Positive intentions for the third Donegal Camino this September

The Donegal Camino which is now in its third consecutive year is open for registration. The walk takes place from September 3 to 9. The walk offers participants a stunning network of loop coastal walks and hill and mountain hikes. Led by the award winning Donegal-based walking guide John McGroary and his team who will safely guide and entertain walkers as the Donegal Camino will weave its way from Malin Head in Inishowen south to Sliabh Liag over the course of a week. 

Criss crossing along the Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way coastline and over the famous hills of Donegal, the Donegal Camino 2023 has the perfect blend of contrasting landscapes, coastlines, mountains and hills, Gaeltacht regions along with a visit to Oileáin Thoraigh (weather permitting) and a sunrise climb of the county’s highest peak, Errigal. 

The walk will raise much-needed funds for Cancer Care West Services across Donegal. Since the inaugural event in 2020, the Donegal Camino has, to date, raised €76,500 for Cancer Care West.

Walkers can choose to register for individual days, a package of 3 days or the entire 7 days on www.donegalcamino.ie. Combining the ambitions of showcasing  the  world class walking and hiking in Donegal along with its excellent hospitality, food, accommodation and charity angle, the Donegal Camino brings together people from all corners of Donegal, the island of Ireland, Scotland, the US and beyond. 

Each walker has their own personal agenda for walking the Donegal Camino, all of which contributes to the true essence and atmosphere of a Camino and pilgrimage walk.

Starting off in Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head, the opening day, Sunday, September 3 is a stunning coastal loop path past Hell’s Hole to Bamba’s Crown and then heading south, it takes in some of the quieter back roads past the Coast Guard Station and back along the coast by White Strand Bay. There’s a roadway climb over the Knockamany bends which have  magical views over the Five Finger’s Strand before finishing at Lagg Church.

The following day, takes walkers to a new and equally stunning peninsula, and off road on Knockalla ridge and mountain which has stunning heights overlooking Ballymastocker beach and Portsalon. On day 3, walkers can enjoy the spectacular vista of Horn Head, starting and finishing in the pretty coastal village of Dunfanaghy.

A sunrise hike of Donegal’s highest peak, Errigal takes place on the fourth day. At 751m, the summit of Errigal has incredible views and it has recently had the addition of a sustainable pathway to support hikers’ safety. After the Errigal hike, the Donegal Camino will later that day go off shore via passenger ferry to the Gaeltacht island of Oileán Toraigh for an overnight adventure. 

On day 5, walkers will explore Oileán Thoraigh which is renowned for its flora, fauna, incredible scenery and of course unique island culture, lifestyle, art and Irish Language.

It’s back to the mainland for the final days of Donegal Camino 2023 which travels to the south west of the county. The magnificent Assaranka Waterfall awaits. This leads to a short walk along a section of road before climbing a track which brings walkers to the top of the waterfall and into the peaceful valley of Minte Seisce.  Certainly a mindful walk which then takes the country road through the valley to Stravally before turning uphill towards the top of the glacial valley known as Granny Glen. 

The final day will see walkers enjoy Europe’s highest Sea Cliffs, Sliabh Liag, with the daring challenge of One Man’s Path. A mixture of road, track, and bog. This is a strenuous walk but a most rewarding one which is a perfect crescendo on which to finish the third Donegal Camino. Beginning at the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre, walkers will take The Pilgrim’s Path at the back of the mountain which rises to a height of 595mts. They will return to the Sliabh Liag visitor centre along the same route where the pilgrimage will come to an end.

The founder and Donegal Camino visionary, Peggy Stringer said: “What started out as a walk with friends after lockdown in 2020 to raise funds for Cancer Care West in Donegal has grown steadily and beautifully, like all of the walks and hikes in my home county of Donegal.I love coming home to Inishowen, and the first week in September on the Donegal Camino is certainly now an annual pilgrimage which I’m so proud of.”

Former owner of Harvey’s Point, who’s due to open Le Moulin Sur Célé in France this summer, Deirdre McGlone, said: “Promoting tourism in my home county of Donegal will always be part of my DNA and the Donegal Camino is a perfect example of world class walking and hiking in our beautiful county combined with the best in accommodation, food, entertainment and above all a wholesome and warm Donegal welcome. We’re thrilled with the annual growth of the Donegal Camino which is now attracting international walkers to the Northwest.”

The Donegal Camino is a pilgrimage with wonderful people walking for their own intentions but also to raise much needed funds for Cancer Care West services across Donegal, of which I’m a patron”, TV Personality and Harvey’s Point Ambassador, Noel Cunningham, said. 

“Our aim is continuing to attract walkers on the Donegal Camino to showcase our beautiful county and to again increase our fundraising for this worthy cause. We’re sincerely grateful to all who support us and donate.”

The Donegal Camino voluntary committee includes founder Peggy Stringer, former Donegal Persons of the Year, Deirdre McGlone and Noel Cunningham who’s also been joined by Noreen D’Arcy from Galway who enjoys strong Donegal connections and Donegal businessman, John Mc Namara. The committee is keen to grow its skill base while growing the Donegal Camino and they welcome all support and ideas for fundraising to increase the donation to Cancer Care West.

All details of the Donegal Camino from each walk, accommodation, dining options and how to register and fundraise are available on www.donegalcamino.ie and regular updates will be available across social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All those who register for Donegal Camino 2023 are clearly advised to book their accommodation and dining directly and at the time of registration. All recommendations are available on the Donegal Camino website.

For further details, please log onto www.donegalcamino.ie or follow @donegalcamino on all social media.