1/7: Yesterday I climbed the seven sisters - a mountain chain in northwest Donegal. Definitely not for the fainthearted, but here are some pics from the journey to persuade/dissuade anyone who might be contemplating it for their staycation this year...

2/7: We started at around 6:30a.m. with Muckish, which stands at 666m (the elevation of the beast). A reasonable slog but perhaps the most visually interesting of the bunch, even when it's misty. Look out for the abandoned mining equipment and the mysterious dolmen on top.

3/7: As you descend Muckish, you get some great views of the back road between Falcarragh and Letterkenny. There's even a little grotto for those of a Christian persuasion to load up on prayers before ascending Crocknalaragagh, which stands at 471m.

4/7: The descent from Crocknalaragagh offers some nice views before you attempt peaks three, four, and five: Eachla Beag (564m), Eachla Mór (584m), and Ardloughnabrackbaddy (603m). The initial climb is tough but once you reach the plateau it's not so bad.

5/7: The descent to the base of Mac Uchta (aka Wee Errigal) was one of the tougher parts of the journey but the mist did break to reveal Loch Altan in all its splendour, and a curious abandoned building that is now home to several sheep.

6/7: Mac Uchta stands at 555m. Unfortunately it was at this point that I began to get so tired I could barely muster the energy to get my camera out of my bag. It was very misty anyway so there wasn't much point.

7/7: Last but definitely not least was Errigal, the biggest of the bunch at 751m but actually one of the nicest climbs. Unlike some of the others there are clear tracks and steps strewn across the mountain. Unfortunately there was also lots of mist. Here's the view from the top.