Overview
An Cnoc Fada (Irish: An Cnoc Fada, meaning “the long hill”) rises to 485 m (1,591 ft) in the Derryveagh Mountains of north‑west Donegal. It is listed as a Hump, a Tump, a Hu and a “4” on the Database of British and Irish Hills, reflecting its prominence of 114 m. The summit sits on the Crockfadda North West Top and is part of the larger Crockfadda ridge that dominates the local skyline. The hill lies within the grid reference B949164 and appears on OS map sheet OSi50: 001 (Donegal). Its position in the Slieve Snaght sub‑area makes it a natural waypoint for walkers exploring the rugged north‑west of the county.
History
The name An Cnoc Fada is recorded in the Placenames Database of Ireland (logainm.ie) and translates directly from Irish as “the long hill”. Historical documents from the 19th century list a series of variant spellings – Knockfoda, Knockfadda, Cruckfodtha – all referring to the same townland (Knockfadda) that hosts the hill. The townland sits in the civil parish of Killasser, barony of Gaileanga, and has been noted for its two ancient forts, hinting at a long tradition of human activity on the ridge. While the summit itself is not the site of any standing structures, the surrounding landscape bears the imprint of early settlement and agricultural use, typical of Donegal’s upland townlands.
What to See & Do
The most popular way to experience An Cnoc Fada is the 7.4 km “An Cnoc Fada and Crockballaghgeeha Loop” described on Hiiker. The loop is a moderate‑grade hillwalk that can be completed in just over two hours, with an elevation gain of 343 m. The route starts at a modest trailhead on a local road, follows a well‑marked ridge, and circles back via a gentle descent through heather‑covered slopes. Along the way walkers are treated to expansive views across the Donegal NW range, including distant glimpses of Slieve Snaght and the Atlantic coastline on clear days.
The summit offers a broad, open panorama rather than a dramatic peak, but the sense of space is rewarding. Because the hill is relatively low‑lying compared with the higher peaks of the Derryveagh range, the walk is accessible to families with older children and to walkers looking for a shorter day‑trip that still delivers a genuine sense of Irish hillwalking. The terrain is a mix of grass, peat bog and low stone walls, providing a varied walking surface that keeps the experience interesting without demanding technical climbing skills.
For the more inquisitive, the surrounding area contains several minor archaeological features, including the two forts mentioned in the placename records. While these are not marked on the main trail, a brief detour off the path can bring you within sight of the low earthworks that hint at the hill’s ancient past.
Access & Parking
The loop is free to access year‑round and does not require a permit. The most common starting point is a small lay‑by at the base of the “Bridal Path” (grid reference B97056 15828). According to MountainViews, this lay‑by provides space for one to two cars. A larger informal carpark exists at the Barra Slip on the R254 (grid reference B92918 12363), offering room for five to six vehicles – a convenient option for groups.
From the R254 the trailhead is reached by following a minor road north‑east for about 1 km, then turning left onto a narrow track that leads to the foot of the ridge. Signage is minimal, so a printed map (OSI Discovery Series Sheet 01 or the OSi50: 001 sheet) or a downloaded GPX file from Hiiker or MountainViews is recommended.
Seasonal Considerations
Weather in the Derryveagh Mountains can change rapidly; walkers should be prepared with waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. In summer, midges are common, so repellant is advisable. The hill is open all year, but the boggy sections can become very soft after heavy rain, making the walk more challenging.
Navigation & Maps
- OSi Discovery Series Sheet 01 (1:50 000) – the definitive paper map for the area.
- Hiiker – provides a downloadable GPX track for the 7.4 km loop.
- MountainViews – offers both the 7.4 km loop and a longer 17.1 km ridge circuit (track 4653) for experienced walkers.
- Google Maps / GeoHack – useful for confirming car‑park grid references.
Alternative Routes & Extensions
For walkers seeking a longer challenge, MountainViews lists a 17.1 km circuit that tackles four additional Carns and three listed hills in the Derryveagh Mountains (track 4653). This route climbs a total of 869 m of ascent and typically takes around 5 h 30 m for an experienced party. It can be combined with the An Cnoc Fada loop to create a full‑day ridge‑walk that showcases the diversity of the range.
Flora, Fauna & Geology
The hill’s slopes are dominated by heather and blanket bog, typical of Donegal’s upland habitats. In late summer the heather turns a vivid purple, while spring brings a carpet of mosses and low‑lying wildflowers. Birdwatchers may spot meadow pipits, skylarks and, on windy days, the occasional golden eagle soaring above the ridge.
Geologically, An Cnoc Fada sits on coarse biotite granite and granodiorite, part of the Main Donegal Granite formation. The hard granite underlies the peat‑covered surface, creating a solid footing even on the wetter sections of the walk.
Nearby Attractions
An Cnoc Fada sits on the edge of Glenveagh National Park, making a visit to the park’s visitor centre, castle and lakes a natural addition to the day. The nearby peak of Aghla Beg in the Seven Sisters range is also within easy driving distance and offers a contrasting, higher‑altitude perspective of the county.
Practical Information
The loop is self‑guided and free to access year‑round. No admission fee is required, and there are no formal opening hours – the trail is open to the public at any time. The hike is best approached with a reliable map; the recommended maps are the Discovery Map 1 (available on Amazon) and the OSi50: 001 sheet. GPS coordinates for the summit are 54.97928, ‑8.06577, and the Irish grid reference is B949164.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7.4 km |
| Estimated time | ~2 hrs 3 min |
| Elevation gain | 343 m |
| Summit height | 485 m (1,591 ft) |
| Classification | Hump, Tump, Hu, 4 |
| Grid reference | B949164 |
| Map sheet | OSi50: 001 (Donegal) |
| Starting point | Trailhead on local road (see Access & Parking) |
| Access | Open year‑round, no permit required |
| Parking | Bridal Path lay‑by (1‑2 cars, B97056 15828); Barra Slip carpark (5‑6 cars, B92918 12363) |
Because the hill is part of a larger upland area, walkers should be aware that weather can change quickly. Midges are common in summer, so repellant is advisable. The loop does not require any special permits, and the land is generally open access for hillwalking. For further details, consult the Hiiker page linked above or the MountainViews summit profile.
Overall, An Cnoc Fada offers a concise yet satisfying hillwalking experience that blends modest physical challenge, panoramic scenery, and a touch of Donegal’s archaeological heritage – an ideal addition to any itinerary that includes the wild beauty of north‑west Ireland.