It might not be very high, but what Leckavrea lacks in size it makes up for with accessibility, making it ideal for novice hillwalkers, writes Harry McGee
I'M ALMOST sure Leckavrea was my first hillwalk. It is a tiny mountain, but because of its isolated position, its lovely shape and some foreshortening, it seems much bigger than it is.
Leckavrea - Leac Aimhréidh, or uneven step, in Irish - stands alone to the east of the R359, shielding Lough Corrib. Immediately to the west of the road starts the first of Connemara's great ranges, the Maumturks.
Leckavrea, at 398m, is an ideal introduction to hillwalking. It makes for a nice shortish walk on a day when not too much effort is required.
It's also accessible. You start at the highest point of the road, just as it veers left, finding one of several parking spots on the verge. You are already at 100m, so you have only 298m to go.
From the road you can trace with your eyes the path to the top, along the crest of a boomerang-shaped spur that starts out left before veering south to the summit.
It's as simple as that. You cross a wet ditch, walk some flat bog, then start ascending along the crest as it leads to the top. It can be a little rough underfoot, and there might be the odd boulder to clamber over, but it's a cinch for anyone with basic fitness.
And humble though it is in height, there is a great sense of achievement for first-timers. For all those reasons it is a popular walk.
The views from the summit are impressive: the Corrib with its islands, the lake-strewn bogs to the south of the N59 and Galway Bay in the distance.
Descend along the relatively gentle slopes to the north or northeast - take care, especially if there has been rain - until you hit the lake. (You can go for a dip if you are brave and confident enough.)
Follow a faint path along the shores, then follow the contours until you return to the flat section where you began.
This little climb gives you a great feel for the terrain and feel of the Connemara hills.
It opened up to me the mountains of my home county, smaller than Kerry but capable of equal beauty and equal toughness.
• WhereThree kilometres north of Maam Cross on the R359. About 50km from Galway city.
• MapOSI Discovery 45.
• DistanceAbout four kilometres on easy slopes; rough ground at times. Ascent of 298m, to summit 398m above sea level.
• TimeBetween two and two and a half hours.
• DangersTake the usual precautions - rain gear, boots, compass - but Leckavrea is less cloud-bound than its larger neighbours.
• Where to eat and drinkKeane's pub in Maam (091-571110): roaring fires, toasted sandwiches, big welcome for hillwalkers.
• Where to stayLeckavrea View House B&B (Maam, 094-9548040) or Lough Inagh Lodge (Recess, 095-34706 , www.loughinagh lodgehotel.ie).