Brackloon Walk Westport

Location

The trailhead is located at the entrance to Brackloon Wood approximately 6km from Westport town.

Directions

From Westport, take N59 to Leenaun.  After approximately 6km, turn right off N59 at sign for “Owenwee”.  The trail entrance is 250 m further further up on right.

Nature Walk at a Glance

Trail Name:                            Brackloon Nature Walk

Trailhead / Start Point:          Entrance to Brackloon Wood

Distance:                                 04 km

Estimated Time:                     Approximately 1hr – 1h30mins

Degree of Difficulty:             Easy

Terrain:                                   Woodland Track

Minimum Gear:                      Walking Shoes & Water Resistant Clothing

Map Reference:                     Os Discovery Series Sheet 31

Trail Description

Starting from the trailhead, follow the purple arrow and enter Brackloon Woods by the wooden gate.  Continue to follow the purple arrows along the forestry track – nothing that you are also travelling along the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail (marked with yellow arrows and the familiar walking man logo).  After 500m you reach a 3 way-junction with wooden seats – you will be returning to this point on the return journey – for now, continue straight.

After 300m the forestry track passes close to the river (on the right) and continues to follow the forestry track for a further 1km to reach a junction with a wooden gate on your right.  Note that the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail eits through this gate onto tarred road – you turn left.

Follow the purple arrows as forestry track takes you first uphill and then a 1km descent to reach the 3-way junction at B above.  This time turn right.

Enjoy the last 500m back to the trail head.

Points of Interest

Brackloon wood is a surviving remnant of the original wooded landscape, which made up the great native forest resource of Ireland. Formerly part of Lord Sligo’s estate, this area was acquired by the Land Commission in the 1940s. Having prematurely removed coniferous trees planted in the sixties, Brackloon wood is now classified as a semi-natural Atlantic oak woodland.

Apart from the woodland trees, other flora to be seen include wood sorrel, hard fern and bilberry. Fauna common to the area are badgers, fox and pinemartin.

Click here to Download Map

Brackloon Woods Map