Gaugin Mountain

Set deep within the rugged Blue Stack Mountains of County Donegal, this 565-metre peak offers a true wilderness experience. Despite its modest height, its status as a Marilyn marks it as a significant, isolated summit. The terrain is characteristically tough, featuring the classic Donegal mix of granite outcrops, deep heather, and expansive peat hags.

• •The name likely stems from the Irish Gabhail, meaning a fork, describing its position at a junction of ridges within the central Blue Stack Mountains.
• •Gaugin is situated on the high ground between Lavagh More and Binmore, making it a key waypoint for walkers attempting the challenging traverse of the range's main spine.
• •The summit provides a grandstand view of the rugged glens to the south and the shimmering expanse of Lough Eske at the foot of the mountains.
• •Navigating the approach requires care; the surrounding moorland is notorious for its 'hag-hopping,' where walkers must navigate between islands of peat to avoid the saturated ground between them.
• •While the map suggests a short distance from the nearest road, the lack of defined paths means a 'Donegal mile' here takes considerably longer than a standard one.