In contrast to yesterday, the day began with a cloudless sky and a cool breeze, becoming warmer as the day progressed. We continued along the N56 as far as Dungloe, easy cycling along a quiet road. Here we called in at the Tourist Information Centre for maps and local advice. They directed us to a minor road over the moors which was a good alternative to the N56, a lovely run which joined the main road after a few miles. We carried on south, stopping for our picnic by a bridge over the lovely Gweebarra River.
From Maas we rode round to Ardara and branched off a little further south for the narrow road up the wild dramatic Glengesh pass, and on through another pass to Glencolmcille. We phoned the Malin Beg hostel, another five miles on, but there was no reply. The Dooley hostel is a mile outside the village, reputed to be rather quirky. After a long hard day’s ride, quiet and comfortable appeals more than quirkiness so luckily we spotted the Glencolmcille Hill Walkers Centre, self-catering accommodation for 25 euro each in an ensuite room with towels provided. It felt more like a B&B but with a well equipped kitchen. After cooking and eating, we went for an evening stroll to the beach, lovely in the fading light. A skylark hovered beyond the dunes before dropping down behind them.