link from Crovehy on the route, via the village of Doochary, to Slí na Finne with an aggregate ascent of 550 metres: the link is on side roads, forest and bog roads and open moorland, which is often very wet. Among the many offshore islands visible from Slí na Rosann is the island of Aran, which is accessible by ferry from Burtonport all year round, and a 15 km walking route, Slí Arainn Mhór, circles the island on roads and bog roads.