Tailor-Made Walking Tours, Ireland - Irish Hiking and Walking Holidays

The Sheep's Head Way

Level of Difficulty:

The “Sheep’s Head” Peninsula or the ancient name of Muintir Bháire, the people of Bháire; is the middle of the three peninsulas in the southwest of county Cork, Ireland’s largest county. It must be the least visited part of Cork and this contributes to the wonderful presence of such a unique place. Bordered by Bantry Bay to the north and Dunmanus Bay to the south, a narrow spine of mountains culminates in Seefin Hill at 345m.

The Sheep's Head Way is a long distance walking route of 88km (55miles) which follows old tracks and roads. Your route will take you right to the tip of peninsula.

The trail starts and finishes in Bantry. You will walk coastal sections as well inland, forested sections on your return to Bantry. Accommodations on the Sheep's Head welcome and look after our walkers exceptionally well.

Itinerary:

Day 1	Arrival in Cork. Travel to Bantry lying sheltered behind Whiddy Island. Bantry is the market town of southwest Cork and an ancient port facility. The deep waters have hosted a succession of fleets, French, Spanish and British which add to the good looks of the natives! Gulf Oil came in the 1970’s to build an oil terminal. In order to make the best of the route, your first night is spent 5km from Bantry at the start of the Sheep’s Head Way.
Day 2	Bantry to Glanlough along the coast. The route starts on small farm access lanes from Dromcloc Farmhouse and climbs one of the mountain roads that cross the peninsula. At the top, it is out onto the hills, a glorious ridge walk through sheep grazing country to 223m, before descending to Glanlough and Seamount Farmhouse.	14km
Day 3	Glanlough to Kilcrohane. Your hosts will assist you today with a route to Kilcrohane. The ridge walk continues over Gouladane, from where you can descend to Gortnakilly or continue on the ridge to Seefin, the highest point of the peninsula at 345m. The walk finishes at Kilcrohane village from where you will be transferred back to Glanlough.	13km
Day 4	Kilcrohane to Tooreen, the end of the peninsula Your hosts will return you to Kilcrohane. The Way follows the exhilarating coastline of the western end of the peninsula through ruined villages, the Gortavallig Copper Mines to Bernie’s Café at the edge of the world! Your host for tonight will collect you at this point and transfer you to your accommodation in Reenmore.	14km
Day 5	Free transfer back to Tooreen. Walk to Kilcrohane along the southern coastline of the peninsula. After the initial climb to the remains of a 17th century signal tower, today’s walk is on lower ground through farms and townlands to return to Kilcrohane village. You host will collect you and transfer you to Reenmore.	16km
Day 6	Walk from Reenmore to Durrus. The route follows old paths and droving roads through hillside farms to Durrus, the largest village on the peninsula. There are many pre-Christian remains, standing stones, wells, burial grounds, indicating the ancient importance of the area. Overnight in Durrus.	16km
Day 7	Durrus to Bantry. Leaving the seascapes behind, the route follows the Four Mile Water valley before climbing through forest to Barr na Gaoithe, the Top of the Wind. A short climb completes the hill walking before descending on minor roads to Bantry town, through the grounds of the majestic Bantry House.	17km
Day 8	Departure from Bantry

Included in your tour:
7 nights Bed&Breakfast guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps

Excluded:
Other meals; transfers to and from Bantry; entries or excursions.

Price 2008:
€496 per person sharing
€77 single supplement
€663 single party booking

Airport for transfers:
Cork

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