デリークレア・ラフのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

よく整備された川沿いの散歩道で、Ballynahinch castleが見えます

From here to the top of Derryclare and Bencorr is a strenuous mountain walk. The trail is steep and tough, with a mix of rock and bog sections. In the wet the rock can be very treacherous. Proper mountain hiking equipment, in particular footwear, is a must. In addition, make sure you have your food and fluids. There is very little by way of footpaths or waymarks, so the ability to navigate in the mountains, in particularly poor weather, is also a must. The trail gives you a rough outline and is best suited for the more experienced hikers out there with good fitness levels. Even then, the drier the day, the better experience you will have. You will be rewarded with an exceptional mountain day that has fine views of the 12 Bens from the tops and between the two summits, but you will certainly have to work for it.

Barrlugrevagh at 558 metres high makes for a small, scenic summit between Knocknahillion and Letterbreckaun. It has a decent size cairn and makes for a great vantage point to look down the ridge connectingh these two peaks.

Letterbreckaun is the second highest peak in the Maumturk Mountains here in Connemara at 667 metres high. It is the endmost northern mountain of the Central Maumturks area. It is connected to its lower sister hill of Knocknahillion by a long winding, undulating rocky ridge. From here you have great views out over Lough Inagh and towards Derryclare and Bencorr,

Cnoc na hUilleann, or Knocknahillion, which is 607 metres high, is a gem of a mountain in the central Maumturks area. It is not that high, but it is big in attitude, and if you follow the spectacular undulating ridge north, you will reach the slightly higher point of Letterbreckaun, which is 667 metres high.  On the way you will be able to take in the stunning views of the 12 Bens and the beautiful Lough Inagh Valley.

Derryclare is 673 metres high and sits just south of its bigger neighbour Bencorr, and both of them form two of the ’12 Bens of Connemara’. They are connected by a rocky ridge that offers great views in all directions.

At 711 metres, Bencorr is the second highest peak of the ’12 Bens of Connemara’, which has some of the finest walking in Ireland. The mountains are not very high, the highest being only 730 metres, but they offer wonderful hiking opportunities with super scenery and are a feast for the eyes. As with all mountains, however, treat them with respect and ensure you are properly equipped at all times.

a view from the top on windy June day