Save this route for a good dry day. On the day that we did this circular route in mid-winter the ground was very sodden from recent heavy rain and there was decayed vegetation floating on liquefied peat. This made the steeper slopes very slippery and dangerous, especially when descending and we slipped several times ending up with a sprained ankle for one us. The use of walking poles to aid the steeper descents should be considered. Also navigation and safe route finding on the descent from the Glennacally ridge is not easy (see my photograph on the Devil's Mother summit page).

Park at a wide opening by a gate just east of Glennacally Bridge on the N59 (L 58966 46113). Pass through the gate and walk south on the east bank of the Glennacally River. After 1.5km the Glenfree River joins from the left. Cross this river near to the confluence and head SE towards the prominent steep spur from Maumtrasna. The ground soon begins to steepen and the final 200m of ascent is a 45 degree slope. Pass some rocks at the top of the slope and the gradient flattens with the final 1km walk across a plateau to the summit of Maumtrasna. From the summit head south and then SW to meet a fence which marks the border between counties Galway and Mayo. Continue to follow this fence SW and then west as the route descends and re-ascends slightly towards the summit of Glennagleragh. Continue to follow the fence as it descends and a short 100m detour takes in the summit of Knocklaur. From here there is steep descent to the col at the head of the Glennacally River followed by a more gradual ascent towards the Devil's Mother. Once the summit ridge is reached turn left (south) and again follow the fence (with detours to avoid places where the fence dips down and looses altitude). The summit of the Devil's Mother is soon reached. Retrace your steps back to where you joined the summit ridge and then head north keeping to the highest ground. This is the beginning of a fine ridge walk along the west side of the Glennacally valley. On the day that we did the walk views were obscured by cloud with only fleeting glimpses of Killary Harbour. About 1.5km along the ridge is the summit of Devil's Mother North Top. From here continue along the ridge for another 700m in a NE direction as it begins to descend. Be careful to avoid following a prominent spur heading north at about 500m elevation but pass to the right of this continuing in a NE direction downwards. At an elevation of 380m a small rocky prominence is meet (L 98498 64964). We passed to the left (west of this) and then turned sharp right and headed east down a grassy ramp. The next 200m of descent was very steep and slippery. Care must be taken to avoid cliffs on your left. At about 140m we turned northwards to follow a small valley and then east again until the ground flattens out and a fence is meet. Cross the fence. From here it should be possible to pick up an old bog road which heads northwards to the N59. Once the N59 is reached turn right and walk the short distance back to your car.