A group of friends set off from the Dún Luiche (Dunlewey) side of Errigal Mountain (751 Metres) Donegal's highest mountain, and headed due north guided by the peak of Aghla Mór, a mountain to the east of Errigal. After a steep initial section we topped the ridge and saw the rest of the mountain range through the haze, running east, northeast, for the first time. A further hour over land (mainly soft grass, mountain grazing and rather wet bogland) we reached the crest of the last ridge and there was the full face of Aghla Mór, the Shepherd's 'castle' and the stunning azure of Loch Áltan.

The lake is reputed to reach over 80 metres in depth and holds moderate stocks of trout. It is nestled between the slopes of Aghla Mór to the east and Beahy to the west. Due to its nestling location one cannot see the lake from any vantage point except by trekking in over the bogland.  The site is graced with a waterfall and 'folly-style' castelated building (now derelict) once used by shepherds working for the landed gentry at the big estate at Glenveagh House (See my Glenveagh Review).

We all made it safely, ate lunch and then made the rather arduous walk back over the ridge and eventually into 'civilisation'. If you do this walk allow 3+ hours for a gentle pace and at least an hour for lunch and exploration of the lake shore. It is also possible to traverse its western shore and carry on to the townland of Prucklish due north of the lake. Enjoy the photos, we really enjoyed the walk (especially my smelly dog - Boo which rhymes with .... you get it!).