The Maamturks Challenge begins at the base of Corcóg on the road between Maam Cross and Maam. On the day of the event, or the evening prior to the event, each participant receives a route card which will be punched at all of the checkpoints along the route, to track the progress of the participants along the Challenge route.
Unlike other hill walking challenges, the Maamturks Challenge does not have a predefined route. Participants are required to pass through each checkpoint, but the route they take between checkpoints is up to themselves. This is why we strongly enforce that all participants have a high level of navigation skills and irrespective of whether they are walking on their own or as part of a group must be proficient navigators as the walk is unsupported between checkpoints.
Grid references for each of these checkpoints are given in the table below. Participants may finish the Challenge at one of three finish points.
Cut-off times are strictly enforced for the safety of our volunteers and participants alike.
There are no dogs allowed on this event as they are a hazard to local sheep and participants.
Note: If the participant leaves the walk at any other stage of the route, they must inform the stewards at one of the checkpoints, or alternatively the walk control at Maam Community Centre.
| Checkpoint | Grid Reference |
|---|---|
| Start | L 964 501 |
| Corcóg | L 953 492 |
| Mám Éan (Patrick’s Well) | L 904 504 |
| Binn Idir an Dá Lóg (702m) | L 888 528 |
| Loch Mhám Ochóige (Cut-off time = 14:00) | L 879 536 |
| Finish 1 | L 879 556 |
| Binn Bhriocáin (Letterbreckaun) | L 855 551 |
| Binn Bhán (Maamturkmore) | L 856 568 |
| Col of Despondency (Cut-off time = 17:00) | L 858 585 |
| Finish 2 | L 844 600 |
| Leenane Hill (Spot height 556m) | L 862 604 |
| Finish 3 – Leenane Hotel | L 872 618 |
Recommended Maps
These maps are available in most reputable outdoor shops both locally in Galway and Nationwide.
| OS Ireland | Harvey | EastWest Mapping |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Discovery Series No. 37, 38, 44 & 45 (No. 38, 44 & 45 cover from Corcóg to Mám Éan) 1:50,000 Paper & Laminated | Superwalker™ XT30 Connemara 1:30,000 Polyethylene | Connemara Mountains 1:25,000 Paper & Encapsulated |
Interactive route map (Not to be used for Navigation)
“A Hillwalker’s Guide to the Maamturks Ridge Walk”
Click the graphic below or the link HERE to view a detailed and comprehensive guide to the Maamturks Ridge Walk as put together by Simon Stewart. This Guide provides in depth advice on each section of the route and includes several maps, models and photos along the walk.
An illustrated route and guide designed by Simon Stewart
Evaluation cross section (Resized for website)
