Ben Beg is a seldom visited peak situated across the R336 to the north and east of the Maamturks range. There are great views of both the Maamturks themselves and wider Connemara, as well the views north over Lough Nafooey and east over Lough Mask.

The peak can be approached in a number of ways. Perhaps the most straightforward is an ascent from the Drishaghaun Valley; parking is difficult in the valley, but there are a couple of places at L97196 56996 A, and also at L9782 5684 B. From the first of these, cross the fence and contour west with a touch of north before reaching a river gully. Follow this gully northwest, contour around point 542 and head west to the summit, about an hour and a half of an ascent.

A further option starts from Finny at around M003 594 C and takes in the entire and impressive ridge to the east of Ben Beg. Close to the Finny end of the ridge, on Bencorragh (not MV listed), there are examples of pillow lava, and other evidence of volcanic activity between here and Finny itself. From Finny to Ben Beg should take about 3 hours one way.

To get the best from Ben Beg however, it is better to combine it with a number of other hills. The Drishaghaun Valley lends itself to making a compact circuit taking in Ben Ben, Bunnacunneen, its SE Top and the two Lugnabricks. This can be done in either direction, starting from the parking places indicated above. The entire circuit should take under 4 hours. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/342/comment/5102/

A walk along the east-west ridge of Ben Beg gives great views of the deeply cut valleys of Maumtrasna and Lough Nafooey with hints of the many summits surrounding the area. This summit is very seldom visited, yet this view is well worth having as well as the view east over Lough Mask.

One way to visit this summit is from the Drishaghaun valley, to the SE. There isn't much parking however one or two cars could be put on the public road near the bridge at L9782 5684 B. There is probably more than one way up that is unlikely to cause offence such as towards the graveyard shown on the 1:50k or at the most westerly point on the road. Comments welcome on these suggestions. Another way is to leave the road at L98120 57236 D which is over a rough field with an apparently deserted building on it. As always, if in doubt, ask.

The photo shows the north facing cliffs of Ben Beg. To the right on the skyline is Leenane Hill (618m) and the ridge below that is Rinavore (426m). Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/342/comment/2370/

This is Ben Beg to the right, from Bunacunneen with Lough Nafooey below and Lough Mask beyond. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/342/comment/6727/

Went up today from Finny side and just to share some pics... and the pillow lavas at L983586 E are worth the walk... here's the geological context again... http://www.gsi.ie/Education/Sites+Walks+Field+Trips/Walk+1+Volcano.html Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/342/comment/19616/