OUTDOORS Walk of the month – Inishbofin

A Galway island walk with Mayo views


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

Inishbofin Middlequarter Loop
Total distance: 5k
Time: 1.5–2 hrs
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Trail surface: Minor roads, bog roads and tracks
Gear: Sturdy boots, raingear (just in case), camera, picnic

I am venturing across the county line to our Galway neighbours for this month’s walk, not because there aren’t loads more walks to feature in Mayo, but because we are into the summer holidays and this walk is a really nice day out for all the family – and it only takes an hour to get to our starting point from Westport.
A trip to Inishbofin combines an enjoyable drive, a boat journey, two hours of spectacular scenery and if the sun shines, a swim and a picnic on any one of the many secluded beaches on the island.
The Middlequarter Loop is one of three FΡilte Ireland-accredited loops on the island. It runs over Inishbofin’s second highest point, which on a clear day offers panoramic views of Achill Island’s mountains, Inishturk and Clare Island, and Croagh Patrick. The track also takes in Inishbofin’s historic and varied Iron and Bronze Age landscapes with mill stones, partitions and evidence of round stone houses.
Starting from the mapboard at the top of the pier, turn left and follow the blue (and purple and red) arrows. The red and purple arrows are for other loops. After around 200m you reach a junction with Pound Road. Turn right here, and ascend to reach a crossroads. Note that the red loop turns right at the crossroads – you turn left following the blue and purple arrows.
Follow this road past the school, and after nearly 1km you reach a three-way junction where you turn right. After 100m, you’ll cross a stile and join a gravel roadway. Around 200m later you’ll reach a bog roadway on your right (note that the purple, Westquarter, loop proceeds straight on here, but you turn right).
Enjoy the trek to Middlequarter for 1km before the roadway begins to peter out. Near the end, the loop leaves the roadway and turns sharp right and uphill. The next section takes you onto a ridge marked with stone cairns and eventually a communications mast. From here you have superb views of large sections of the island.
Continuing to follow the blue arrows as the loop descends from the communications mast to two water reservoirs and then takes you around the end of the airstrip. After a mix of roadways and open ground you rejoin an old roadway at a gate and stile. Now back on terra firma, the loop reaches a T-junction where you rejoin the red loop briefly, turn left, and almost immediately turn right to descend to a T-junction where you turn right.
You then continue to follow the blue red arrows for 150m before turning left and descending to the quay area where you turn right. Follow the road for 500m past the church and back to the pier and you will still have loads of time to enjoy a drink or some food before departing on the evening ferry back to Cleggan.

Directions to Cleggan
Follow the N59 for Clifden, pass Kylemore Abbey and Letterfrack. Turn right at junction for Cleggan and the road brings you down to Cleggan pier. For Ferry details, visit www.inishbofinislanddiscovery.com.

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.