Francis Bradleyfollows a long arduous trail through dramatic landscape
AT 814m, Mweelrea is the highest mountain in Connaught, dominating Killary Harbour to the south and the R335 route to the east. This is a long, arduous walk through a very dramatic landscape. Ideally, two cars should be used, otherwise you are facing into a 5.5km walk back along the road to the start - something you don't want after a walk like this.
Leave one car in the carpark at the Delphi Adventure Centre on the R335. Proceed north to the northern end of Doo Lough - there are plenty of places to park at the side of the road. As you stand facing in a south-westerly direction you are looking into Coum Dubh - a very imposing corrie in the Mweelrea Mountains and the first part of your walk. Depending on visibility you may be able to see a grassy ramp ascending from left to right along the back wall of the coum - this is one of the early targets of the walk.
To start, cross the stream flowing into Doo Lough from Glencullin Lough. Follow a rough track heading across to Coum Dubh to where another stream enters Doo Lough at its north-western corner. Follow this stream (south-westerly direction) keeping it on your right until you meet another stream coming in from the left. Now, follow this stream in a southerly direction, again keeping this stream on your right.
By this stage, you should have encountered a small track that meanders beside the stream and you may see the next part of the walk diagonally crossing the back wall of the coum from left to right.
The Mweelrea Mountains can be very wet, so even on a fair day a pair of gaiters can be very useful. You will reach a point where the stream tumbles down over some very short waterfalls - get above this point and turn right to head for the grassy ramp (westerly direction turning to north-westerly). This is one of the highlights of the walk - with the rugged walls of the corrie on your left and cliffs further out on your right - which gives a real sense of true mountain features. There are great views back down to your car, across to the Sheeffry Hills and north-east to Croagh Patrick. As you approach the top of this section, there is one short exposed stretch to be crossed, however there is a narrow path and you will be quickly past this obstacle.
You are now on the main ridge between Ben Bury and Mweelrea. Take in the summit of Ben Bury if you like and then head west and south to Mweelrea over boggy terrain with light grass cover. Keeping as much height as possible, there is a final stiff climb up to the unremarkable boggy summit of Mweelrea.
You should exercise care for the next section. Leaving the summit behind you and being mindful of the hugh summit cliffs on your left proceed in a southerly direction towards Killary Harbour - there is a small indistinct track. After 0.5-0.75km, head south-east to point 495m keeping the cliffs on your left with Killary Harbour on your right.
There is a small saddle before the final rise up to 495m and the temptation is to contour left around this hill. My advice is, don't. Unless you are very disciplined the tendancy is to be drawn down towards the Owennaglough River where it is a nightmare underfoot. Instead stick to the high ground and make your next reference point 379m.
There is no need to conquer this top - contour around to the left of this hill and head towards the forest in the valley. You will see where a wide trail enters the forest - make for this and it will lead you to the Delphi Adventure Centre and your car.
Mweelrea, Co Mayo
StartNorth end of Doo Lough, R335.
EndDelphi Adventure Centre, R335.
Distance15/16km.
TimeSix hours, depending on fitness, enthusiasm, weather.
MapsOS37.
SuitabilityA strenuous walk that requires care. Know how to read a map and use a compass. (In my opinion this is a prerequisite for all walkers on all standards of walks). Dress appropriately and bring along drinks and snacks. Not suitable for young children - and don't litter.
Accommodation and refreshmentsLouisburgh and Westport in Co Mayo. Leenane in Co Galway. There is also the Delphi Adventure Centre, Delphi Lodge and the K2 Killary Centre.