Day 4 - Galway to Swinford. 86 miles

After a great night in Galway, it was time to make our way up to the Maumturk Mountains.

This meant a bit of a slog up the N59 from Galway, but as we got higher and higher, the scenery opened up to some lovely lochs and moorland. Eventually we turned off the main road, and onto the more scenic route. Stunning.

Great descent down into Tearnakill Bridge. A further climb though took us up into an incredible wind tunnel. Wind obviously blowing up the valley was squeezed over a gap between the mountains, exactly where we were trying to cycle.

Eventually getting through this wall of wind, a great hair pin descent, followed by virtually 20 miles along side Loch Nalooey and the enormous Loch Mask. All surrounded by amazing hills. Just stunning, even in the mist. No rain so far.

Unfortunately punctures and the rain came in the afternoon, plus high winds, and the final 25 miles into Swinford turned in to a bit of a trudge. A long and challenging day, finished off by some great Irish stew in the local pub in Swinford. Another great day !

Notes from the riders !



It was a slightly more difficult day today due to the strong winds.  That aside the scenery was spectacular and well worth a view.  My highlight of the day was when Martyn came up beside me and said you're cruising at 24mph :) im not going to mention the wind was on my back on that point.  My low point was unclipping my right foot and leaning to the left, won't be making that mistake again! Laura

Not sure why we ever left Galway nice hotel, lots of eating houses and shed loads of pubs but the scenery and steep hills throgh Conemara soon made me realise why!  super day and heard its all down hill from here! Brian

Kim.

What a day,  started well with a blast to the 1st food stop, averaging 15.5 mph. Then we hit the head wind. Very hard work to reach the overnight stay. Cracking Irish Stew in the local pub. After 87 miles that was just the job. Looking forward to a shorter route tomorrow.

Can we not talk about punctures pleeeease ! Lesley

Enjoyed that day a lot as we went through the Connemara national park. Truly spectacular views and very remote. The route went through the mountains and along some loches across to Swinford. Missed all the rain and ended up on time as planned (pretty much) at the b and b!... Mark

Martyn found his ancestral home !