Promoting wellbeing and tourism on nephin beg range

OVER the past couple of months, the real beauty and serenity of the Nephin Beg mountains have been coming into fruition and enjoyed by a vast number of adventurists, writes Nigel Naughton. The calmness and stunning views which can be enjoyed there are slowly starting to attract hoards of people, and with fantastic loops, treks and trails all available throughout the forests and along the rivers, free of charge, it really is a stunning natural amenity which we all can enjoy.

The unique beauty and wilderness has the potential to attract tourists from near and far to this area of Mayo. Recently, two treks have been organised to raise much needed awareness for both mental health and duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Michael Chambers, from Shramore,  in the heart of the Nephin Beg mountains, has been one of the key organisers and promoters of the events, along with people like Mark Rooney, Ales Soucek and Tojo Lazzari.

“I’ve always had a great love for the Nephin mountains. The fact that I’ve spent nearly all of my life in the village of Shramore  had a lot to do with that. I’ve always felt that we could do more to promote the mountains - its unique wilderness and beauty has the potential to attract visitors from all over the world,” said Michael.

On September 21, Michael, along with Ales and Tojo, undertook a climb to raise awareness for duchenne muscular dystrophy, and titled the climb ‘Climb for Lewis’ after a young boy from Castlebar who suffers from the condition. The trio climbed 10 peaks, which took 13 hours to complete, from Bangor to Mulranny.

“Our trek was followed on Facebook and it was a terrific success. We were blessed with a magnificent day, and enjoyed some stunning views of the Nephin mountains - the hills, lakes, peaks, as we made our way over 10 peaks that took us 13 hours to complete,” added Michael.

Then, on November 2, a huge group took on a ‘Head Trek’ - titled by Mark Rooney, in Letterkeen around the loop walk. The walk was done to raise awareness around mental health and suicide, whilst also promoting the loop walk and whole area as a peaceful and serene area where one can get away from everything, and be at one with the natural beauty and wilderness which is existent in the area.

Once again it was a huge success on social media, and thousands followed the posts and issues that were covered. Many more events and treks are planned for 2015, and the area looks set to become and add to the many wonderful natural amenities available here in Mayo.

Said Michael: Next year, we hope to plan many more days out and about in the Nephin mountains. It would be great to see new faces and we look forward to seeing many new people enjoying our spectacular area.”