Foxford in Co. Mayo is an absolute haven for walkers, with spectacularly scenic tracks and trails upon mixed and rugged terrain – enough to satisfy even the most energetic hillwalker. Check out some of the Foxford Loop Walks below.
Foxford Way Loop
The Foxford Way Loop is 33km long, with the Ox Mountains on one side and the distinctive Nephin Mountain on the other; it is one of Mayo’s finest walks. It is an innovative walk with a rich variety of flora and fauna and an exceptional archaeological and historical content. During your walk, you will encounter bogs, mountains, rivers and Lakes and breath-taking scenery to delight the walker. Although not obvious to the landscape, the influence of man is chronicled through the many fascinating pre-historic and early Christian sites throughout your walk.
Nearest Town: Foxford
Start / Finish: The trailhead / official start point is located in Foxford beside the children’s playground in a car park just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road.
Distance: 33 km
Trail Way marking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Yellow and the Walking Man).
Estimated Time: Approximately 7 – 8 hours.
Larganmore Loop
What to Expect: Surface roads, country lanes and bog / mountain tracks. The Western slopes of the Ox Mountains are home to a herd of ‘Feral’ goats, the descendents of domestic goats run wild. The goats are the focus of the annual goat fair held in each year in Foxford on the 15th May.
Description: The trailhead / official start point is located at an ‘official’ viewing point in the townland of Glanduff, Foxford, Co Mayo.(OS Sheet 31, G305 092) Services (accommodation, shops, pubs, restaurants, etc) are available in Foxford (10km)
Start / Finish: Viewing Point at Glanfuff, Foxford
Distance: 14 km
Trail Waymarking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Purple).
Highest Point: 271m
Grade: Moderate – Hard
Estimated Time: 4 hour – 4 hour 30 mins
Prebaun Loop
What to Expect: Country lanes, bog tracks and hillside, taking in sections of the Foxford Way.
Description: trailhead / official start point is located at the parish church in the townland of Attymachugh, Foxford, Co Mayo.(OS Sheet 32, G327 074) Services (accommodation, shops, pubs, restaurants, etc) are available in Foxford (10km)
Nearest Town: Foxford
Start / Finish: Attymachugh Church.
Distance: 10 km
Trail Waymarking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Purple).
Highest Point: 200m
Grade: Moderate – Hard
Estimated Time: 2 hour – 3hour 30 mins
Minimum Gear: Sturdy Walking / Trekking Boots, Waterproofs, Fluids, Snacks and Mobile Phone
Callow Loop
What to Expect: Country lanes, and bog tracks taking in sections of the Foxford Way and vistas of Callow Lake. This is a beautiful trail overlooking Callow Lakes, situated just off the N26 Foxford Swinford road.
Description: The trailhead / official start point is located at the pier slipway at callow lake just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road. Services (accommodation, shops, pubs, restaurants, etc) are available in both Foxford and Swinford (3km)
Nearest Town: Foxford / Swinford
Start / Finish: Pier / Slipway at Callow Lake
Distance: 6.5 km
Trail Waymarking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Blue).
Estimated Time: 2 hour – 2hour 30mins
Shanwar Belgarrow Loop
What to Expect: Country lanes, bog tracks and hillside, the user will experience wonderful vistas of Nephin and the Ox Mountains.
Description: The trailhead / official start point is located in Foxford beside the children’s playground just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road.
Start / Finish: Beside children’s playground located just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road
Distance: 8 km
Trail Waymarking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Red).
Grade: Moderate – Hard
Estimated Time: 2 hour – 2hour 30mins
Foxford Town Loop
What to Expect: Country lanes, and riverside walk
Description: The trailhead / official start point is located in Foxford beside the children’s playground just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road.
Start / Finish: Beside children’s playground located just off the N26 Foxford – Swinford Road
Distance: 4 km
Trail Waymarking: Trail is waymarked using a black post about 1 metre high, with a direction travel arrow (Green).
Grade: Easy
Estimated Time: 1 hour
