Slieve League Cliffs via the Pilgrim Path and One Man’s Pass – (Teelin – County Donegal, Ireland)

Acclaimed as some of the highest accessible sea cliffs in Ireland and all of Europe, the Slieve League is a sight to behold and their scale is immense. If graced with some sunshine the color show of green, blue, subtle orange and grey creates a view that has been sculpted by the forces of the waves, wind, rain, ice and glaciers over the eons. I found this trail to be particularly enjoyable without being overly strenuous, it was a good day’s hiking and the photograph opportunities nearly endless. As a word of warning the One Man’s Pass section consists of a narrow knife edge traverse where one may be exposed to heights, and it will require a slightly awkward scramble especially if its descended as I did it. Careful footing will be required on this section, it may be advisable to give it a skip if conditions are rainy, icy and or windy as this will pose extra risks. Fear not however as there is a lower path which cuts out almost all of the exposure of the One Man’s Pass knife edge, most of the hikers I encountered on this route opted for this lower path. The route recorded here begins and ends at the Silabh Liag Visitors Center and Campsite, it heads off into town past the Rusty Mackerel Pub and Restaurant and then follows signage for the Pilgrim path and Slieve League Walk. This is the route and direction that has been followed by pilgrims for hundreds if not thousands of years so naturally it was an easy choice for us to do the trail in this anticlockwise direction. Soon after following some broad gravel roads through fields of sheep you will reach a gate which is kept closed, you will need to open and shut it behind you. The gravel road then continues to ascend gradually and the views of the valley began to reveal shades of green which I had personally never encountered in nature before, Ireland truly living up to its reputation in this regard. As one continues up the Pilgrim path views of Croleavy Lough (pronounced like “Lock”) and the rugged coastline around Donegal’s Tawny Bay become more prominent. A few stone story sculptures with engravings and sightline gaps, and what appears to be a spring of religious significance are waypoints to be on the lookout for as one ascends the Pilgrim Path. Eventually, near a waterfall, the path narrows to single track footpath and from here we found GPS helpful when the path wasn’t all that clear and obvious, most of it is highlighted by yellow stones and signposts but some extra help in terms of direction to follow was helpful. Continuing on this footpath one reaches the ruins of the chapel associated with the Saints Aedh Mac Bric and Assicus, circa 589 AD. Some references refer to it as the church of St Bric, and some as beehive structures. Either way an interesting stop just before the cliffs are reached at around 580m above the sea level below you. From here this recording heads Northwest to the summit of the Slieve League or Silabh Liag at 596m above the sea level which can be seen far below provided misty or cloudy conditions don’t prevail. At the summit there is a beacon with a stone on top indicating that you have reached the highest point. Heading back towards the Pilgrim path this section which is steep on both sides will require careful footing but its worth taking it slow as the views of the ocean and that of Lough Agh are noteworthy. Thereafter the route follows the cliff edge, right on the edge in some places and lower in some places to avoid the exposure. As one approaches the One Man’s Pass section the technical aspect and exposure will become apparent. Photographs, especially ones without a fisheye lens like a GoPro for example will not do this section justice in terms of perceived exposure or gradient. If you are unsure rather opt for the lower path. After the One Man’s Pass a slight ascent is required up to Croc Ramhar for some rewarding views. Thereafter the trail undulates but is mostly downhill all the way to Bunglass viewpoint, be sure to turn around plenty of this section to admire the views below and back to the summit from which you will have just walked. Take care with regards to your footing if you diverge from the path at all. The nearer to Bunglass Viewpoint the path becomes more defined and naturally it gets busier with far more tourists exploring the area who have only done the short walk up from the parking lots. While busier I wouldn’t skip this section as the views from comparatively lower down looking up at the cliffs towering above you are some of the finest on the whole trail. Thereafter the route passes 71 EIRE a sign from World War 2 and Lough O’Mulligon which has been in sight far below for most of the cliff walk and now you pass right next to it. Keep an eye out for the Napoleonic Tower at Carrigan Head, you can venture down and visit it if you feel like you require more hiking. Thereafter the route follows the road down through some of the village’s further out homesteads before arriving back in Teeling at the Visitors Center and Campsite where the trail was started, on this section be careful of cars and busses who are often moving with speed down a narrow road which you will need to share. I thoroughly enjoyed the Slieve League hiking experience and the views were out of this world, especially when the weather cleared! If the trail is attempted early enough there are still plenty of places on offer in Donegal and with long days in June, we resisted the temptation to rest and explored more of its attractions, these trails to follow. As a disclaimer, please note that I am not in a position to be giving local hiking or walking recommendations as I am not a trained guide or even knowledgeable about the routes, difficulty, weather or safety conditions in this area. These trails, like all my recorded activities on Wikiloc, are merely a journal or recollection of my experiences with some information which I personally would consider interesting. The information provided about this hiking or walking trail and its associated GPX recording is for the purpose of entertainment or reading and review only, the information presented may not be up to date or comprehensive. Trail and safety conditions, routes, difficulties and weather-related risks can change over time and vary from individual to individual. Any activity undertaken is therefore done at your own risk and requires you to verify information with local authorities, guides or experts in the field or local area before embarking on any such activity that may pose risks. As per the terms agreed to when signing up for this application or website, I or Wikiloc assume no responsibility for damages that may arise from using this information in any way, shape or form.