The Western Way: Part 1 Oughterard to Newport
near Oughterard, Connaught (Ireland)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
On my first day I walked on roads by the extensive waters of Lough Corrib. A boardwalk then took me through a forestry plantation to a busy road. Leaving it near the village of Maum I climbed into the Mamturk mountains up to the pass of Mam Ean, camping by the path.
Next day, after visiting St Patrick's Chapel, I followed a path down to a road up the valley in sheep farming country. Following a track through forestry I eventually caught sight of Killary Harbour, a fjord like inlet of the sea. Leenaun, further up the "harbour", had a café, shop, bar, accommodation and a wool museum.
Third day took me up a valley beside the Erriff river, then by forest tracks to a road over a ridge to the next valley. From there I crossed a high pass on open moorland lacking a path (there is an alternative road route). More road walking led me to a path onto open hillside where I camped on rough ground in the shadow of Croagh Patrick (a mountain).
On the final day of this section a forest track took me to roads over a final ridge, beyond which Westport Bay opened out beneath me. Westport is a busy town with all the facilities. A cycle path beside a busy road took me to the next town of Newport.
Most of the route was in areas remote from facilities, although isolated single story white houses were never far away.
More details can be found in my blog https://johnpone2.blogspot.com/search/label/Western%20Way (or in a German guide to the route https://www.conrad-stein-verlag.de/buecher-shop/wanderfuehrer-irland-western-way-fernwanderweg/ )
Waypoints
Barbara Edwards Seat
A bench in memory of Barbara Edwards provides a great view over Lough Corrib and its islands. Behind the bench is the "New Village Forest Recreation Area".
Bunowen River Bridge
There is a small diversion off the forest track to use this bridge.
Camping spot
I pitched on rough ground on the hillside, irregular and a little damp it had a great view over three lakes, forestry, a valley and distant mountains. Behind the mountain of Croagh Patrick rose up.
Keanes Food store, Maum
Keanes food store in the village of Maum, a little off the Western Way, but worth a visit for a coffee and sandwiches. There is a bar next door.
Leenane
The village of Leenane has accommodation, cafe, bar and shop. It lies beside Killary Harbour.
Lugacolliwee Lough
Lugacolliwee Lough is a lake in a cwm below a high mountain pass I crossed.
Petrol Station
A welcome stop where I could buy a coffee and banana.
St Patricks Chapel at Mám Éan pass
St Patrick camped out here, just like I did. There is a chapel, an altar and "Stations of the Cross", as well as a great view from this mountain pass.
Viewpoint a little off the path
Starting early I deviated off the route to see the view over the ridge to the west in the blue, predawn light. You can see the lights on in the nearby farmhouses.
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