Lough Nacung is a region in County Donegal, Ireland, offering a diverse natural environment for outdoor activities. This area is defined by its serene lake, expansive moorlands, and the prominent Mount Errigal, which provides a dramatic backdrop to numerous routes. The landscape features a mix of rocky outcrops, rolling hills, and forests, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging.
Lough Nacung provides numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts…
29
Routes
4.6
(221)
Average rating
2162
People visited

4.8
(13)
66
hikers
6.23km
03:07
590m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.9
(14)
61
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(3)
16
hikers
9.73km
02:34
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
17.3km
04:38
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
riders
15.3km
00:58
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
46.7km
02:54
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
46.4km
02:48
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
39.9km
02:25
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
31.3km
01:22
300m
300m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
63.1km
03:10
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
90.7km
04:04
760m
760m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
156km
07:25
1,840m
1,840m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Lough Nacung offers diverse outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The region features a mix of mountainous terrain, lake views, and open moorland, providing varied routes for outdoor enthusiasts. More than 6,000 visitors have shared experiences, with routes averaging 4.59 out of 5 stars.
Popular hiking routes include the Slí an Earagail Trail, a moderate 10.7-mile (17.3 km) path, and the Mount Errigal & Mackoght loop, a 3.9-mile (6.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain. The Lakeside Loop Trail offers picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For more options, see Hiking around Lough Nacung.
Lough Nacung provides hiking trails for various skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging ascents. Options range from moderate lakeside loops to demanding mountain summit trails with rocky paths. Guides like Easy hikes around Lough Nacung can assist in finding suitable routes.
Yes, Lough Nacung offers family-friendly hiking options, typically on less strenuous paths. These trails allow families to explore the natural beauty of the region together. A dedicated guide, Family-friendly hikes around Lough Nacung, provides specific recommendations.
The region is characterized by the majestic Mount Errigal, which dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views. Lough Nacung itself is a beautiful freshwater lake, with Lough Nacung Upper designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The landscape also features rocky outcrops, open moorland, and dense forests.
Lough Nacung offers both touring and road cycling routes across diverse terrain, including agricultural lowlands, upland bogs, and rolling hills. Well-paved surfaces provide smooth rides with views of Lough Nacung and Mount Errigal. For detailed routes, refer to Cycling around Lough Nacung and Road Cycling Routes around Lough Nacung.
Many of the less strenuous hiking paths and quiet public roads around Lough Nacung are suitable for jogging. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty enhance any run. Specific routes can be found in the Running Trails around Lough Nacung guide.
Lough Nacung is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 6,000 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the region have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars, indicating high satisfaction among users.
General hiking in the Lough Nacung region typically does not require specific permits. Access to public trails and natural areas is generally open. However, it is advisable to check local regulations for any specific areas or private lands.
Komoot offers several guides for Lough Nacung, covering various activities and difficulty levels. These include Hiking around Lough Nacung, Family-friendly hikes around Lough Nacung, and Cycling around Lough Nacung.
Yes, Lough Nacung Upper, which connects Lough Dunlewy to Lough Nacung Lower, is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This designation highlights its ecological importance for unique natural features, plant life, and wildlife, including sea trout and salmon.
As a natural region, Lough Nacung does not have a dedicated official website. General tourism information for the broader County Donegal region can be found through GoVisitDonegal.com. The Donegal Tourist Information Centre can be contacted at +353 12655634.

