Mweelrea Mountain Walk
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Mweelrea Mountain (814m) is the highest mountain in Connaught and is guarded on
all sides by craggy slopes giving the impression thaht it is unconquerable. It is
flanked on one side by Killary Harbour, Ireland´s only true fjord (see
the Killary Harbour coastal walk) and on the other side by Doolough Pass,
a glaciated valley. There are no easy ascents of this mighty mountain and it needs
to be approached with car. Reserve a clear day for the climb and enjoy the panorama
of the mountains, coast and surrounding islands. |
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Access |
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Approach on the R335 either from Louisburgh to the north or from Leenane to the
south. The route starts and finishes at Delphi Mountain Spa and Lodge. Allow plenty
of time for this difficult ascent and should visibility be poor make constant use
of your map and compass. |
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The Route |
From Delphi Adventure Centre follow the Owenaglough River upstream. The route here
is boggy and crosses some rough ground. After leaving the forest continue across
the grassy bog heading in the direction of Shruhaunbunatrench, which you continue
to follow upstream.
Don´t go quite as far as Lough Lughaloughan, but head up to the left towards spot
height 495.
A steep climb lies ahead towards the summit of Mweelrea but the going gets easier
as a path becomes obvious. The path stays close to a cliff edge as you make the
ascent towards the 814m summit, wich is marked by a cairn.
Leave the summit by walking in a northeasterly direction along a relatively easy
crest, branching northwards to go down towards a gap. Following this descent there
is a rugged slope to climb to bring you to the summit of Ben Bury (795m). There
are a number of Cairns near the top but the summit lies on an area of boulders art
795m.
Walk in a southeasterly direction from the summit of Ben Bury to go down to a gap.
As you climb uphill you will find yourself crossing a narrow ridge. This ridge is
called Ben Lugmore, which has a number of peaks the highest of which is 803m. The
ridge follows a southeasterly direction for the most part, suddenly taking a northeasterly
direction.
Care should be taken over the final descent as the ground starts to get steeper.
Follow the broad spur between the Shruhanboy and Shruhaunprampoge rivers.
Continue to forge ahead across this boggy, scraggy ground until you reach the Owenaglough
River. You may ba able to reach a footbridge otherwise you will have to find a suitable
location to ford the river. Once you have crossed the river simply follow the river
downstream through the forested area until you reach Delphi Adventure Centre. |
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