Benbaun - The Twelve pins - Connemara ( Ireland)

This is a 12 Km circular hike on rough ground in Connemara. The last 2 km is on tarmac road. The terrain is bog land and loose rocks near the Benbaun summit (725m). To reach to the start of the hike driving on the N59 road take R344 road signed posted 'Lough Inagh'. Drive for approximately 2.5 km on this road and leave the car on the left side. There is a farm gate and enough space for two cars. From here cross then road and a couple of fences to start. There is no major difficulty in crossing the low fences. We gain gradual height on our ascending up to Knocknapasheemore (412m) and then Lugrevagh (456m) along the broad ridge. The ascent to Benbaun is on rocky ground and loose gravel near the summit. Descend on the same way, reach Loughaun lake and continue northwest direction form the small lake until reaching two streams that join together. This is a scenic area when you look back and watch the water running downstream from both sides. ...From here continue the descent paralel to the main stream. We can identify in the distance Kylemore river and farm with grassland on the East side of the river.. Cross the farm yard through a gate and reach a wide path that provides farm vehicle access. There are couple of derelict stone built houses along the path. There used to be a bridge to cross Kylemore river but the bridge has been destroyed. Be careful when crossing river. If care is taken when walking the rocks of the river then you might avoid getting your feet wet. Water level is not deep but caution is required at this point. After crossing the river we get on to a flat path paralel to the river until we reach a minor road that provides local access to a few houses nearby. From here take right on R344 road until you reach the location where the car was parked.
/>Name: Conemara

Start time: 01/12/2019 10:03

Finish time: 01/12/2019 16:04

Distance: 11.9km (06:00)

Moving time: 03:39

Average speed: 2km/h

Avg. Speed Mov.: 3.3km/h

Max. Speed: 52.3km/h

Minimum altitude: 13m

Maximum altitude: 728m

Ascent speed: 280.6m/h

Descent speed: -279.2m/h

Elevation gain: 838m

Elevation loss: -812m

Ascent time: 02:59

Descent time: 02:54