IAT Link Route

This easy point-to-point walk crosses open upland country in south-east Donegal, linking Kelly's Bridge with a minor road farther west. At 5.6 km / 3.5 mi with 102 m / 335 ft of climbing and 123 m / 404 ft of descent, it is a short outing that still gives a real sense of the broad, exposed landscape around Lough Derg. The route reaches a highest point of 323 m / 1,060 ft and usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

The route

From Kelly's Bridge, the walk heads west across gently rising ground before undulating through the hills to finish on the L66851. The overall line is straightforward rather than steep, with the route climbing gradually to its high point before easing down again. Because it is a linear walk, transport or a second vehicle is useful if walkers do not want to retrace their steps.

Terrain and difficulty

The modest distance and limited ascent make this one of the easier upland links in the area, but it still calls for proper hillwalking footwear. The surrounding ground is blanket bog and rough moorland, with access in this part of Donegal also using bog roads, tracks and forest roads. Underfoot conditions can be wet, soft and uneven even on a short stage, especially after rain.

Landscape and nature

The walk lies in a high bog landscape close to the western side of Lough Derg, where open moor, peatland and commercial forestry meet. This part of Donegal includes protected upland habitats, and the nearby Pettigo Plateau rises from about 180 m to 325 m, matching the broad, rolling character of the ground on this route. It is a quiet setting with long views across exposed hills rather than dramatic rocky summits.

Getting there

Kelly's Bridge is reached by public road in the hills west of Lough Derg. Public transport in rural Donegal is limited, so most walkers will find a car or lift the simplest option for a point-to-point outing like this. If using public transport for the wider journey, bus services are generally the main option for reaching Donegal's rural areas, with onward local arrangements needed for the trailheads.

Practical preparation

This is open country, so waterproof layers, extra insulation and confident navigation matter more than the short distance might suggest. In the wider reserve area around Kelly's Bridge, walkers are advised to carry a map and compass, keep dogs under close control, take care around grazing animals, and leave gates and boundaries as they are found. On a short upland link like this, those simple precautions help the day stay easy.