Western Way - Mayo
County Mayo is a rugged landscape of which thirty six percent consists of mountain, bog and lake. The county experienced the greatest depopulation of any county in Ireland during and after the Great Famine: the 388,000 inhabitants in 1841 had reduced to just over 100,000 by the late 20th century, and it is hard not to sense this flight from the land as you walk through the county's magnificent mountain and moorland landscapes. The route of the Mayo section of the Western Way is a linear 150 km walking route from Leenaun to the village of Ballycastle. It includes long sections on tarmac roads, including 8km on the N59 main road, but the views of the looming holy mountain of Croagh Patrick and the spectacular vista to the north over the many islands of Clew Bay makes up for it. Again north of Westport much of the route is on tarmac side roads, but once past the beautiful mountain-framed Lough Feeagh there is a tangible sense of moving away from €˜civilisation'. Soon the route enters one of Ireland's last wildernesses, the barony of Tirawley and the largest expanse of peatland area in the country, bordered on the west by the Nephin Beg mountain range. After a brief interruption at Bellacorick where a public road is crossed, the wilderness of Sheskin, heavily forested, is crossed before descending towards the town of Ballycastle with the Atlantic Ocean filling the northern horizon. Much of the route is on forestry tracks or moorland paths, and walkers should expect some very wet sections. The aggregate ascent is nearly 1700m, but there are no significant climbs.
Maps and other information
External Links
Trail Management
Facilities
Car parking
At Aasleagh Falls
At End - on street in Ballycastle
60 kms or 49% of the Way follows local roads. There may be issues with waymarking at some points along the trail.
***No dogs allowed along the Erriff River or on the off-road section between Sheeffry Bridge and Drummin*** .
Map Guides
A West of Ireland Walk Guide County Mayo The Western Way Slí an Iarthair - Mayo County Council
The Western Way Oughterard to Westport - EastWest Mapping
OSI Maps
Peter from Belgium
We were very lucky to have good weather.
Starting at Aasleagh Falls we followed the Erriff River till Houston Bridge, a very nice walk. After passing Tawnyard Forest you cross Barnaderg Mountain where you have great views.
After Sheefry Bridge you have the choice: continuing the road to Drummin, or take the path passing by Lugacolliwee Lough. We took the latter. However beware, this is the most difficult part of the trail. You need to be in shape, serious climbing ahead, and the weather needs to be good, otherwise you will not see the path. A magnificent trail and worth all the effort...
Next highlight is the hike from the road to Lough Nacorra, also a bit more difficult.
After passing Croagh Patrick, you start the very nice descent to Westport.
Conor from Dublin
I spent four days hiking the Mayo section of this trail from Bellacorick to Leenane.
The trail surface is predominantly forestry access trail and road between Bellacorick and Westport. From Westport to Leenane the surfaces improve with the addition of some bog sections and a lovely climb over a mountain pass via Lugacollwee lake.
The best section of this trail was the two days between Westport and Leenane with stunning views of Croagh Patrick & Clew Bay. Leenane is also a wonderful town.
There is wild camping available in the Nephin Beg National Park at the Letterkeen Bothy. The Bothy itself is free to use and there is a dedicated wild camping spot 2km north along the Western Way.
I suspect your enjoyment of the trail is heavily dependent on the weather as the views are fantastic in good weather. If the clouds are down, you're just walking along roads & forestry track all day.