Cross - Green Loop

A walk on the wild side. Beautiful big open (at low tide) beach walk with impressive views up and down the coast of this far flung corner of Ireland.

Voted "Best place to go Wild" the Erris peninsula is well worth exploring and this loop gives a taste of the western, more rugged, side with its dunes and sheep grazed machair grasslands.

Starting at one of the many early christian sites placed next to the sea in this area you follow the signs for 2 1/2 km along the beach before the path turns inland across the sheltering dunes and arrives on the shore of Cross Lake where there are picnic tables and benches from which you can often watch wind and kite surfers perform before returning to the abbey ruins along the farm track.

A walk to get the wind in your hair while watching the waves crashing, imagine life on the offshore islands and spot the birdlife both native and seasonal visitor.

More on walks around the Erris can be found on my blog: stevebarhamramblingman.wordpress.com

Beautiful coastal trail starting at the old Cross Abbey ruins, along the beach front. The Iniskea islands are visible from the shore line and the beach extends for approximately 2.5km. This walk is best done at low tide so as to make use of the extensive strand. A black post marked with the trail arrows on your left points you through a marked pathway along the sand dunes and linking to Cross lake. This lake is known for its swans and variety of wildlife. The lake shore road continues and veers left and links back up to the Cross Abbey starting point. A wonderfully refreshing walk for any time of year! Directions from Belmullet town- drive across the bridge and follow the signs for 'An Fód Dubh' (Blacksod), drive approximately 5km and turn right at the Church in Binghamstown (An Géata Mór). You will pass Belderragh beach on your right and continue on this road until you see the sign post directing you to the starting point for Cross loop walk. There is plenty of parking here at the starting point of the walk. Enjoy!