Mountain Treks

The scenic and spectacular Westport area offers a wide selection of mountain treks, varying both in length (from 1 hour to 1 day). Treks start and finish at the stables, with a short pre-trek assessment in the sand arena, to ensure horse and rider are a good match and happy together. Depending on riding experience, there are opportunities for extended canters and perhaps cooling paddle in a safe river. 

Here are some samples of great trekking options offered on a go!trekking!  3, 5 & 7 day packages.

1. Brackloon & Owenwee

What to expect: Flatwork, varied terrain, bog roads & woodlands

This scenic and enjoyable trek includes quiet roads, woodland paths, and a paddle through shallow river beds. This landscape is a little slice of Ireland straight from the past where you'll see sods turf stacked neatly beside the bog ready for use as winter fuel. Everyone can try a trot or two in safe surroundings. More experienced riders will have the chance to enjoy nice fast canters for the experienced rider. The small quiet local roads are known as boreens which means 'little road' in Gaelic.

Riding level required: All levels
Trek begins and ends at the stables, no vehicle transfers.

2. Skelp, Prospect & Brackloon

What to Expect: Mountain tracks and varied terrain 

This is a longer trek for experienced riders and offers lots of opportunities to trot and canter. The horses are all surefooted and enjoy stretching their legs on the traffic free hillside tracks. 'The Skelp' is an off road hill close to Croagh Patrick, which has exceptional panoramic  views right across Clew Bay, Clare Island and the hundreds of little islands dotted in the bay. It's said locally there is one for every day of the year.

Riding level required: Some experience required
Trek begins and ends at the stables, no vehicle transfers.

3. The Togher Padraig 

What to expect: Hills, country roads and heritage

This short circular route is ideal to get to know your horse or for those getting back into the saddle after a little break. It's a very historic trek, passing by the Bohea Stone where your escort will explain how on two dates every year, the setting sun appears to ‘roll’ down the shoulder of Croagh Patrick, Westport’s holy mountain. This amazing spectacle can only be viewed from the ancient rock on the 18th April or 20th August.

The rolling solar was first photographed by the late Gerry Bracken of the Westport Historic Society. The Bohea Stone is a big flattish rock coated with ornamental ring and cup marks, the only example of this kind of artwork in Connaught. The stone is also known as St. Patrick’s Chair and dates back to the Bronze Age. 

Riding level required: All levels.

Trek begins and ends at the stables, no vehicle transfers.

4. Drummin, Sheaffry Hills and Louisburgh Bog

What to expect: Country roads, mountain, bog roads and shallow river crossing. History and heritage.

In contrast to beach riding, this is a completely inland route, meandering along tiny roads and green lanes. It is a post to post ride, starting at the stables and finishing near Louisburgh. You will ride through beautiful rural countryside, in foothills of Croagh Patrick and beyond. Along the way are countless deserted stone cottages and churches, dating back to pre-famine times - reminders of a time when this area was more heavily populated. Your guide will point out the undulations of lazy beds where potatoes were grown before the catastrophic blight hit in the 1840s. 

Riding level required: Experience required
Post to post ride, beginning at stables and ending near Louisburgh. You and your horse will be transported back to the stables.