Hillwalking Galway\Mayo

  • Thread starter SteelBlue05
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SteelBlue05

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Anyone know any moderate hillwalks in galway\mayo? Ok, I have climbed croagh Patrick but thats about it. Not looking for any CliffHanger type scenarios, just something maybe not as steep as crogh patrick but about the same time frame i.e. about a 1.5-2 hours to a summit and whatever back.

I have checked http://mountainviews.ie, any other good sites? Its really comprehensive but thought maybe someone could recommend a hillwalk?

I was looking at some hillwalking boots also, quite expensive at the 150-200 range, anyone recommend any decent pair for about 100-150 mark. Not looking for any pro boots, just something decent.
 
Hi there

Hillwalking is something I'm just starting to get back to now. Have signed up for a charity walk to Slovenia next year so am trying to head up the Dublin or Wicklow mountains every weekend to rediscover all those muscles I had when I lived up a mountain in Germany!

I don't have any recommendations for hillwalks but with regard to the boots I would have to say don't buy Salomon. I bought a pair of these just less than a year ago and despite not actually having walked a lot over that time one has a hole in the side and both are very worn down. I tend to be hard on shoes but the last pair I had (wish I'd made a note of the name, got them in Arnotts) lasted for over four years.
 
My wife and I both bought hillwalking boots by "Hi Tec" over 5 years ago. They were not expensive at the time and we have since used them extensively on 4 trips to the Peak District, Derbyshire in addition to walking/ climbing Mount Leinster and the Slieve Blooms. The boots are still in good condition and they need minimal care. I just clean them with a damp sponge and treat with waterprooofing spray when dry. If I was buying again I'd probably go for something similar, you could probably pick up a gents pair for around €90, a little less for the ladies version.
 
thanks, wouldnt have thought HiTec as being good before this but I will check 'em out.
 
Hi SteelBlue,

Im just back from my honeymoon where we went walking/hiking in Galway/Clare. Ive a book at home, that I bought in dublin, listing hiking trails all around Ireland. Ill look up the title tonight and pm you.

Over the 2 weeks we did Croagh Patrick, The Burren, trails around the Conemara national park (a little bit disappointing), Trails from Roundstone to Ballyconnely (spelling?) and lahinch. The best was the Burren, there are many trails there between Ballyvaughan, Murroogh and framor. Not as steep (or as hard) as Croagh Patrick but challenging averaging from 2 to 6.5 hours depending what your in the mood for and really spectacular scenary.

Hope that is some help
cas.
 
thanks casiopea for that. If could let me know which trails you found the best I'd really appreciate it.

Also, whats the name of the book ,I might try to buy it off amazon.com.
 
Casiopea, could you let me know the name of the book as well please? Where did you buy it? Thanks.

Steelblue05, the boots I bought were "Hi Tec" Transcender by the way.
 
A good hillwalking book is "Best Irish Walks" by Joss Lynam.
He outlines good mountains all over Ireland. He includes directions and ordinance survey map references as well as approximate walking times.
I suggest you buy a compass and OS map when hill walking in Ireland as low clouds can come in fairly fast and you'll lose your way. Many mountains in the west will not have paths or tracks like Croagh Patrick.

As for boots, anything comfortable, waterproof and with good ankle support should do.

Try and wear clothes that lets the sweat away from your body e.g. polyester - not cotton ! It can get cold and damp up there very fast.
 
Hi there,

Sorry for my slow response.

The book Im refering to above is "Best Irish Walks" Third Edition Joss Lynam EDITOR. We bought it in Dublin but Im sure its on amazon or in most good bookshops. Excellent detail, good clear map, distance, walking time, descriptions of what to look out for, views, ascent.

cas.
 
Re: Mayo.

If you travel to Westport, then head north to Newport. Take the middle road i.e. not heading west to Achill or east to Castlebar or Ballina or whatever town it heads to.

Instead head direct north up towards the Nephin Beg way. The scenery is astounding up there & its not a well throdden road so there's a lovely sense of isolation. I know there are a number of walks you can do up there depending how difficult you want it, I remember there's a circular route for one. Fraid further exploration you'll have to do yourself. Here's a link to get you started.

http://towns.mayo-ireland.ie/webx?14@@.ee7b86d

I did tonnes of Connemara this year but very little hillwalking barr in Connemara National Park at Letterfrack which is so small it won't keep you going for long though you can climb to quite an altitude in the park if you're so inclined.
 
Sierra
This is Furnace, Newport, co mayo.......fantastic walks with great views of clew bay and superb forest walks.
 
I have climbed Ben Lettery (not sure of the spelling) a few times and its beautiful. Great views over Galway Bay, the bens and maamturks. Its not as difficult as Croagh Patrick but there is no path. If you go past Recess on the Clifton Road from Galway, you come to a Youth Hostel on your right at Ballinafad where you can park. You start the climb directly behind the hostel, as I said there is no path or anything you just start climbing/walking up. It should take two hours up, I hour down. If your feeling fit at the top there is what they call a horeshoe over to five other peaks in the twelve bens, I sometimes just go across the rim to Ben Gabhar and go down from there (the only disadvantage is you then have to walk back to your car along the road). It can be quite windy and cold on top so be careful. Hope this is helpful.
 
If you're in the area Sierra is talking about, drive to Achill. Keep driving along the main road through Achill past Dooagh and onto Keem. Admire one of the prettiest beaches in Ireland before climbing up to the old (now derelict) watch house on the top of the peninsula. Head north west and hit Achill head before turning east to tackle some reasonably gentle hills before heading back to Keem.
 

Yeah, thats "The Glencoaghan Horseshoe" - Its detailed in Ross Lynam's book.
Would take a full day of hiking to complete it but it is spectacular. Its tough going so probably best attempted with more experience and in decent weather. Ben Lettery itself is a nice climb alright.
 
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