Letterkeen Loop

Did this trail in February during heavy rain and can say that it’s absolutely imperative to have waterproof hiking boots and gaiters. Really enjoyed the walk and the exercise, but was challenging in the wet weather.

I walked this route on the 11/7/2018, with all the dry weather it was dry under foot and it was extremely well marked with posts at regular stages along the walk, this was a lovely walk and its a credit to those that put the work in to creating such a scenic track through such a beautiful countryside, the views were amazing.

Did this trail 25 April 2018. Superbly way-marked with the posts being inter-visible on some of the trickier stages. Very wet underfoot - only in Ireland can you get a bog on a 45 degree slope! Well worth the effort though with some stunning views from the upper slopes. Allow an extra hour if there’s been much rain.

My husband and I have no experience off walking trails. We love nature, espescially birds and hoped to see some special ones along the walk. Let's try, we thought.

We could find it well. The signs were clear.

We read the information on the board. The 12 km loop was marked as hard. We looked at each other. Well that must be possible. Perhaps not in three hours but the weather was fine and we had time enough. The first piece was ok, nice strolling along the river. The second piece we had to climb up through a dried out stone riverbed. It was a bit harder but nice to do. The third piece was along an old fence. It went up hill and was some what muddy. That was a bit exiting but al went wel. By now we walked not so fast anymore. The fourth piece was through pinewood. This was really a bit scary and exiting because the terrain was marshy. It was asked to stay close to the posts, but that wasn't always possible. It was almost impossible to keep your feet dry. The last of this piece was really uphill and exhaustively. Especially where the peat was sunk and you had to take big step to get ahead. At the top of the mountain we took a break and we enjoyed the view and quietness around us. We continued our walk and were pleased that it went downhill from this point on. The fifth piece went also through pinewood. It was sometimes slippery. After the pinewood the walk followed again a little riverbed. The last piece went on a forest road. It was quite a tough hike. We have done about the trail four and a half hours. During the walk we had no time looking for birds we were too busy. We loved to do it and were proud of ourselves because it was successful. I think we were very lucky because it was such nice weather.

I did this trail today with my husband. We found it very difficult to find, other than the fact that we had a local with us we would not have found it. More signs need to be put up. The sign near the car park just says Letterkeen Loop with no arrow pointing in the direction of the road where the car park is. Aside from that, we really enjoyed the beauty of the walk, such amazing views. The most enjoyable walk I have done in quite a while.

Can be a very wet trail in some parts during wet weather. Well worth the walk just for the views from the top - wondeful view and relaxing downward trail to the end.