OUTDOORS Walk of the month – Lough Aroher Loop, Letterkeen

PEACEFUL The Lough Aroher loop at Letterkeen takes in hill, forest and river walks.

Discover another Letterkeen walk


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

Letterkeen – Lough Aroher Loop
Distance 10k   
Estimated Time 2.5 - 3hrs
Difficulty Moderate
Trail surface Riverbanks, tracks and forestry roads
Minimum Gear Walking boots, stick, raingear, snack, camera, mobile phone
Parking At Brogan Carroll Bothy

The sun shone on a recent walk down in Letterkeen, and for the three hours we were out there, we did not meet another soul until we made our way back to the Bothy. There we met an English couple who fly to Knock regularly to walk in Mayo, as our hills are virtually people free. I hoped our meeting had not put them off returning! 
The Lough Aroher Red Loop has the same trailhead as the blue and purple loops, commencing at the Brogan Carroll Bothy.  
When walking the first section of all three loops, you are walking in the footsteps of all those who walked the old drover path between Newport and Bangor Erris for centuries, before roads were developed in the region. It forms part of the Bangor Trail, one of the most beautiful and remote walks in Europe – and a walk deserving of its own feature in 2012.
Cross the bridge over the Altaconey River, featured above, and follow the riverbank for almost one hundred metres. Meeting a second bridge, cross this and turn right. The loop is well marked for another three kilometres crossing another stream en route. Near the end of the section of forestry on your right, look out for the point where the loop turns right into the forestry via wooden posts, marked in black on the map.
Follow the track into the forest and take the sandy roadway which leads along the side of Lough Aroher. Another kilometre on, the loop veers right onto a green track. This track ascends for 500m, and you rejoin the purple loop. You will then descend to the forestry road where you turn right.
All three loops meet a further kilometre up the road, follow the arrows along the mesmerising Altaconey River for another two kilometres until you arrive back again at the Brogan Carroll Bothy.
The terrain at Letterkeen can be wet and boggy in parts, but don’t let that stop you. That’s what walking boots are designed for.



Directions
To get to Letterkeen from Newport, take the N59 towards Achill for one kilometre. Turn northwards at a signpost indicating The Marine Institute of Ireland and Lough Furnace. Follow this road for about two kilometres, where you continue straight through a crossroads passing a disused two-storey house on your right. Continue along this road with Lough Feeagh to your left. Two kilometres past the lake you will enter Letterkeen wood. Follow the signs for Letterkeen loop walk until you reach the bothy.

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.