The Letterkeen Loop

Hike: The Letterkeen Loop, near Newport, Co Mayo. If you were to seek the point furthest away from any public road in Ireland, you’d end up in the middle of Mayo’s Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. It’s a wonderfully untamed wilderness dominated by mountain and blanket bog. At the park’s eastern edge, a series of signed loop walks invite you to explore the landscape, and offer a taste of the area’s two long-distance hikes, the Bangor Trail and Western Way. From the trailhead, begin by following purple arrows between river and forest. The terrain is sometimes boggy as you continue over several hummocks and climb 311m Correen Beg. Enjoy fabulous long-distance views before descending back into the trees, and following an easy track back to the start.

Start and Finish at: Brogan Carroll Bothy, Letterkeen.

Get there: Head along the N59 to Newport, then follow signs for Lough Furnace and the Western Way.

Level: Moderate to difficult — signed but rough mountain trails with 310m ascent.

Length / Time: 12km / 3-4 hours.

Pack: Good boots to keep your feet dry, and a map downloaded from mayowalks.ie

Refuel at: Eat in or outside at picnic tables at Kelly’s Kitchen in Newport (kellyskitchen.ie). This family cafe has a wide menu – but don’t miss their own-brand sausages and black pudding.