ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFOTHE SHEEP'S HEAD 2012The “Sheep’s Head” Peninsula (or its 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 the county, which contributes to its unique atmosphere. With Bantry Bay to the north and Dunmanus Bay to the south, a narrow spine of mountains culminates in Seefin Hill (345m). The Sheep's Head Way, (88 kms/55 miles in length), follows old tracks and roads and, starting and finishing in Bantry, will take you right to the tip of peninsula.
PRICE£499 per person based on 2 people sharing
Single supplement - £85
One person walking alone - £665
INCLUDED7 nights Bed & Breakfast guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day;detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps
NOT INCLUDEDOther meals, arrival and departure Bantry, entry fees, insurance, anything not specifically mentioned in the programme.
DEPARTURESDaily April to October
Day 1: Travel to Bantry lying sheltered behind Whiddy Island. Bantry is the market town of southwest Cork and an ancient port. The deep waters have hosted a succession of fleets, French, Spanish and British. In order to make the best of the route, your first night is spent 3 miles/5 kms 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 lanes from Dromcloc Farmhouse and climbs one of the mountain roads that cross the peninsula. Then, a glorious ridge walk through sheep grazing country to 223m, before descending to Glanlough and Seamount Farmhouse.
8.75 miles/14 kms Day 3: Glanlough 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. Finish at Kilcrohane village from where you will be transferred back to Glanlough.
8.1 miles/13 kms 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 and the Gortavallig Copper Mines to the edge of the world! Your host for tonight will collect you at this point and transfer you to your accommodation in Reenmore.
8.75 miles/14km Day 5: 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.
10 miles/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.
10 miles/16 kms 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 majestic Bantry House.
10.6 miles/17 kms
Day 8: Departure
Wild Irish coastal scenery; balmy climate; very friendly welcome
GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is Cork. Transfers can be arranged to the starting point.
WHAT TO TAKE
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks inrucksack), swimming costume, rucksack/day pack, water bottle, insectrepellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, rain gear, compass,torch and a first-aid kit.
WHEN TO GO
Daily April to October
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44) (0)1242 254353