Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]
Good walks are even better shared.
L8555 : The summit of Letterbreckaun, Maumturk Mountains
Michael Earnshaw Photo source
Explore routes near Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Binn Bhriocain Loop
A circular route starting from the village of Maam Cross, offering a moderate challenge with a blend of trails and open terrain.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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L8555 : The summit of Letterbreckaun, Maumturk Mountains
Michael Earnshaw
Photo could not load
L8555 : Letterbreckaun, Maumturk Mountains
Michael Earnshaw
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
668m
2,192 ft
Prominence
325m
Coordinates
53.5336, -9.7261
L856551
OS Map
37
At the Summit
The summit is crowned with a modest cairn, perfect for those hearty hikers who want to mark their victory with a photo op. There's also a trig point to help you confirm you're not just wandering around aimlessly (again).
Terrain & Geology
Letterbreckaun is composed primarily of sandstone and mudstone, with interesting layers that illustrate the geological history of the region, indicative of ancient riverbed formations. The rugged terrain can be attributed to glacial activity, making it a nuanced study for geology enthusiasts.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, trekkers are treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Twelve Bens mountain range and the shimmering waters of Killary Harbour to the north.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Binn Bhriocain' translates to 'the peak of the briar', reflecting the local flora that you might encounter en route.
Historical Significance
Letterbreckaun is cherished for its natural beauty and importance in Irish folklore, often cited in stories and local legends.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking is available at Maam Cross, where you can leave your vehicle securely and start your hike. Expect it to fill up during weekends.
Public Transport
Buses run from Galway to Clifden, with stops at Maam Cross. Check local schedules for details.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities on the mountain, but Maam Cross hosts a few small shops and a café for pre-hike snacks or post-hike relaxation.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Beware of loose rocks, especially in wet conditions. Boggy patches are prevalent, and navigation can be tricky without a good map or GPS.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain] search or of course create your own walk for Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]
Can I organise a walk to Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain].
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain]?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Letterbreckaun [Binn Bhriocain] here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: L856551
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