Once again I stayed relatively close to home for this hike, which happened to fall on my birthday.
The Vinegar Hill Loop in County Tyrone is one of a small number of waymarked routes in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains. It’s largely on farm tracks with sections on public but quiet roads.
I hadn’t walked it before but had done most of the longer (and excellent) Craignamaddy Circuit, which it overlaps with.
Our start point was the scenic parking facility just to the north of Barnes Gap. This ‘deeply incised, north-south, glacial overflow channel’ cuts through the ridge of hills to the south of the Glenelly Valley, and is one of the most dramatic sights in the range.
A full route description and map are available from the Walk NI website so I won’t go into details here. While a mild day for January, the views were hazy but hopefully the below photos give a feel for what to expect.
Looking north across the Glenelley Valley to ‘the Mullaghs’, taken on the higher of the two roads through Barnes Gap
My first time seeing signs for the International Appalachian Trail (Sentier international des Appalaches in French). The Ulster~Ireland section connects the Donegal and Antrim coasts.
The tranquil farm track which contours around Mullaghbolig on the eastern side of the loop
Our company for a while
Enjoying the views from the track
Heading downhill towards the end of the track
An excellent birthday surprise on our lunch stop
The second section of track on our way back to Barnes Gap, as the sun began to set
Mullaghcarn which dominates the view to the south of the route. It rises above Gortin Glen Forest Park.
Back at Barnes Gap as dusk approaches. I like this view of the criss-crossing roads; we returned by the lower one but they both lead back to the parking spot.
Total distance: 11.9km / 7.4 miles
Map: OSNI 13 or Sperrins Activity Map
More info: Vinegar Hill Loop and Craignamaddy Circuit listings on Walk NI website; International Appalachian Trail
Earlier posts on hiking in the Sperrins:
Sperrins: Lough Ouske to Lough Lark |
Sperrins in the Snow: Carnanelly |
Crockbrack Way (and a bit of Hudy’s Way)
Hike Cycle Ireland 
Fantastic Martin. Brings back memories as I walked a bit of that route when bagging Mullaghbolig. Great photos for those conditions – I always think its good to show the landscape in all its moods to give a true impression. A belated (?) happy birthday!
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Cheers Aidy. I actually did a bit of the route when I did Mullaghbolig as well. Agree it’s good to show the variety of our weather, though blue skies are always welcome. The birthday was Sunday thanks, being in the hills was a good way to forget about it!
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Love Barnes, a very special walk for me because that’s where it all started almost 20yrs ago now. Enjoyed the walk, the views and the random lunch-stop/impromptu birthday celebration on a random bridge!!
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It was the highlight of the walk! Didn’t realise you’d been hiking that long.
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Wish to visit Ireland someday,..I have a friend there who lives in Crossmaglen…
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You should! I’m about an hour from there. Some great scenery and hikes nearby.
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Someday 🙂
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Reblogged this on bikes beer & cosmic consequences – Republic of Ireland 2017.
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Fab post, I’ve camped and walked Barnes Gap also. Really enjoyable especially with the scenery
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Thanks for the comment, there’s definitely something special about that area. Love the views at the top of the gap.
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