Hike County Mayo’s Atlantic Coast
Christian Hacking, February 19, 2011
Type of Trip: Walking
Operated by: Magnetic North Travel
Duration: 8 days
Price: from £1299 per adult
Departure Dates: contact yourstory@magneticnorth.travel for dates of next trip
Ability: Basic fitness and some previous hill-walking experience
Start point: Blacksod, Ireland
Finish point: West Port, Ireland
Itinerary
On the first day make your way to Blacksod and meet your guide over dinner to discuss the route ahead. Day 2 starts with an Irish breakfast followed by a flat walk along the beach to the Blacksod Lighthouse. The afternoon will include a visit to Mullet and an opportunity to forage along the coast before the evening meal. The next day you’ll take to the water to explore the uninhabited Iniskea Island by boat. Keep your eyes peeled for seals before returning back to base for more Mallet folk stories. A nature photography workshop will take place on the morning of the fourth day. After this you wave goodbye to Blacksod and travel to Westport for the rest of the week.
Get up early and climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s ‘holy mountain’ (772m), at the start of Day 5. Following the climb spend a relaxed afternoon to enjoy Westport before dinner. On the sixth day you have a choice between cycling off-road or sea kayaking in the fabulous Clew Bay. The afternoon includes a walk along Ireland’s most remote national waymarked trail. If you have enough energy at the end of the week, the seventh day presents an opportunity to do some windsurfing in Crew Bay with the help of an instructor, followed by a walk in a rare Atlantic Oak wood for those who have energy. After one more final breakfast enjoy a free lift back to the airport or train station.
Go to Full Itinerary to download trip dossier
Included in the price
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- All meals
- All equipment hire for water based activities
- Travel from station or airport
Not included in the price
- Transport to Knock or Castlebar
- Personal Beverages
- Travel Insurance
Clothes to bring
- Ankle high walking boots
- Gaiters
- hick socks
- A fleece/mid-layer
- Light weight trousers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Non cotton T-shirt
- Gloves
- Hat
- A buff/neck fleece
- Shorts
- Windproof Jacket (optional)
- Casual clothing for evening meals and events
Equipment to bring
- Backpack (approx. 30 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Walking poles (optional)
Getting there responsibly
- Take the train to Castlebar Station using Sail Rail.
Other Information
- Suitable for ages 11 and upwards
- A deposit of £389.70 is required with a booking. You must pay in full 60 days before departure
- The itinerary may be subject to last minute change due to uncontrollable circumstance such as weather or availability of guides.