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MAYOStanding on the edge of Croaghaun, it was difficult to believe that I was now on the edge of the highest sea cliffs in the British Isles, where the mountain suddenly comes to an end and falls 1,950 feet to the sea in a series of vast, rocky, partly grass-grown slopes. It was difficult to believe because beyond twenty feet in any direction, up, down, or sideways, it was impossible to see anything at all. All I could hear was the sea sighing far below, and the dismal crying of the gulls.Route 85: Partrys Map 38 (1:50,000), Discovery Series. Start at end of road within one kilometre of Dirkbeg Lough (M 003657). To get there take road towards Toormakeady from road along north side of Lough N afooey, turn left at sign "Killateeaun", cross bridge over Owenbrin River, turn next left (just before post office) and fork left shortly onto track. Climb spur to north of Dirkbeg Lough and continue anti¬clockwise round carries of this lake and Lough Nadirkmore. Walk east to points 584 metres and 514 metres, descend north¬east to cross road that ends at Lough Nadirkmore and continue to track leading to Dirkbeg Lough. Distance:11 kilometres. Climb: 520 metres. Time: 3.5 hours. Route 86: Bunnacunneen Map 38 (1:50,000), Discovery Series. Start at junction of minor road and track 0.3 miles north of R336 (L 926570). Walk track east upstream and continue to stream's source forking right at major junction after 700 metres from start to reach col near point 335 metres. (Alterna¬tively: walk spur to south of this stream.) Walk north to Bunnacunneen (extension south-west to Lugnabrick adds six kilometres, climb 150 metres). Descend directly west to road. Distance: 11 kilometres. Climb: 520 metres. Time: 3.5 hours. Easier Routes in Mayo Route 87 Map not necessary. Achill Head (start of route 76 but return from small lakes on saddle col facing Croaghaun). Beware cliffs, especially in high winds. Route 88 Map not necessary but Bangor Trail guide useful. Circuit around Treanlaur Youth Hostel using Bangor Trail and road along Lough Feeagh. Route 89 Map 6 (half-inch) but Bangor Trail guide more useful. Nephins: start and end of route 79, walking by track and firebreak to unnamed lake at F 944074 to make shorter circuit. Highest point: 280 metres. Route 90 Map 6 (half-inch). Croaghmoyle (about M 1098). From R312 near Beltra Lough climb Birreen and continue north to Croaghmoyle. Descend directly to road. Highest point: 420 metres. Route 91 Map 6 (half-inch). North Mayo sea-cliffs. Take road east at junction just south of Porturlin (F 883418). Walk to cliffs and continue along them indefinitely, returning by same route. Previous 'Mayo' extracts can be read here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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