Mouldy Hill provides a much better experience than its name might suggest. It provides a great 3km walk along an broad undulating ridge high above Lough Swilly, with far reaching views. Lots of activity below but none up along the top.
Starting point is the large carpark at White Strand at approx
B (C345 302) on the main road into Buncrana. Walk back to the Harbour Inn and take the short journey along Tank Rd, turn left onto Hillview road - passing caravan parks lumbering out of winter hibernation and the myriad of new build housing. At a white washed building turn right, dropping before rising up the hillside towards a dazzling display of gorse, with the smell of burning peat even on this sunny afternoon.
A wide road turns steeply right uphill (the hard hat on a post signalling the quarry ahead). Pass the large quarry gates after 20 minutes of walking and continue staright onto a rough track. Heaps of silt and murky ponds give visual clues to the hidden current workings. The track climbs its way up the side of the quarry with cracking views N to Slieve Snaght with patches of snow, Bulben, Urris HIlls and Raghtin. Forestry, first broadleaf and then conifer, accompanies the climb until the road crests and ends.
Cross the open hill SW over dull and lifeless heather to reach the top in one hour. From the small cairn the views stretch impressively along Lough Swilly - across to the golden sands at Rathmullan and down past Inch Island. Out west Knockalla, Loughsalt, Muckish, Errigal, the other Slieve Snaght and the Bluestacks stood out. South the Sperrins, with the distinctive drop from Sawel up to Dart. Scalp and Eskaheen blocked views beyond to the east and the views north were still there!
A short steep drop brings a line of undulating hills stretching to the cairn and cross . A fence traverses along the hills, occasionally dropping off towards Lough Swilly. Beautiful walking on a beautiful day, with the blue of the lough mirroring the blue of the sky and contrasting with the deep browns of the hills. The large wooden cross and cairn are certainly impressive and a short walk further SW brings lovely views over the marina to Inch Island. Drop down over rougher ground towards a small transmitter and houses - the road then winds steeply downhill to the main road.
Turn left and follow the busy road before crossing and taking the road to the marina. The golden sands of the beach beckon and hold attention all the way back to the carpark, though when the tide is in may have to walk atop the boulders beside the golf course. All in all took nearly three hours with stops. Great mix of walking - quiet roads and tracks, hillside, beach - and great views throughout.
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