Errigal

Errigal is 751 metres, the highest mountain in Donegal, and it is unmistakable: a steep quartzite cone whose scree slopes catch the light and can look pink or white depending on the hour. The usual route from the R251 car park is about five kilometres return and climbs steeply through peat hags and then loose scree - hard work rather than technical, though the scree is tiring on the descent. What surprises people is the top. Errigal has two summits joined by a narrow ridge, the One Man's Pass, a few feet wide with steep ground on both sides; it is short and not exposed to the degree the name suggests, but in wind or ice it demands respect. The view takes in the Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey Lough, the Derryveagh Mountains, Tory Island and much of north-west Donegal. Boardwalk has been laid on the lower boggy section to control erosion.

What you actually see

• The quartzite cone - pale scree that shifts colour with the light.
• One Man's Pass - the narrow ridge between the two summits.
• The view - the Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey, Tory Island and Derryveagh.
• The boardwalk - laid over the eroding boggy lower section.

When to go

May to September. Cloud covers the summit often. Ice on the upper scree and the ridge makes winter ascents serious; the mountain has claimed lives.

Honest expectations

Loose scree on the upper half, tiring up and unstable down. The summit ridge is narrow and dangerous in wind or ice. Cloud removes the view frequently. The car park is small and fills on fine weekends.

Nearby

The Poisoned Glen and Dunlewey are below; Glenveagh National Park is east.