An Cnoc Fada

Overview

An Cnoc Fada (Irish: An Cnoc Fada, “the long hill”) rises to 485 m in the Derryveagh Mountains of north-west Donegal. Despite its modest height, its 114 m prominence gives it a distinct presence on the skyline, and it remains a favourite among local hillwalkers who know it by the traditional name Crockfadda. The hill sits within the Slieve Snaght sub-area and offers a straightforward, self-guided loop that delivers one of the most immediate and dramatic reveals in the range: a sudden, sweeping view over Poisoned Glen and the iconic silhouette of Mount Errigal.

History & Local Name

The townland of An Cnoc Fada (anglicised as Knockfadda) is recorded in 19th-century Ordnance Survey notes with several variant spellings, including Knockfoda, Cruckfodtha, and Crockafodtha. These historical documents also note the presence of two ancient forts within the townland boundaries, pointing to centuries of early settlement and land use on these upland slopes. While no standing ruins mark the summit itself, the name and the landscape’s low stone walls and old field boundaries carry the quiet imprint of Donegal’s rural past. The Irish name translates literally to “the long hill,” a fitting description for the elongated ridge that forms the core of the walk.

The Route & Walk

The standard route is a 7.4 km loop graded as medium difficulty, with a total ascent of 343 m and an estimated completion time of around two hours. Rather than approaching from the wetter, flatter floor of Poisoned Glen, the most reliable and scenic approach comes from the south-east high valley. From the trailhead, walkers follow a gentle track that soon gives way to sheep paths cutting through heather and blanket bog. The path ascends steadily towards the shores of Lough Atirrive, where the terrain begins to open up. Just as the ridge crest is reached, the view drops away sharply to reveal the full expanse of Poisoned Glen and Mount Errigal beyond – a moment that consistently draws praise from hikers.

From the main summit, the ridge continues north-east towards Crockfadda East Top (454 m). The descent follows a natural col where a deer fence runs through the slope; there’s no need to cross the fence, as the path simply follows it down to the gravel pit where the walk began. The loop is well-suited to families with older children and walkers looking for a rewarding half-day outing without the commitment of a multi-peak traverse.

Access & Parking

The most practical starting point is a gravel pit lay-by located just after the Bridal Path entrance to Glenveagh National Park on the R254. The lay-by comfortably accommodates a few cars and provides clear access to the initial track. Signage along the route is minimal, so downloading a GPX file or carrying a physical map is strongly recommended. The official Ordnance Survey Discovery Map 1 (1:50,000) covers the area thoroughly, though hillwalkers should note that some older map editions list the summit height as 464 m. Modern hillwalking databases and local consensus place it at 485 m.

What to Expect on the Trail

The terrain is a mix of dry heather, soft peat, and well-trodden sheep tracks. In late summer, the slopes turn a deep purple, while spring brings damp, mossy ground and frequent midges. Weather in the Derryveaghs shifts quickly, so waterproof layers and sturdy boots are essential year-round. The boggy sections can become very soft after heavy rain, making the walk more demanding but still manageable with careful footing. The trail is entirely open access, requires no permit, and remains free to walk at any time of day.

Practical Information

Because the route relies on sheep tracks and unmarked bog crossings, carrying a downloaded GPX file or a physical map is essential for navigation. The Hiiker app offers a reliable digital track, while the MountainViews community provides detailed route notes for those who prefer paper planning. Arrive early in summer to avoid peak midge activity, and always check the local forecast before heading out.