Iconic 12 Bens route, quartzite mountains, summits, ridges, scree slopes, upland peat and heather moorland. Changeable weather. Requires navigation skills, self sufficiency and dogged determination.
In the event of an accident while attempting this route be prepared to self rescue as rescue teams response time in this area can be hampered by inclement weather conditions and difficult access. Advise to attempt the 12 Ben's route in pairs as a safety precaution.
Start point at small lay-by - N 53° 28.901 W 009° 47.823 Limited parking for 2 or 3 cars at this location, long stay parking not advised. Respect the local farming community of Glen Coaghan & open commonage with grazing livestock on the lower slopes. Do not obstruct access to the hillside for farming practices. Dogs strictly on a lead.
Proceed ENE compass heading to the start of the ridge then adjust heading to a NE direction following the ridge to the first of the 12 summits.
Finish point - exit Connemara National Park at the Owenglen river and the forest road intersection and touch the Coillte barrier to complete this 12 Ben's route.
Narrow coniferous plantation forest road access to this endpoint. Long stay parking possible here when being careful not to obstruct access or any forestry operations ongoing in the area.
This route does the 12 Bens in the following summit sequence:
Binn Doire Chláir, (Derryclare) 673m
Binn Chorr (Ben Corr), 711m
Binn an tSaighdiúra, 653m
- Mám na bhFonsai 494m
Binn Dhubh (Bencollaghduff) 696m
Binn Bhraoin (Ben Breen) 691m
Binn Gabhar (Ben Gower) 664m
Binn Leitr (Ben Lettery) 577m
Binn Ghleann Uisce (Ben Gglenisky) 518m
- Mám Eidhneach (Maumina) 407m
Binn Bhán (Ben Baun) 729m
Binn Fraoich (Benf Free) 638m
- Meacanach (Muckanaght) 654m
Binn Chailleach (Ben Cullagh) 632m
- Maumonght 585m
Binn Bhreac (Ben Bbreac). 454m
Full descriptions of individual summits are available on mountainviews.ie
Comments
Nice one Betty !