Lake District > JC Challenge
The 17th annual Joyce Country Challenge will be held on Saturday 19th July 2025.
The Joyce Country Challenge gives you an opportunity walk one of Ireland's hidden gems.
Taking the plateau of 'Maumtrasna' and the 'Devils Mother' this circuit of Lough Nafooey is an area of natural beauty
often overlooked by Ireland's walkers. With outstanding views of the Maamturks, Mweelrea, Killary harbour, the Sheefrys and the Western Lakes.
There will be 4 routes on the day
Challenge (A walk): For the experienced fit and self sufficient walker
30km 1,750m Ascent. Duration 8 to 10 hours. Starting at Finny, on to Maumtrasna, Devils Mother, Ail Dubh (road - refreshments) Bunacunneen, Ben Beg,returning to Finny via the Southern Ridge.
Note change in location of first Checkpoint
B Walk: This is a lead walk, leaving Finney and ascending Ben Beg and Bunacuneen, returning to Finney along the shore line path of Lough Na Fooey.
Length 20km Approx, 750m ascent, expected duration 7 hours.There will be a break for refreshments at Ail Dubh.
Walk C: Introduction to Hillwalking: This will take in the hill behind Finny Hall, which is 372m high and onward to Kilbride.
Expected duration is 3 to 4 hours.
Walk D: Family Walk: NEW WALK: This will be 5k road walk in a scenic area taking view of Lough Mask & Lough na Foohey.
It will be lead by an experienced leader with good local knowledge. Its all road so best to wear good runners.
Update - Start Times
- Challenge (A Walk); Start time 06:30 to 07:30
PLEASE NOTE: The Challenge is for self navigators, this walk will not have a leader.
- Walk B (Intermediate Challenge) Sign on 7:00am to 8:00am. Start 8:00am
- Walk C (Introduction to Hillwalking) Sign on 8:00am to 10:00am. Start 10:00am
- Walk D (Family Walk) Sign on 10:00am to 12:00am. Start 12:00am
Registration: Entries taken on the day, or pre-register (up to Wednesday 16th)by emailing form and submitting payment online. Note cash only on the day, no card facilities available
Download JCC details as Word doc
For a GPS route file contact Patsy Cahalan at patsy.cahalan@gmail.com
Conditions of entry
Registration Form