Finntown Forest Walk, also known as the Millside walk, is a lovely new trail near the village of Finntown between Ballybofey and Glenties. It is a short loop, just 2km, but with a constant undulation and some quite steep climbs it is quite a challange. It is for this reason that I have not included put it in the Easy Walks section. The pathway has been well surfaced and is smooth apart from sets of stone grading lines on the frequent climbs/descents, but I must state clearly that this trail is not suitable for wheelchairs, bikes, buggies or for those with walking difficulties. As it is a loop it can be walked in either direction and it will reward you with views of the surrounding hills as well as Aghla Mountain, Lough Finn and a part of the track bed of the old narrow gauge railway that use to run from Stranorlar to Glenties.
Getting There
From Ballybofey: Take the R252 toward Glenties and follow it for 25 Km. About 1 Km before the village of Fintown watch carefully for a turn to the left, pictured above, with a green sign for Fintown Forest.
From Letterkenny: Take the R250 out of town toward Churchill. After about 6.5 Km turn left to stay on R250, signposted for Fintown/Glenties/Dungloe. Continue on R250 for 19 Km then at the junction turn right to remain on R250 and after approx. 1 km watch carefully for a turn to the left, pictured above, with a green sign for Fintown Forest.
From Glenties, take the R250 and continue until you pass through Fintown village. Approx. 1 Km past the village the entrance is on your right.
There is a new tarmaced car park and then just beyond the gate is an information board with a map of the trail.
The trail can be walked in trainers or intermediate boots. There is no need for hiking boots but I would recommend bring a stick or walking poles to help with the couple of steep ascents and descents.
- Trailhead: Fintown Forest car park near Fintown village in Glenfinn.
- Distance: 2 Km.
- Waymarking: Posts with white arrows on red discs.
- Duration: 30 min – 45 min for one circuit, depanding on pace.
- Ascent: 61 m with a couple of short steep climbs.
- Facilities: No toilets on site. There is a nice coffee van (Yer Man’s) in the middle of Fintown village.