The Great Western Greenway Walking Trail in County Mayo

County Mayo is the perfect destination for a walking holiday and is home to some of the best walking trails in the West of Ireland. One walking trail not to be missed is the world class Great Western Greenway trail. This superb walking trail spans from Westport to Achill and is 43.5 km of unspoilt countryside that is surrounded by beautiful scenery and a variety of landscapes.

Traffic Free Trail!

The Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The walking trail is traffic free and follows the route of the old Westport to Achill railway line, which was closed in 1937. With idyllic scenery and the peace and tranquillity of the location, the Greenway walk will definitely enhance your walking holiday experience.

Route Sections

You can enjoy the walking trail in 3 sections. Section 1 is from Westport to Newport. The trail commences approximately 500m from Westport town centre. Just follow the fingerpost signs onto the Greenway. The trail distance is 12.5km and will take you about 1-1.5 hours to complete. It is waymarked using a white directional arrow. The trail is suitable for moderate levels of fitness.

Section 2 takes you from Newport to Mallaranny. The official access point is located in Newport and is just off the N59 travelling to Mallaranny. The distance is 18km and it should take you about 2-2.5 hours to complete. The trail is waymarked using a white directional travel arrow. The trail is suitable for people with moderate levels of fitness.

Section 3 is from Mallaranny to Achill Sound. The official access point is located off the N59 travelling toBangor. Follow the finger post signage onto the Greenway. The trek is 13km and will take you about 1-1.5 hours to complete. The trail is waymarked using a whit travel arrow and is suitable for people with moderate fitness levels.

Be Prepared!

There are stop off points for refreshments along the whole of the Great Western Greenway walking route. When embarking on a walking trek, it is always advisable to wear the correct walking boots and bring waterproofs with you. Make sure to bring a mobile phone and if you are travelling alone, it is a good idea to let someone know the route you are taking. Bring water and snacks.

Walkers Welcome B&Bs are the perfect accommodation of choice when visiting the Mayo area. They are renowned for their warm hospitality and friendly welcome. Homes provide storage facilities for outdoor walking gear and will be able to provide you with detailed information on all the various countryside, coastal and mountain walks in the area.

Book a Mayo B&B 

Image: destinationwestport.com

Posted: 19 Sep 2013 by Claire Regan | with 0 comments

Tags: Mayo, Walking, Walking Trails