Loughsalt arguably provides an ideal introduction to hillwalking. The physical challenge is within the reach of those who possess just an average level of fitness. From base to summit and back should not take any who are in the aforementioned category more than a few hours, even at a most leisurely pace. And, of course, one's efforts are - weather permitting - rewarded with views of a fine quality not usually associated with a hill under 500m.

My girlfriend and I took two of our friends with us to Loughsalt last Saturday. Our original intention was to take them up Errigal, but time did not permit.

The ladies were out for a comfortable stroll and remained around the lower slopes. Myself and Tiago made for the summit, enjoying a couple of easy scrambles up the lough side of the hill en route. Possibly, Tiago was the first-ever Zambian man to summit Loughsalt - perhaps any veteran Irish hillwalkers could confirm or deny? ;)

Very windy at the top, but the views were excellent. High reward for relatively little effort. We then proceeded to run back down in about 10 minutes, the girls meeting up with us near the foot of the hill. The entire walk probably took little more than an hour. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/553/comment/6257/