Harder
Walks: 7 to 9 miles (11-14km) with
some rough terrain and some short sections
on country lanes. Up to 1,800ft (540m) of
ascent in a day.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival
day
For those
arriving on the HF Holidays’ flights to
Cork, the onward journey to Kenmare is by
coach. In the afternoon your leaders will
organise a stroll around the town of
Kenmare. On the first evening your leaders
will explain more about the walks.
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Day 2: Druids
Loop
Molly
Gallivan’s farm is a wonderful introduction
to our walking week giving you a wealth of
historic information. Set in the stunning
valley Bonane these walks allow you to
explore the farmland with its colourful
hedgerow flowers leading the way.
Easier Walk: Following our visit of Molly Gallivan’s farm, we follow tracks through the valley, cross the River Esk and on to another farm track, laden with wild flowers, that offers views on the Ca-Ha before we circle back. 5 miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent.
Harder Walk: The harder group start
on the same farm tracks and continue on the
Beara Way for a short section, starting to
ascend towards a col. Traversing across Esk
Mountain with stunning views to Glengarriff
and Bantry Bay we then descend steeply back
to Molly Gallivan’s cottage. 6 miles (9.5km)
with 1,800ft (540m) of ascent.
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Day 3:
Gleninchaquinn
Today’s walks will take us through the
rolling hills of the Gleninchaquinn Park,
offering great views over the Kenmare River.
Along the way we discover one of the
many stone circles scattered around this
area as we follow part of the famous long
distance path, the Beara Way, back towards
Kenmare.
Easier Walk: We start our walk near Red Trout Lake and, after climbing onto the Beara Way, we walk just below Knocknagorraveela Mountain enjoying views towards Gleninchaquin Park. We descend from a small cairn looking towards Dromoghty Lake and Kenmare River. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Harder Walk: This walk takes in the Beara Way but rises gently towards a gap on the northern side of Knockagarrane and an open valley with views back to the Kenmare River. Our route runs parallel with the river still offering great views of the Cloonee Loughs, Lough Inchiquin and Gleninchiquin Park. 8 miles (13km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent.
Day 4: Beara
Peninsula
Today both walks start at the tip of the
Beara peninsula, a stone’s throw away from
Dursey Island. It’s mostly coastal walking,
finishing at the the old copper mining town
of Allihies for a drink.
Easier Walk: This walk leaves the active fishing harbour of Garnish and goes along the shoreline of Ballydonegan Bay. We traverse below Lackacroghan where we can enjoy fabulous views back to Dursey before dropping back down towards Allihies and its beautiful beach ending in Allihies itself. The landscape has scattered remains of the once thriving copper mining industry. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Harder Walk: Starting near the Dursey cable car station, we ascend Ballaghboy and straddle the ridge with fine views across the north and south of the peninsulas. We soon view lofty sea cliffs before we finally descend back to Garnish pier and finish with the easier walkers. 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent.
Day 5: Free day
On your free day you may relax in Kenmare, or travel the Ring of Kerry before taking a cruise around the awe-inspiring Skellig Islands, home to an 8th century hermitage and large puffin and gannet colonies.
Day 6:
Glengarriff
Easier Walk: Today this group walks
within the protected area of Glengariff
Nature Reserve, home to a multitude of
wildlife, flora, fauna and ancient tales. We
walk a short loop following the river and
view some ancient oaks on the way. After
crossing meadows, we ascend to “Lady
Bantry’s Look Out” point. After enjoying
lunch in Glengarriff, we take a boat to
Garnish Island via Seal Island and then walk
around this fabulous garden flourishing in
its own microclimate. We return to
Glengarriff harbour by the same boat. 5
miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent.
Harder Walk: From the little town of Adrigole, the harder walk follows the Beara Way and heads up the north side of the lofty Sugar Loaf Mountain to 500m with great views of Bantry Bay and Sheeps Head peninsula. Our path then descends towards Glengarriff Nature Reserve before heading down into Glengarriff. 7 miles (11km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of descent.
Day 7: Killarney
National Park
North of
Kenmare takes us to the Killarney National
Park and the majestic lakes amidst the
surrounds of the abbey, castle and
magnificent Victorian mansion of Muckross
House.
Easier Walk: We walk from Galway Bridge along the Kerry Way passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade to follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate. Here we will have time to explore the gardens and visit the café. 7 miles (11km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Harder Walk: We walk along the Kerry Way from Galway Bridge passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade on good tracks to Torc mountain. The ascent is rewarding with panoramic views across the lakes and up the Black Valley and beyond. We make our descent and follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate to join the easier group. 9 miles (14km) with 2,000ft (600m) of ascent.