Day 1
Arrive in the town of Oughterard. Settle in to your accommodation and explore the town and why not try one of its many pubs (for that essential pint of guinness!), cafes, small shops etc. You will take some time to read your route note and itinerary and have all your questions ready for our representative.
Day 2
Meet with your Connemara adventure tours representative this morning to go through your route notes and maps. You will then be transferred to the start of the Western Way trail. The route follows the shores of Lough corrib to the small village of Maam, at the tip of the last navigational part of the Corrib going into Connemara. (15km)
Day 3
Today you set out from your B&B at Maam Bridge for Lough Inagh. The farming countryside gives way to the rugged terrain of the Maam Turk Range and the old mountain road over Mamean known as the Pass of the Birds. Once over the pass, the dramatic vista of the Twelve Bens mountain range comes into view with Lough Inagh at its feet. (16km)
Day 4
Today's walk takes you all the way along the Lough Inagh valley, flanked by mountains on either side, through the Coilte forest, coming out onto stunning views of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only true fjord. The walk follows the fjord inland to the very picturesque village of Leenane where you will spend the night. (15km)
Day 5
Leenane to Drummin / Liscarney– You will be dropped to the beautiful Ashleigh Falls just accross the Mayo border and the site of the Errif Fishery where if you're lucky you might spot the salmon coming upstream to spawn. There is a gentle path up along the river, which joins the Western way at Tawnyard forest. Meandering through the trees, above the Lough, you will follow the Western Way trail which crosses the Owenmore River into the foothills of the Sheefry mountains and on to the tiny village of Drummin. (12km) You can opt to be picked up here or continue to walk to your B&B accomodation in Liscarney whick is another 5km.
Day 6
Drummin – Westport: Today you will follow very minor roads, as you walk into the foothills of Croagh Patrick, Irelands holy mountain (There's an option for you to climb the mountain today. On a clear day the views from the top are stunning!). The path will take you through the drumlins, glacial mounds deposited on the flatlands and past the remains of a famine village, to the wonderful market town of Westport, winner of the Irish Tidy Town competition three times in the last 10 years. (24km)
Day 7
Westport – Newport: This morning you can take your time soaking up the atmosphere and the delights of Westport town as the Great Western Greenway to Newport provides the shortest walk of the holiday! This is a new trail for walkers and cyclists off the roads with panaramic views of Clew Bay and its myriad of islands. (11km)
Day 8
Newport – Mulranny: Leaving Newport your path hugs the side of the hill, and follows the old railway line overlooking Clew Bay. The Westport Achill line opened in 1894 but was closed again in 1934. The route offers dramatic views of the bog inland and the sea all around. (18km)
Day 9
Mulranny – Achill: Today you continue on the Great Western Greenway finishing up on Achill Island – crossing over the sound onto the Island. With its Atlantic location, five Blue Flag beaches and breathtaking mountain landscape, Achill provides an unrivalled arena for outdoor activities and watersports of all types. Achill's romantic setting has also proved to be an inspirational creative retreat for artists and writers including Paul Henry, Heinrich Boll and Graham Greene. (18km)
Day 10
A day on Achill Island. Explore the many trails Achill has to offer, home of dramtic sea cliffs, golden beaches and a pace of life that is from a forgotten era. Spend your last night relaxing on this magical island reflecting on your achievements and highlights of the last 10 days.
Day 11:
Departure
