Routecard The Twelve Bens

Updated March 2015     Jim Holmes

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1.   Inagh Valley                              IL 84483 49559      41 m
2.   Nature Reserve Track           IL 83155 50637      80 m
3.   Derryclare Way                        IL 82835 51069      266 m
4.   Derryclare Ridge                     IL 82451 51122      436 m
5.   Derryclare                                 IL 81480 51082      673 m
6.   Bencorr Way                             IL 81240 51705      550 m
7.   Bencorr                                      IL 81148 52193      711 m
8.   Saighdiúra                                 IL 81169 52864      653 m
9.   Bencorrbeg                               IL 81600 53301      577 m
10. Saighdiúra                                 IL 81169 52864      653 m
11. Mám  na bhFonsai                   IL 80593 52439      494 m
12. Binn Dhubh Ridge                   IL 80068 52798      635 m
13. Bencollaghduff                        IL 79800 53001      696 m
14. Maumina Ridge                       IL 79154 52977     563 m
15. Maumderg                                IL 78825 52749     457 m
16. Beanna Beola Way                IL 78583 52268     656 m
17. Beanna Beola Ridge             IL 78104 51992     680 m
18. Benbreen                                 IL 78307 51551     691 m
19. Glengower                               IL 78223 51114     466 m
20. Bengower                                IL 78315 50648     664 m
21. Douglas Ridge                        IL 77749 50220     550 m
22. Benlettery                               IL 77537 49542     577 m
23. Uisce Saddle                          IL 77294 50299     469 m
24. Benglenisky                           IL 76619 50109    516 m
25. Glenisky Ridge                      IL 77152 50762    375 m
26. Breen Run                              IL 77612 51236    270 m
27. Tievebreen                             IL 77362 51584    269 m
28. Beanna Beola Run               IL 77488 52263    269 m
29. Barnanang Ridge                 IL 78098 52683    372 m
30. Maumina                                 IL 78814 53147    414 m
31. Binn Bhán Way                     IL 78568 53549    550 m
32. Benbaun                                 IL 78557 53921    729 m
33. Binn Bhán  Ridge                 IL 78301 54230    649 m
34. Tairbh Way                            IL 77919 54337    591 m
35. Benfree                                  IL 77744 54414    638 m
36. Tairbh Saddle                       IL 77316 54208    472 m
37. Muckanaght                          IL 76772 54088    654 m
38. An Chailleach Way              IL 76186 54021    475 m
39. Bencullagh                            IL 75558 53726    632 m
40. An Chailleach Ridge           IL 75228 53865    547 m
41. Maumonght                           IL 74781 54182    580 m
42. River Bridge                         IL 74036 55721    152 m
43. Addergoole                           IL 73233 56718    297 m
44. Diamond Hill                         IL 73145 57046    439 m
45. Bards Den agus Pints        IL 70984 57780     40 m

N.B. Always remember that whilst GPS is an exellent tool it should never be substituted for competent navigational skills. Many of the above waypoints have been amassed by myself over the years and named by using their closest features on various accepted maps, but may not be the best given route that the day may dictate.  In good visibility your walking route will be a whole lot more obvious and arc and flow neatly. However in thick mist (or even snow storms) the above waypoints are where I personally feel I need to be so as to keep safe and sound. It is important to note however that at times the route between two waypoints may be more of an arc than a straight line.

This was the great Challenge Walk that was! It was last hosted by Na Beanna Beola Hillwalking Club in 2007 and was made possible (by no small means) with the help of local land-owners.

It is a tough, tough walk (and that's in fine weather!).

The walk first bests Binn Doire Chlair (Derryclare) and then follows a horseshoe around to Benlettery and then to Benglenisky.

From here it a piece of tricky navigation (lonely, let alone dangerous in white-out) to "contour" along the ridge passing Tievebreen around to Maumina before the mighty Binn Bhán (Benbaun) beckons.

The last part of the Challenge Walk (from River Bridge onwards) passes through private farmland - so of course any said permissions would natually be required.

As with all Challenge Walks one should always ensure to have their "homework" done so as to allow for a safe enjoyable day. . . After all . . . . "accidents don't happen by accident".

Keep Safe and enjoy your day! 

Jim Holmes.

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Famous, or rather infamous, photo below is of "Fat Boy" Eddie McBride and "Fat 2" Jim Holmes atop Binn Bhán on The Twelve Bens Challenge 2007, a day that saw perfect weather!