**Morning:**
- **8:00 AM:** Gather at Apple Green in Letterkenny to kick off an exciting day of adventure. Take this opportunity to stock up on essential supplies, including food and fuel for the journey ahead.
- **8:30 AM:** Begin with a comprehensive safety briefing in the carpark. It's a chance for everyone to get acquainted and admire the impressive lineup of trucks on display, setting the stage for camaraderie and excitement.
**On the Road:**
- **9:30 AM:** Start your journey on tarmac roads, where the excitement begins to build. These winding tarmac sections are not just transit but are often as thrilling as the off-road lanes themselves.
**Off-Roading Adventure:**
- **11:00 AM:** As the trip progresses, you'll leave the tarmac behind and venture onto narrow single-track roads. These twisty, scenic routes add to the excitement of the day.
- **12:30 PM:** Reach the point where the adventure truly begins as you ascend into steep and challenging off-road trails. Here, the only company you'll encounter are the curious sheep.
**Lunch:**
- **1:00 PM:** Pause for a well-deserved lunch break, often enjoyed right on the picturesque lanes. Be sure to have packed a lunch or picked up some sustenance from a nearby shop to refuel for the journey ahead.
**Exploration and Scenic Views:**
- **2:00 PM:** Continue your off-road expedition, climbing the trails to reach the majestic peak of Croughmore Mountain. Here, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of mountains, coastlines, cliffs, bogs, and beaches.
- **3:30 PM:** Explore abandoned villages, capturing the essence of history, and make stops at hidden lakes to capture memorable photos of the stunning landscapes.
**Evening:**
- **5:30 PM:** As the day draws to a close, it's time to decide where you'll enjoy your evening meal. You have the option of dining at the hotel or immersing yourself in the local culture at the singing pub in Downings.
- **7:00 PM:** For those who wish to extend their adventure, camping facilities are available at the pub, complete with amenities like showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable night's rest for the exciting day ahead.
Day 1 of the Mid Donegal Greenlane Raid promises a blend of scenic beauty, challenging off-roading, and opportunities for camaraderie, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Donegal landscape.
This leg of the trip can be seen on Youtube
(1) Croughmore Mountain Off Road with Flat Cap Adventurers 4x4 //County Donegal, Ireland// - YouTube
Please note timings are only an indication and many change depending on the group. Factors such as weather, traffic, breakdowns and recoveries can impact this.