Mweelrea

Mweelrea Mountain (Cnoc Maol Réidh) is the highest mountain in Connaught (814m), rising from the bowels of wild Atlantic seascape in dramatic upland ruggedness. The mountain offers one of the finest panoramic views in Ireland on a good day although often shrouded in mist and mystery.

This year the walk will commence on the North shore of Doolough and through the gap in the loughs, across stepping stones and a slow rise, inside to the corrie and cliffs of the north of the mountain. The walk crosses ravines and edges along the sheep tracks to gain entry to the natural Ramp path amid large boulders and tiny streams.

The airy glacial cliff edges pitch steadily and squeeze to a narrow hazardous passageway to the shoulder of the ramp. The dangerous part of the climb is over and a short trek brings you westward to Ben Bury. To summit then requires a slight descent and skirting along the Atlantic horseshoe with a good climb again to the exposed summit.

The long narrow split ridge leads south then eastward with surges of long and sometimes steep declines onto Tonatleva hill and a benign forest track guiding us tea-wards and bun-bound to the fabulous Delphi valley.