OUTDOORS Walk of the month – Erriff River

The King of the valleys


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

Total distance 5km   
Estimated time 1.5 - 2hrs
Difficulty Easy
Trail surface River bank, path, tracks
Minimum gear Walking boots and raingear, camera, liquids, mobile phone
Dogs Open farmland, no dogs allowed

Western Way, Erriff River section
We’re wandering away from loop walks this month. This Erriff River walk is a linear route  and part of the nationally accredited Western Way. It requires two cars, one to be parked at Huston’s Bridge on the Leenane Road and the other, to be parked at the starting point, the car park at the picturesque Aasleagh Falls.
I remember being a little crest-fallen on my first trip to Aasleagh when I was a child, thanks to the now defunct encyclopaedias, I had rather high expectations. I had something on the scale of Niagara Falls in my head, so you can imagine my disappointment when we all bundled out of the car and Aasleagh just didn’t quite live up to what I had envisioned. It was only later on that I began to appreciate the true beauty of the place.
From the car park there, follow the ‘yellow man’ marker through the gate on your left below Aasleagh Lodge. Take care not to venture too close to the water’s edge – it might not have the dizzy heights I had once imagined, but the falls and the Erriff River can reach very high levels in a very short time, so care is needed.
You are now on one of the finest walks in the west of Ireland, and thanks to the goodwill of the landowners along the route, both walkers and fishermen can experience the peacefulness of this river valley, while also taking in the towering presence of the hills around it, among them, Ben Gorm and the Devil’s Mother. Please note though, you must keep to the river bank/way markers at all times – do not cross through the open fields.It’s a well-way-marked route; just follow the yellow men, as they meander in the same direction as the river. There are a number of stiles and foot bridges to cross, but none is challenging. All too soon you will recognise the outline of the car you parked earlier on, at Huston’s bridge. If you feel like walking further, the Western Way goes onwards into Tawnyard, once again, keep an eye out for the yellow men guiding you along the way.

Directions
Huston’s Bridge is a 20 minute drive south from Westport on the N59. It’s a small concrete bridge that can be seen off the main road to your right. Take care to park well in on the verge.  Aasleagh Falls car park is 25 minutes drive from Westport.

This section of the Western Way through to Drummin forms part of Westport’s Easter Weekend Walking & Biking Festival. For further details, email gerry@walkingguideireland.com or call 087 2333295.

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.