Walking in The Macroom Area

Our Favourite is Gougane Barra Forest Park, in the Shehy mountains. It has great forest and nature trails suitable for all abilities. From here the river Lee begins it's journey to the sea. The forest is surrounded by mountains which has excellent hill walking.

10 Tips for Hill Walking!

Have a map: OS Discovery Series Map, ideally laminated or in a Ziploc bag.

Check the weather forecast.

Plan your route: where are you going to start and finish, what distance is it, how long will it take you, any hazards along the way such as streams, rivers or cliffs.

Get local knowledge: talk to someone who's already done the walk to find out about places of interest along the way, a good spot to stop for lunch, any access issues.

Have the right equipment: boots, waterproofs, spare clothes, hat & gloves, food & drink.

Park considerately and ask permission from the landowner to cross their land, if necessary.

Leave no trace behind you: everything from tea bags to banana skins should come back with you.

If the weather begins to put you under pressure or your own abilities are reaching their limits then recognise it as early as possible and change your route accordingly.

Take plenty of photos.

Don't lose your car keys!