Extra Difficult

Glencoghan Horseshoe Loop

The challenging Glencoaghan Horseshoe Loop takes on six of the Twelve Bens in the Connemara National Park in County Galway, in the west of Ireland. A strenuous 7 – 8 hour hike that can be walked in either direction; it’s regarded as one of Ireland’s best alpine ridge routes and is one for the more experienced hiker. With rough, mostly rocky terrain, scree slopes and some minor grassy sections, the steep ascents and descents come with the reward of breath-taking 360-degree views from the mountain peaks of Benlettery, Bengower, Benbreen, Bencollaghduff, Bencorr and Derryclare. Navigational skills may be required in changeable weather and the village of Recess offers a small supermarket and pub for pre-hike supplies or post-hike refuelling.

The trail starts at the Ben Lettery Hostel and ends with a road section which can be avoided with the use of a second vehicle. 

15.5km as a loop / 14.3km as a horseshoe avoiding road

Photo Credit:
Christian Scheja