OUTDOORS Walk of the Month – Derry to Letterkeen

Have cars, will walk


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

Derry to Letterkeen
Total distance: 12km
Estimated time:? 3-5 hours
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Trail surface: Coillte Forest roads, tracks
Minimum gear: Boots or walking shoes, waterproofs, camera

Its was a typical Mayo summer’s day. Rays of sunshine regimentally working their way through the clouds to dry us off after each brigade of showers had reminded us that waterproofs are essential when walking in the west of Ireland. 
My colleagues in north Mayo and Galway, John and Rosaleen, and I were out to investigate a trail north of Newport, from Derry, near Bellacorick, through the Coillte forestry down to the bothy at Letterkeen. This walk is another section of the Western Way, and one of several walking options through Letterkeen (see previous articles, available on mayonews.ie). Logistically, this one requires two cars and a little bit of effort, but it’s well worth it.
My advice would be to start early in the morning and park car number one at the Brogan Carroll Bothy at Letterkeen and then hop into the second car and take the road straight to Keenagh and onwards towards Bellacorrick. Watch out for walkers’ signs bearing the yellow men – one in particular, around two miles before Bellacorrick. That will take you left down a side road, past a house also on the left, contining along a very narrow road leading you to the entrance to the woods at Derry. And so the journey begins.
After ensuring the car was safely parked out of anyone else’s way, we set off along well maintained forestry tracks on a trail that would lead us through a kaleidoscope of nature. From ever-changing clouds turning the watchful and brooding Nephin from black to blue and back to black, to streams meandering down hillsides to glistening lakes, we were spoilt for views along the way.
It’s a straightforward well-signed linear walk. As it meets up with the Letterkeen loop, the  markers with 3kms will let you know know it’s only a short stroll along the banks of the Altaconey River until you spot the glint of the car you parked three hours earlier at the bothy. The drive back to retrieve car number two only makes you appreciate the walk even more.

Directions
From Newport, follow the N59 in the direction of Achill for just 1km before turning right at a signpost indicating Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Lough Furnace. After 1km, go straight at a signpost for Lough Furnace, and continue along this road past Lough Feeagh (on your left). You’ll pass the former Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Shramore Lodge on your right, and then cross a small bridge over the Srahrevagh River.
Almost immediately after the bridge turn left onto a forestry roadway (following the signposts for the Bangor Trail and the Western Way). Follow the forestry roadway for around 1km until you reach the Brogan Carroll Bothy, where you’ll be leaving the first car.
To get to Derry, go back 1km to the road that took you to the bothy, but turn left for Keenagh. Continue straight on to a junction that takes you onto the R312 and drive another 8km before turning left and down to the starting point at Derry.

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.