Beautiful Bantry, Ireland

SUMMARY

Date: Saturday Sept 17th to Saturday Sept 24th, 7 nights/ 6 days walking

Walking Guide: Clara Fleming

Grade: 2 Goats -the walking is along coastal paths and low mountain ridges averaging 12km a day. There is quite abit of up and down but ascents and descents are gradual and range between a total of 200m and 600m each day. The walking is mostly on footpaths; these can be quite narrow, uneven and rocky in places, boggy in others. Walking poles are handy as are waterproof boots and gaiters.

Base: The Maritime Hotel, Bantry, West Cork

Price: £910 per person per holiday. Price includes B and B Accommodation, Dinner together at the hotel on the first night. A group airport return transfer from Cork Airport if flying. Experienced local guiding for the week.

Staying on Bantry Bay amid the rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara. Amazing wild walks and at the end of the day a little pampering in the Maritime hotel with pool and spa.

West Cork is one of the little-known and most isolated places in Europe so you can expect walks in unspoilt and wild Atlantic scenery usually all to ourselves. Seals and dolphins can often be spotted, and occasionally we may be lucky enough to spot basking sharks and the tell-tale sign of seabirds hovering over a whale. There are stone circles, ring forts and ruined castles to find along the walks as well as more recent sites of archaelogical and historical interest such as mass rocks, old military defences and the remains of the copper mining industry.

DETAILS

We have chosen this hotel for it’s position on the wild Atlantic bay. Gorgeous sea views with a wide variety of walks in every direction. Bantry itself is a beautiful place to stay – some say it is one of the most picturesque parts of Ireland. When we are not walking there will be a chance to explore the town with it’s cafes,restaurants and opportunities to listen to Irish music.

With wild scenery all around ,picturesque loughs and fantastic coastal views make it one of Ireland’s treasures. The Beara Way stretches for 48km with an unspoilt and magnificent landscape sweeping down from the spine of the Caha Hills to the shores of Bantry Bay. Wonderful walks with fresh sea air and the chance to swim wild!

ITINERARY

There may be changes due to weather and at the discretion of the guide.

Arrival for a Welcome briefing by the guide at 5pm. If you arrive earlier there is plenty to do locally or simply relax at the hotel.

Day 1 Sheep’s Head Peninsula Lighthouse walk

8km up and down along a coastal path, no major ascents

This is a Cliff walk with some moorland and bogs. We will see a blow hole, the Cove, a waterfall and a lighthouse. There will be plenty of refreshments stops

Day 2 Bere Island

15km with 460m the total ascent

We will see navel and military heritage sites, a Martello tower, a signal tower, a lighthouse and a pilgimage site. We will reach the island’s highest point at 267m with a refreshment stop. There may be a chance  of a swim.

Day 3 The Mizen Peninsula

13km undulating on good paths and minor roads

Around the most south-westerly point of Ireland exploring Barleycove’s sandy coves and beaches and Three Castle Head.

Day 4  Seefin Ridge Walk

11km with a 550m ascent

From Glan Lough to the highest point on the Sheep’s Head peninsula and down via a stone circle to “The Pub by the Pier” for a dip and a sip!

Day 5  Gougane Barra

10km with 230m ascent on good paths and minor roads

A forest walk in an inland glacial valley taking in St Finbarr’s Oratory, a waterfall and some lovely viewpoints

Day 6 Bantry Bay

8km with 200m ascent. We will visit Bantry House and gardens and see small boreens, a holy well and mass rock, ring fort and interesting rock formations.

Friday is market day in Bantry town, so back in time to grab a late lunch from one of the market stalls. Afternoon will be leisurely with options to catch a bus to Glengarriff to visit Garinish Island or wander round Bantry Heritage Trail or have a swim or simply relax…

Day 7 Departure