Wild Nephin National Park offers an unparalleled connection to nature. With its sweeping landscapes, untouched wilderness, and tranquil beauty, the park is a haven for walkers, from casual strollers to seasoned hikers. Among the treasures of Wild Nephin are its walks, which showcase the park’s diverse habitats, rich history, and stunning landscape.
Here’s a guide to some of the best walks in Wild Nephin National Park:
Tóchar Daithí Bán at Ballycroy Visitor Centre
Distance: 2 km
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Starting at the park’s Visitor Centre in Ballycroy, this short loop is perfect for visitors of all ages. It features an accessible pathway with panoramic views of Achill Island and the surrounding countryside. Informational panels along the way highlight the park’s unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail (Due to fire damage the Coastal Trail is currently closed)
Distance: 2 km
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Located just off the N59 (53.95805935465354, -9.793584762934652) this family-friendly trail is ideal for those seeking a gentle walk with spectacular coastal views. Following a mix of boardwalks and sheltered shoreline, it loops through scenic bog lands with the Nephin Beg mountains as a backdrop. Keep an eye out for native flora and fauna, including the rare bog orchid, wading birds and if you’re lucky, an otter.
Letterkeen Loop Walks
There are a number of looped walks which start at Brogan Caroll Bothy (53.98935667334915, -9.572834424433957). These range in difficulty and length, however all walkers are asked to register HERE, in the unlikely event there is an emergency.
Vary’s Loop – Orange Markers
Distance: 2.5 km
Time: ~45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Vary’s Loop is a 2.5km trail that follows the serene Altaconey River, along with the stunning scenery you might be treat to sightings of grey wagtails and dippers. The route offers views of the Nephin Beg Mountains, passes John Vary’s house, and winds through a newly planted Scots pine forest. It concludes at the Bothy, passing the Marine Institute’s fish traps on the Rough River along the way.
Bothy Loop – Blue Markers
Distance: 5 km
Time: 1hr – 2hr
Difficulty: Moderate
This loop, marked by blue arrows, takes you along a a mixture of old cattle road, firebreak, sandy road, forest road, and riverbank. Primarily through forested areas, the route features both ascents and descents as it circles the southern slopes of a hill in the serene and secluded lowlands of the Nephin Beg Mountains. The firebreak section has soft footing and may become waterlogged during wet weather.
Lough Avoher Loop – Red Markers
Distance: 10 km
Time: 3hr – 3hr 30m
Difficulty: Strenuous
The trail starts with a crossing of the Altaconey River, leading toward the edge of Wild Nephin National Park. Following along the park’s boundary, the route eventually turns left, guiding you back to the starting car park. The walk offers a pleasant blend of woodland paths and open landscapes to enjoy.
Letterkeen Loop – Purple Markers
Distance: 12 km
Time: 4 – 5hr
Difficulty: Strenuous
Following the purple arrows, this scenic looped trail offers stunning views of the untouched landscape. One of the more remote loops, it gives walkers some breath taking scenic vistas. A mixture of paths, tracks, and road, there are sections that remain boggy year-round, sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential.
Hikes for Longer Adventures
Passing Brogan Caroll Bothy and all the way through Wild Nephin are two hikes that will take more time and offer more challenges. These routes require a little more preparation but the rewards are well worth the effort.
The Bangor Trail
The Bangor Trail is a 39km waymarked walking trail starting in Newport and finishing in Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo. Sometimes described as “the loneliest place in Ireland”, due to the isolated nature of the route, this challenging 39km trail takes you through all types of terrain – country roads, bog tracks, open countryside, across rivers – all of which enable walkers to experience a solitude no longer available elsewhere in Ireland. You won’t see a house along the route, and you may not even meet another soul along the route
The Western Way
The Western Way is one of Ireland’s most captivating long-distance trails, guiding travelers through the country’s wild landscapes from Galway up to the rugged beauty of North Mayo. While each part of this route has its charms, the northern stretch from Newport to Bonniconlon offers an especially memorable journey. Incorporating Wild Nephin National Park the walk combines raw coastal scenery, lush forests, rolling bog land, and the ancient hills of Mayo.
Be Safe and Respect the Environment
Whichever one of the walks you chose, please always remember to plan ahead and be safe. Please take into consideration
- Food and water – bring enough fuel and hydration to last the duration of your walk.
- Excellent waterproof boots – whilst some of the walks are on paths and tracks, some are through open bog land and as such can be extremely wet and slippery underfoot.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – The weather can change quite quickly so always be prepared.
- Mobile phone – There probably won’t be signal depending on where you are walking but bring your phone in case of emergancies.
- Let someone know – For the longer walk inform someone where you are walking and what time you expect to be back.
- Register – Walkers in Letterkeen are required to register with the park service in case of emergency, REGISTER HERE.
- Dogs – Dogs are welcome in the park, however they must be kept on a lead at all times and please remember to always pick up after you pet.
- Leave No Trace – what ever you bring with you please take home, respect the countryside and please take all rubbish home so others can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of Wild Nephin National Park.
More info
Web: www.nationalparks.ie/wild-nephin
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +353 (0)98 49888