All around this countryside there is an extensive network of rural roads, tracks and boreens. These are primarily used as access to land and bog and reflect the dispersed nature of the traditional Irish village. Using this diverse network a series of loop walks have been planned ranging from a 3 km stroll to a 10 km walk. These walks cater for the leisure walker right through to the more enthusiastic walker.

There are 5 different loop walks ranging from 3 to 10 km in length. All walkers are provided with laminated route maps.

Further information:

The landscape in the area is varied from fertile limestone to bog and from scrubland to forest. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, as with all areas along the western seaboard, the area saw a huge increase in population. The people depended on the land for their livelihood and as a result farms were divided and sub-divided often ending up as small as 1 hector. A network of roads and tracks were built to allow access to the homesteads.

The great famine of 1845 saw a reduction of almost three-quarters of the population with farms returning to bigger units. However, the road network remained being improved over the years and has almost all been tarmacked. It is this network of roads that are used for the Valley Lodge Walks.

This area is also untouched by modern industry with the majority of farms being part-time with very little intensive agriculture. As a result there is a huge variation in vegetation insect, wild life and bird life. The rural practices have meant that important habitats unique to Mayo have been retained. Each season has its own shades from the yellow furze of Easter to the meadow sweet red oats and purple of summer.

Valley Lodge self-guided walks are for the leisurely walker whose time is their own and want to get an insight into rural Ireland. The walks are on roads and tracks that weave their way through the country side where the type of land and vegetation can vary from km to km. The walker may observe farmers working the land or saving turf in the bog. Locals are friendly so why not stop and chat. Walkers are unlikely to meet other tourists as their walks are away from the busy tourist areas.