Overview
The Bangor Trail is a long‑distance walking route that snakes south‑west through the heart of Erris, North Mayo. Most guidebooks list the distance between 24 km and 28 km, with an elevation gain of roughly 900 m. The trail is traditionally walked from Bangor Erris to Newport, but many hikers start at the Letterkeen Trailhead – a small car park with a modern port‑a‑loo – and finish at the village of Bangor Erris. A full traverse takes 10‑12 hours; most walkers split the journey over two days, using the restored bothy at Letterkeen and the three‑sided Mountain Meitheal shelter near the Srahmore valley for an overnight stay.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 24‑28 km (≈ 15‑17 mi) |
| Elevation gain | ~900 m |
| Typical duration | 10‑12 h (one‑day) or 1‑2 days (overnight) |
| Difficulty | Moderate‑Difficult – not for beginners |
| Waymarking | Posts at regular intervals, but sections can be hard to follow in mist |
| Terrain | Blanket bog, stone tracks, shallow streams, occasional rocky sections |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead |
| Wheelchair access | No |
History
The route began as an ancient drovers’ road that linked the coastal market town of Newport with the remote village of Bangor Erris. Historical records trace its formal use back to the 16th century, and local folklore suggests an even older Celtic origin. For centuries, cattle herders guided their livestock across the Nephin Beg hills, deliberately laying the path low enough to avoid steep climbs yet high enough to stay above the deepest peat. The naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger described the area in 1937 as “the very loneliest place in this country,” a sentiment echoed by modern walkers who still feel the isolation of a landscape untouched by road networks.
What to See & Do
The trail offers a succession of stark, unforgettable scenes. Early on, walkers skirt the edge of a conifer plantation before entering the endless blanket bog that dominates the Nephin Beg range. The path climbs gently toward the Scardaun Loughs – twin glacial lakes set in a U‑shaped valley between the 627 m Nephin Beg and the 721 m Slieve Carr, the latter being Ireland’s most remote summit.
Wildlife is abundant: otter tracks appear beside streams, ravens circle the higher ridges, and red deer, Irish hares and a variety of grouse can be spotted on clear days. The Owenduff and Tarsaghaunmore rivers, which drain the bog and flow straight to the Atlantic, provide excellent opportunities for bird‑watching and, in season, salmon spotting.
Cultural remnants punctuate the walk. Ruins of 19th‑century farmsteads and a lone, wind‑twisted oak give a glimpse of the once‑busy droving corridor. Local legend tells of Daithi Ban, an 18th‑century highwayman who haunted Slieve Carr, and of a tragic young woman whose ghost is said to still wander the path.
Two shelters break the solitude. The Brogan Carroll Bothy at Letterkeen, renovated by Mayo County Council and An Taisce, offers a simple stone‑walled refuge for an early start. Further along, volunteers from Mountain Meitheal have erected a three‑sided wooden hut with a sleeping platform for up to six people – a key feature of the Wild Nephin Project, which aims to designate the area as Ireland’s first national wilderness. The project is closely linked with Ballycroy National Park.
Practical Information
The Bangor Trail is not a beginner’s walk. Proper waterproof boots, gaiters, a map, compass and a reliable head‑torch are essential. While the route is waymarked, many sections become indistinct in mist or heavy rain, so navigation skills are a must. The trail is best tackled between late spring and early autumn when daylight hours are longer, but the stark beauty of a winter walk is celebrated by many seasoned hikers.
Access points
- Letterkeen Trailhead (south) – ample parking, a clean port‑a‑loo, and the Brogan Carroll Bothy. GPS: Google Maps.
- Bangor Erris (north) – the traditional terminus; a small playground and parking are available. GPS: Google Maps.
Overnight logistics If you choose to split the walk, book the Mountain Meitheal shelter in advance where possible; it sleeps five comfortably and provides a picnic table. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and personal camping gear – the hut is a roof‑only shelter, not a fully serviced campsite.
Safety notes
- The bog can be waist‑deep in places; sturdy trekking poles are highly recommended.
- Mobile phone coverage is limited; inform someone of your intended route and expected return time.
- The trail crosses several small streams; a waterproof pack cover will keep gear dry.
Fees & permits There is no admission charge; the trail is free to walk. Dogs are welcome on a lead, in line with National Parks policy.
Further resources
- Official Mayo tourism page: https://www.mayo.ie/en-ie/visit-mayo/things-to-do/activities/walking-hiking/the-bangor-trail
- Detailed guidebook by Joe McDermott & Robert Chapman (Mayo County Council) – includes maps and historical notes.
- Wild Nephin Project information: https://www.nationalparks.ie/wild-nephin/
Getting there
The nearest major towns are Westport (≈ 30 km north) and Ballina (≈ 45 km east). Both are served by regular bus routes from Dublin and Galway. From either town, a rental car or local taxi can bring you to the Letterkeen or Bangor trailheads.
Nearby attractions
While you’re in North Mayo, consider extending your visit to other highlights of the Wild Nephin landscape:
- Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – Ireland’s largest designated wilderness area, offering additional walking routes, wildlife spotting and the famous Mweelrea mountain range.
- Aasleagh Falls – A scenic waterfall set in a wooded glen, reachable via a short forest walk from the park’s main car park.
- Scardaun Loughs – The twin glacial lakes mentioned on the trail provide a tranquil spot for a picnic or a brief lakeside stroll.
Enjoy the profound silence, the endless sky of the Mayo Dark Sky Reserve, and the feeling of walking a route that has seen fewer feet than the surrounding bog for centuries.