Access Issue in Aghla More/Aghla Beg Route (Donegal)
01st December 2023
It has come to my attention of an access issue that affects Walk 9: A Circuit of Aghla More and Aghla Beg in the Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim guidebook.
Access to the mountainside as described in the guidebook on Page 50 (2020 reprint) toward the second metal gate at B 939 251 is not allowed.
If you'd still like to attempt to do Aghla Beg from the north, you could try this variation: From the parking spot, walk northward for around 1km up the road to B 938 265 then access open moorland beside a fence that will take you (southeast) up rough slopes to Point 321m and then from there to Nabrackbaddy Lough before heading toward the summit of Aghla Beg.
Off limit access at one of the metal gates toward B 939 251
At B 938 265 where you leave the road and head up open moorland - do NOT enter the fenced area
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of the guidebook)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.
Access to the mountainside as described in the guidebook on Page 50 (2020 reprint) toward the second metal gate at B 939 251 is not allowed.
If you'd still like to attempt to do Aghla Beg from the north, you could try this variation: From the parking spot, walk northward for around 1km up the road to B 938 265 then access open moorland beside a fence that will take you (southeast) up rough slopes to Point 321m and then from there to Nabrackbaddy Lough before heading toward the summit of Aghla Beg.
Off limit access at one of the metal gates toward B 939 251
At B 938 265 where you leave the road and head up open moorland - do NOT enter the fenced area
ACCESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (also found in the Using This Book section of the guidebook)
All land in the Republic of Ireland is owned privately or by the State, with no legal right of entry to the land. When you hear the term ‘commonage’ it implies that the private property is held in common by a number of joint owners.
Access to upland and mountain areas has traditionally been granted out of goodwill, permission and discretion of the landowners. It is normally good practice to strike up a friendly conversation with a farmer or landowner, and if there is any doubt about access, do ask them. If you are asked to leave, please do so politely and without argument or aggravating the situation.
Note also the provisions of the Occupiers Liability Act 1995 contain a definition that reduces the landowner’s duty of care to hill-walkers. This act contains a category of ‘recreational users’ who, when they enter farmland, are responsible for their own safety. This has significantly reduced the possibility of successful legal claims against landowners by hillwalkers.
Always use gates and stiles where available. If a gate is closed, close it after entering. If it is open, leave it open. If you cannot open a closed gate to enter, go over at its hinge with care. Take care not to damage any gates, stiles or fences.
When parking, be considerate not to block any gates, farm access lanes or forest entrances as local residents, farm machinery and emergency services may need access at all times.
Note that landowners generally do not approve of dogs being brought on their property, and this includes their land on the open hillside. If you do insist, ask the landowner’s permission and keep your dogs on a leash.
See also Mountaineering Ireland's policy on access here.