Area Walks

Carrowntober House is fortunate to be located in an area of stunning beauty, just outside the village of Oughterard. The area lends itself to scenic walks and there are many well-developed short and longer walks to either fill your visit, a few hours or even less than an hour.

Oughterard is nestled beside Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the republic, at the start of the Connemara Mountainous region and at the start of the famous Western Way walk. You will be spoiled for choice with which walk to begin with!

We welcome walking groups of any size but offer discounts to members of all walking associations of 8 or over. Please contact Mary or Gerry to book.

Oughterard Walks

There are multiple walks around Oughterard ranging in length from 1km to 3 km. Three of the most well-known are the Owenriff River Walk, Canrawer Loop Walk and the Bog Road Walk. Please ask Mary or Gerry when you arrive for directions on how to take these walks.

Local Walks

Newvillage Forest Walk

Distance: 5km

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

This walk is mostly through an off-road wooded area of spruce and pine as well as small openings of willow and birch. It loops from one car park on the scenic High Road where there are stunning views of Lough Corrib from an elevated viewpoint, to another car park further down the Hight Road. A short distance must be walked on the road, to return to your car, but this is a fairly low traffic road (please do always take care).

There is a slow incline toward the upper part of the forest but overall the terrain and incline are fairly moderate in difficulty.

Map kindly provided by Coillte. For a downloadable version, please click here.

Lough Seecon Trail Walk

Length: 6.5km

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

This walk includes the previous Newvillage Forest Walk but continues up further, to Lough Seecon. The surrounding bogland has absorbed much of the lake, leaving it as more of a pond in recent times.

The start and finish are the same as the above walk, car parks on the High Road, with a finish along this road with stunning views of Lough Corrib.

While this walk is still considered moderate in difficulty, it takes in more of the trail that inclines, making it a little more challenging and of course longer.

Derroura Mountain Bike Trail Walk

Length: entire route 16km

Time: times vary

Difficulty: Difficult

Derroura Mountain Bike Trail routes are over 16km in length and may be accessed 7km west of Oughterard, toward Clifden, on the N59 (well signposted on the right).

Much of this bike trail network may also be enjoyed by walkers; please refer to the map for those routes.

This trail offers some of the most spectacular views of Lough Corrib and Connemara, particularly Maam Valley and the Twelve Bens mountains. The walk is challenging with long climbs and descents, but is well worth it! Be sure to bring provisions as well as dress for all weather, as some parts are rather exposed.

Map kindly provided by Coillte. For a downloadable version, please click here.

Western Way Walk (Galway Sections)

This is a famous walk spanning all the way from Oughterard up to County Derry which is mainly off-road and allows you to take in some of the most stunning Connemara scenery . You may walk the entire route or sections, as desired.

Please click here for more information on the Western Way Walk and click on the three most local sections, below, for maps.

The Western Way – Map 1 Oughterard to Farravaun
The Western Way – Map 2 Farravaun to Maumwee
The Western Way – Map 3 Maumwee to Mam Ean

Other Walks Within 1 Hour of Oughterard