Hikes and trails: Tory may be small but it packs a mighty punch

Lying 15km off the Donegal coast, Tory is about 5 km long and 1km wide, with massive cliffs on its northern flanks. Distinctive for its strong Irish-speaking culture, it has become a Mecca for discerning tourists and is host to a seven-day walking festival in September

Year-round passenger services to Tory depart mainly from Magheroarty Pier, with a crossing time of approximately 45 minutes.

Until recently, I had never visited Tory Island. It may be the remoteness, the often choppy sea crossing, and the lack of hills to entice me, but for whatever reason, I never made it.

Finally, I fetched up to the island on a beautiful September day for a charity walk organised by Donegal Camino, as a fundraiser for cancer treatment services.