Hiking & Hill Walking
Breath-taking scenery, wildlife and mountain views. Welcome to Connemara!
In magnificent contrast, 300 miles of coastline beckon irresistibly, inviting walkers, hikers, cyclists, naturalists, painters, photographers and sightsee-ers to take a closer look at sheltered bays, windswept headlands, offshore islands and unspoiled beaches washed by the pounding Alantic surf.
The nearby Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, bogs, heaths and grassland and The Diamond Hill.. To the north-west is the Renvyle Peninsula with its miles of sandy-beaches, while to the north-east is the natural fjord of Killary Harbour with the village of Leenane at its head. Close by are the Erriff and Delphi rivers which are justly famous for their superb fishing.
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There are numerous drives within easy reach of the hotel. To the east lies “Joyce Country”, so named for one of the “Galway Tribes” families, who settled here in the 13 th century and from where James Joyce’s father’s family moved to Cork many years ago. On the one side of this pleasant drive are the Partry Mountains, and on the other the Maamturks (“pass of the boars“ ).
Recess is situated at the head of Lough Glendalough, one of the lakes which sweep around the base of the Twelve Bens in a great U-shaped chain. The centre link is Derryclare Lake, and in the glaciated valley which separates the Twelve Bens ad the Maamturks is the lovely island-studded Lough Inagh.
Walking in the Mountains
One of the most challenging climbs for the serious climbers in the Twelve Bens (one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world) includes Bencullaghduff (2220 ft), Bencorr (2336 ft) and Derryclare (2220 ft). The best way to reach these peaks is through Glen Inagh, where a steep climb brings you to the col between Benbaun (2395 ft ) and Bencullaghduff. From Benbaun the ridge can be followed to Muckanaght (2153 ft), over Benbrack (1922 ft) and Benbaun north to Kylemore. By traversing Bencullagh (2084 ft), the climber can reach the main Clifden-Recess road.
An easier group of summits takes in Benbreen (2276 ft), Bengower (2184 ft), Benlettery (1904 ft) and Benglenisky (1710 ft).
More breath taking views
Rock-climbers have plenty of scope on the north flanks of Bencorr and Bencullaghduff. The Benchoona group north of Kylemore with Doughrinagh (1736 ft) being the principal peak, provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
The Maamturks range which extends northwards from the Maam-Cross-Recess road has seep ridges which provides good climbing.
Among the Maamturk walks, the Western Way or the Maameen Walk to St. Patrick’s Bed, provides panoramic views (on the return journey) over to Errisbeg Hill in Roundstone.
CAUTION ! Climbers should be careful in mist as these mountains are cliff bound in parts which may not always be indicated on maps.
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