OUTDOORS Walk of the month – Lettermaghera Loop

MAGICAL The Lettermaghera Loop offers views of endless hills and a myriad of lakes, such as these at Furnace.

Discover Narnia in Derradda


Walking
Cathleen Fergus

The Lettermaghera Loop
Length 7km
Surface Bog roads and quiet country roads
Difficulty Moderate (two short hills to climb, take your time, they are worth it for the views)
Dogs No dogs allowed This walk goes through open farmland
Bring Walking shoes, rain gear (just in case), camera, water and a snack

Well before walking became the number one outdoor activity in Ireland, Burrishoole landowners recognised the potential of their countryside for tourism and walking. So much so that in the intermittent years, a whole network of trails has been established. This network, stretching from Newport to Mulranny, will soon be fully FΡilte Ireland accredited – another first for an area that set the standard for looped walks many years ago. 
This month’s walk is the perfect introduction to a moderate loop walk; it simply requires an ordinary-level of fitness, a pair of comfortable walking shoes; a willingness to get out into the fresh air – while a dry day would be nice, the scenery is equally as stunning in the rain. It’s also another walk I know well. These hills are Narnia; never ending, wild and magical. 
The starting point is Derradda School, two and a half miles from Newport, just off the Mulranny road. This former primary school is key to the development of this area as a walking and cycling hub. Its location just off the Great Western Greenway, as well as its central location for low- and high-level walking, make it the obvious choice for a development similar to that located at Cronin’s Yard at Carrauntoohil, where outdoor enthusiasts can avail of shower facilities and teas and coffees after a long day on the hills.
The 7km Lettermaghera Loop is one of three loops starting here. The original markers were green, but please note these will be changed to red before the start of this year’s summer season. Follow the markers and cross the Great Western Greenway, taking care not to walk in front of cyclists, and continue along the road past the old railway cottage. You are now entering the ‘wire hills’ where you will start to feel those dormant muscles in the backs of your legs flex a little. These are challenging hills, but worth it to uncover the myriad of lakes that lay well hidden from the main Newport to Mulranny road and off the tourist trail.
You will turn left at the bridge; the right turns leads towards the Marine Institute Catchment Research Facility, the internationally recognised salmon research centre. However, we stay left and meet the final climb that takes us through the village of Lettermaghera.
After gaining height, views of Clew Bay and the surrounding area will open up before you. You are now on the High Road, a bog road that should you wish to return on another day, will take you all the way to Mulranny, a less-walked trail than the busier Greenway, the old railway line that runs beneath it.
The trail travels along the bog road for another kilometre before turning left and heading downhill towards Lough Fadda. Just past the picnic bench, you turn left and make your way back to the community centre.
The Lettermaghera Loop can also be cycled; the surface is now suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes. It’s a stunning bike route that will take you along the High Road and under Bengorm and Glendahurk, towards Mulranny, with the option of a speedier return along the Great Western Greenway.

How to get there
Start from Newport. Follow the N59 in the direction of Mulranny for approximately 4km to reach a road junction on your right, signposted Derradda Community Centre. Turn right and follow this road for 500 meters until you arrive at the community centre. There are car parking facilities and a public toilet. An information board at the centre gives you details of all the loop walks that start from here.

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.