Cycling Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north west of County Donegal. At the centre of the Park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge. It was a stroke of genius indeed to have sited the Castle at such a key and central point in the “valley of the birch” Gleann Bheithe. That singular and bold act has led to the creation of this magical habitation now in the care of the Irish State. The seeming random chaos of nature, the rough sculpted shapes of cliff and granite mountainous mass rising dramatically over the dark and often turbulent waters of Lough Veagh, provide the back drop to the ordered structure of Glenveagh Castle that shines like silver when lit by the sun, with its charming courtyards, Walled Garden, Pleasure Grounds and Woodland Gardens. The Gardens are open all year round and admission is free. Many of the flora and fauna species found here are confined to North West Ireland and show similarities with the flora and fauna of western Scotland. The rocky, exposed landscape of Glenveagh limits the plant and animal life. The soils are waterlogged and covered in peat and the grazing is of low quality. The wildlife suited to these conditions is quite specialised and abundance and variety of species changes with the seasons, but remains generally low. Bikes are available for collection in the visitor’s car park on the national park. We can take bookings up to a maximum of 25 bikes. Safety needs are kept to the highest standard. Our bikes guarantee a smooth and pleasant ride around this beautiful Donegal countryside. They allow you to enjoy more of the breath taking scenery than walking and turning it into a leisurely and enjoyable pursuit no matter where you go. Traditional Hybrid bikes are pedal bikes. They are cross between a racing bike and a mountain bike, and suitable for most terrains. These hybrids are at the upper end of the range, sturdy, mid weight, minimum 14 gears.

Tour Highlights Easy to find collection and drop off point. Situated in the beautiful grounds of Donegal’s Glenveagh National Park. Stunning mountain scenery. As a special area of conservation it contains unique flora and fauna. A rare opportunity to see Ireland’s re-introduced Golden eagles.

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