OUTDOORS Walk of the Month – Tawnyard forest trail

Escape to Tawnyard Forest Trail, just south of Westport.

Lose yourself on a tranquil forest trail


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

Tawnyard Forest Trail
Total distance 7km   
Estimated Time 2.5 hrs
Degree of Difficulty Moderate
Trail Surface Forest roads/tracks
Minimum Gear Walking boots, raingear, camera

Fancy a forest trail, but one boasting breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and countryside? The Tawnyard Forest Trail has it all. Located in the Sheeffry Hills, it forms part of the Western Way, a linear 150km walking route from Leenane to Ballycastle in north Mayo.
Tawnyard Forest is managed by Coillte, and this section can be done as part of the Western Way from Leenane, leading you towards the Sheeffry Bridge, Drummin and onto Owenwee,  where under the watchful eye of Croagh Patrick, you continue on to Westport. Alternatively, as featured here, you can start the trail at the Coillte forest carpark at Tawnyard and make your way to Houston’s Bridge and back. The total distance is 7km.
I had walked the trail previously as part of the Western Way, and it went onto my list for ‘Walk of the Month’ due to the distance, the terrain and its tranquil setting. However, the weather gods seemed to be conspiring against me anytime I set out to do it again, until one morning last week: I got to Tawnyard Forest just as it was waking up, its blanket of mist being burnt away by a few rays of sunshine that had forced their way through the clouds. I knew I had an hour to two to make my way through the forest and back before the clouds would turn to heavy rain.
The trail leads you through the wooden gates and follows the forest road for 1.5 kms with views of Tawnyard Lough along the way, before turning right, down to the bridge crossing at the Owenduff River; one of the west of Ireland’s finest fishing rivers. On a sunny day, this is the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic or simply savour the views of Ben Gorm to the south west and the majestic Mweelrea to the west – at 803m, it’s the highest mountain in Connacht.
Continue through the Lodgepole pine forest and onto a forest road that crosses through a bog that leads you to Houston’s Bridge. You can then retrace your steps back to the car park.


Directions
Tawnyard Forest Trail is around 25 minutes drive from Westport. Take the road for Leenane and continue along before turning right for Drummin. Continue straight past Drummin Church and up and over the Rock Road. Coillte’s Tawnyard Carpark is on your left after the viewing point, as you go down the hill. The drive alone is worth doing for the views along the way.

Cathleen Fergus works for South West Mayo Development Company as Rural Recreation Officer. Her job includes the design, development and promotion of walking and cycling trails. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.