On Sunday February 15^th NWM Hillwalkers Club assembled in Main Street, Bangor Erris and proceeded to walk portion of the Bangor Trail. There were persons of mixed walking abilities coming from all over Erris- from Bangor, Belmullet, Belderrig and Blacksod. They were joined with walking enthusiasts from as far away as Roscommon, Ballina, Castlebar and Westport.

The morning did not look too promising with a north - easterly wind and rain as the thirty-one strong group were brought by local bus to the starting point of the walk at Tarsaghaun Beg. The inclement weather did not deter the enthusiasm of the band of walkers. As the group walked along the Tarsaghaunmore River, the rain began to clear and the spirits of the walkers began to rise once again.

By the time we reached the footbridge and joined the Bangor Trail the pace had quickened and people were no longer cold. The band of walkers had gradually seemed to drift into two distinct groups- one fast and one slow. About 1½ hours into the walk we had our lunch break. As it was quite clear that there was a division in the group, one group had included in their agenda getting back to Bangor to view the rugby game, while some others wanted to appreciate the landscape. This however did not pose a problem, as there were sufficient qualified leaders to accommodate two groups.

A total of five Bord Failte Approved Local Guides, having recently qualified as Marine and Countryside Guides- accompanied the walkers and intermingled with them.

Some people passed comment that it must be one of the last areas in the country devoid of houses. It was pointed out that in fact it is one of the last areas of blanket bog left in Western Europe and as such is a very important habitat. The remoteness and tranquility of the region - devoid of habitation, cars, pollution, is one of the main attractions the region has to offer. The Bangor trail in fact passes through The Ballycroy National Park.

As the group walked along the flank of Knocklettercuss Mountain and Bangor came into view it had become clear that the group had begun to experience some of the other joys associated with a group walking experience, namely the spirit of camaraderie that exists among walkers. In fact walkers are indeed kindred spirits- sharing a deep respect and reverence for the landscape, culture and heritage of the area.

On reaching Bangor groups of twos, threes and fours visited the local hostelries for teas, coffees, and beers and to view the Rugby. So delighted were each and every walker that the one question on everybody's lips was " When is the next outing?"

An impromptu meting of the organizers was held and it was decided that the next walk would be held on Sunday March 2^nd. The route chosen is often described by those who have walked it as the "Daddy of all the walks in Erris". The route chosen includes some of the most impressive cliff scenery and seascapes in the country.

Next Outing.

The meeting point for our next walk will be The Hackett and Turpin Knitting Factory in Cheathrú Thaidgh at 11a.m on Sunday March 2^nd. The walk will start at Portacloy Beach and follow the coastline as far as " Teachín A Watch" – a derelict look out tower used during WW2. The walk will then proceed to "An Dúna"- a headland which has among its features a promontory fort. After here "The Stags of Broadhaven" come into view. The walk continues along the coast and reaches Benwee Head – a cliff some 265m above sea level.

The walk descends to reach the beautiful Blue Flag beach at Rinroe before passing through the village of Kilgalligan. The walk will finish at Cheathrú Thaidgh , where a visit to Teach Uí Chonghaile- Connolly’s Public House has become a customary conclusion to our walks in this locality. Tá an súilóid seo i gcearlár Gaeltacht Iorrais agus beidh an seans ag daoine a bhfuil Gaeilge acu, é a chleachtadh.

As with previous walks good walking boots, appropriate rain gear and an adequate supply of food and hot drinks for a five-hour walk are essential. Further details from Maureen at 097 82967 or Brían at 094 21738.

Plans are well underway for the highlight of the year for NWM Hillwalkers, as preparations are being made for our Second Annual North West Mayo Spring Hillwalking Festival – May 3^rd to 5^th-Féile Súilóide Earraigh Mhaigh Eo Thiar Thuaidh Bealtine 3ú-- 5ú.

Féile Súilóide Acla Márta 15ú- 17ú.