Siúlóidí Cois Costas Iorras Lub Súilóid Talach (Erris Coastal Walk - Blue Loop)

This easy loop explores the edge of Belmullet on the Mullet Peninsula, giving a gentle outing of 9.9 km / 6.1 mi with only 86 m / 282 ft of climbing. With a highest point of 43 m / 140 ft and an estimated walking time of about 2 hours, it suits walkers looking for a relaxed circuit close to town and the coast.

The route

Starting on Bóthar an Bhaile Ghlais in Béal an Mhuirthead, the walk forms a loop through the low-lying landscape around Belmullet. The route stays on modest ground throughout, with 85 m / 279 ft of descent balancing the climb, so there are no long or demanding ascents. It is best approached as a steady local ramble rather than a summit walk, with changing views over the peninsula’s roads, fields and shoreline.

Terrain and difficulty

The route’s easy grading reflects its gentle profile and short overall duration, but walkers should still expect a mix of everyday walking surfaces rather than a fully paved promenade. In this part of Erris, local loop walks use laneways, farmland and coastal paths, so waterproof footwear and clothing are sensible even on a short outing.

Getting there

The start is in Belmullet, the main town on the Mullet Peninsula in the Erris Gaeltacht, making this one of the more accessible walks in far northwest Mayo. Belmullet is linked by road to Ballina and the wider county, and Bus Éireann route 446 serves Blacksod, Belmullet and Ballina for walkers arriving by public transport. As the trail begins on a town road, it is practical for anyone already staying in Belmullet to reach the start on foot.

Landscape and setting

Belmullet sits between Broadhaven Bay and Blacksod Bay, and that setting shapes the character of the walk. The wider area is part of a protected coastal landscape that includes mudflats, sandflats, reefs, Atlantic salt meadows and sea caves, giving the route a strong sense of Atlantic edge even at low elevation. It is a good walk for noticing the meeting of town, farmland and sea that defines this part of Erris.

Practical preparation

Although this is a straightforward outing, the exposed Atlantic setting means wind and rain can make it feel more serious than the figures suggest. Carry waterproofs, wear shoes with grip, and bring water for the 9.9 km / 6.1 mi circuit. HiiKER navigation is useful here because the walk threads through a network of local roads and tracks around Belmullet rather than following a single obvious ridge or shoreline path.