Binn Chaonaigh and Binn idir an dá Log, Maamturks, Connemara

A great ridge walk with excelent views. This walk passes over three major summits in the Maamturk Mountains: Binn Chaonaigh (633m), Binn Idir an da Log SE top (659m) and Binn Idir an da Log (702m; the highest summit in the Maamturks range). The walk starts at the parking on the beautiful idyllic Maumeen road. This road can be accessed from the main N59. If you come from the direction Galway take the second right after Maam Cross (there is a Maumeen sign here). If you pass through Recess you missed the exit. This walk should best be undertaken in dry settled weather. This not only to ensure you have the best of the breathtaking views, but also because the walk has some steep grassy sections that will get very slippy when wet. From the parking, to the oratory, up onto Binn Chaonaigh and over the ridge to the Binn Idir an da Log peaks is all fairly easy and straightforward. The main difficulty however will be the very steep descent from Binn Idir an da Log. Be aware that the easiest line of descent is west of the main ridge. This to avoid some steep and dangerous rock bands on the main ridge above lough Mam Ochoige. The descent from the col Mam Ochoige to the southwest also has some very steep grass slopes that can be extremely slippy. Because of the steepness of the final descent I'd recommend to reverse the walk and start from the small parking just before the second bridge north of the main parking on the Maumeen road. You can clearly see the Mam Ochoige col from this parking. Aim straight for the lowest point of the col and keep the stream on your left hand side. It's a steep and strenuous climb, but I think going up reduces the chances of slipping and gives you a better overview of the mountain and the easiest route up. I needed 6.5 hours to complete this walk in a moderate pace and with a few short breaks.

Note that is it very well feasible to make a short detour from Binn Chaonaigh and walk up and down the ridge to Binn Mhairg (612m).

More info on the Maamturks and other mountain ranges in Ireland can be found on www.mountainviews.ie and www.simonstewart.ie.