Urris Lakes and Loop

Great hike with spectacular ocean and lake views ending up on a beach

Urris Lakes and Loop, with a combination of the Leenakeel Bay Beach at the end of the walk, make that adventure a mix of the hike, fantastic panorama views of the Atlantic Ocean and Swilly, to end on a beach looking at the emerald waves.

You can park in the car park for the beach and start the loop 50 meters north. You can see the hiking path going up, even from the beach. The trail is well maintained, gravel most of it. The last couple of hundred meters is a hike on the turf. There are marking signs all the way—no way to get lost. There is a picnic bench half the way up.

Getting to the lakes could be challenging, but the view is rewarding. On a clear day, you can see Fanad Head and the lighthouse, Swilly from different angles, Malin Head in the distance, and a fabulous view of Leenakeel Bay Beach.

There are two paths to get to the lakes.

One is shorter, following the signs and moving through a steep walking path just before the lakes. The second path is wider but takes a bit more time to get to the lakes. You can take one of the paths on the way up and then take the other back.

It took me an hour and twenty minutes to get there with my bike, so prepare for a 2-3 hour trip. The distance is 6.5 km, but it is steep at times. Also, the road is not suitable for baby buggies.

My favourite moments were on the lakes themself. They are absolutely gorgeous, then the beach view when returning.

Don't forget to visit Leenakeel Bay Beach after the hike.

One of the most rewarding moments is to end up on a beach after a hike. The Leenakeel Bay Beach is at 5 mins walking distance from the hike start/finish point. I always finish my journey there looking at the waves 😊

Pictures by Velin Georgiev