Ballyvaughan - Black Head Loop

Didnt get to complete due to inclement weather unfortunatley but contrary to any of the reviews we read before going, the signage was very poor! one small arrow at Fanore Beach pointing in a vague direction back towards the car park exit and then nothing until we saw another small one by accident which actually led us back down to fanore beach near the start!

What a fab hike!! My 10 year old daughter and me found the shortened loop brilliant but strenuous. We left the car at the beginning of Gleninagh valley. Currently (March 2022) the so-called 'overgrown' section overlooking Galway Bay is in very good repair. My tip is to leave stragglers enjoy Fanore beach and head up Caher valley and over the hill to collect the car alone. The hike up Caher valley would add another 4km on tarmac.

This is a spectacular walk with wonderful scenery! However, the Gleninagh section is a disaster and serious accidents are waiting to happen. This walk is ruined by that section. If you didn't bring long pants prepare to have bloody legs at the end from thorny briars and jutting branches. In some places it is dangerously slippery with steep drops. Why this section can't be remedied is a mystery!

Fantastic walk and views but the greenery section is totally overgrown and difficult to navigate as a result. Could do with some much needed cutting back/ dangerous at times as you cannot see underfoot .

An absolutely stunning hike. The scenery and landscape is breathtaking. It is a cgallenging enough hike with a lot of ascending and descending on varying under foot conditions. I really enjoyed it even though I completed the hike in windy conditions. It is the nicest hike I have done in a long time and I would highly recommend it.

What a great walk with great views throughout. Just completed together with my wife and took just under 6hrs. Weather was sunny and dry so no issue with mud or puddles. Will definitely do this walk again.

I walked this route last Saturday. It is very challenging but rewarding. I started at Fanore beach area walked along a beautiful coastal path with spectacular scenery and panoramic view of the Aran Islands.This was easy. The next section along Gleninagh is somewhat overgrown and narrows the passage making it a little tougher to negotiate but manageable nonetheless. This is the toughest section in my opinion as you then face a climb to the top of the mountain. Once up there, it is easy again and was well marked. The next section on to Caher Valley had a tough climb that seemed to rise endlessly with peak after peak. It is a lovely passage but challenging climb all the way. Once you reach the top the hard climb is over and easy walk after that but still a way to go. It was nearly dark when I reached my car so I was relieved to get back. Glad I brought proper gear as it was hot, then cool then it rained a little. Daylight was fading for me as I left it late to start and I could see no houses about for long period so allow yourself time. Highly recommend this. I'd say allow 6-7 hours for comfort.

Just back from this walk - tough enough, but very rewarding with views and terrain. However, the greenery on the portion of the walk adjoining Gleninagh is in need of cutting back. The passage is fairly narrow for about 4km and is overgrown so I got very wet from the moist foliage. Anyway, grateful for the route all the same.

Just stunning. I could add as many adjectives as possible but it can't describe such amazing scenery. It's a tough walk, no question, but WOW! Well done to those who marked out this trail, the signage is exceptional.

Excellent walk. Tough but well marked. Will do it again.