Maumeen/Mám Éan

exaisle

Can anybody tell me what the surface is like on the Maumeen pilgrimage route?

Im aware that it's quite short but Id like to know whether somebody wearing a pair of runners will be ok doing it? The thoughts of having to carry the owner of a sprained ankle doesnt really appeal to me.

If anybody has any thoughts about this walk, please feel free to comment. I've been looking for a decent map but come up empty handed so far. I have the usual OSI Discovery Map but this route crosses two of them...37 and 38 and they dont really give sufficient detail anyhow.

E

johngalway

It's a rocky path dotted with stones, boots would be best if you're worried about twisting ankles, but, if you're careful you'll be fine in runners.

Edited//// I am only talking about from the carpark on the Recess side to the small church.

DeepSleeper

I'd agree with johngalway - the route from the Recess side to the small church is rugged and boots are your best option, but if the weather is good and you're not planning to go further, then you should be OK in runners if you are careful. A good map which covers the area is the Harvey's Superwalker map of Connemara - I prefer the OSi Discovery Series myself, but the Harvey's map covers everything and so avoids problems with routes crossing map edges in this area.

Slogger Jogger

Stony and grassy path / trail if memory serves. Ran a race through it a few years back from Lough Inagh side finishing at Maam. Wore runners at the time. If you're hill walking it boots would be the best bet particularly if weather is or has been wet.

exaisle

Thanks everybody....I'll be taking the short route from the Recess side this time although later in the summer (with better equipped colleagues than next week) I'll probably take on the Maamturks Walk from the Maam/Maam Cross road side.

Has anybody ever actually come across the OSI Wayfarer map of The Western Way?

johngalway

Harveys is a good map, am just getting used to the different scale & colouring now myself.

Maumturks challenge will definitely need good worn in boots Fella I know finished 20th this year and last year.

Fuinseog

there is a river/large steam you need to cross along the way, not very deep but you could get wet feet.

exaisle

Thanks all...I did this last week...lovely day and great views. Went as far as the small chapel and holy well but my companion just had runners so we didnt go any further.

Next part of the plan is to return and climb Binn Chaonaigh which is behind the chapel.....anybody been up it?

johngalway

exaisle wrote: »

Thanks all...I did this last week...lovely day and great views. Went as far as the small chapel and holy well but my companion just had runners so we didnt go any further.

Next part of the plan is to return and climb Binn Chaonaigh which is behind the chapel.....anybody been up it?

Yep. Steep enough going, but there's a fence that will take you most if not all the way up.