The Kerry Way 5th-8th Sept.

Start Point: Killarney

Day 1: Killarney to Black Valley

Starting at Muckross Road to Killarney National Park along the shoreline of Lough Leane passing Muckross House and Torc waterfall. We follow the Old Kenmare Road which was the coach road from Killarney to Kenmare.

Following the Esknamucky Glen and continuing through the ancient woodland of Derrycunnihy we leave the Old Kenmare Road and go along the shore of the Upper Lake past Lord Brandon’s cottage following minor roads to the Black Valley Hostel

24km 6 hours

Day 2:Black Valley to Glencar

From the hostel we continue southwest through the Black Valley ascending to a pass to descend into the magnificent Bridia Valley.

From the Bridia Valley we follow an ancient trade route known as the Lack Road. From the high point there are views over the Reeks and Lough Acoose. The following couple of kilometres are downhill before a few undulations through woodland and ancient field systems to reach the Climbers Inn at Glencar.

18km 5-6 hours

Day 3: Glencar to Glenbeigh

Leaving the Climbers Inn we follow a gravel lane to a minor road over the river Caragh. The trail alternates between riverside paths, quiet roads and forest lanes to a viewing point overlooking Caragh Lake.

There are 2 options to reach Glenbeigh, either over Windy Gap or a longer loop road around Seefin

14km 5 hours

Day 4: Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

Crossing the Behy river through a fairy forest followed by views over Rossbeigh beach and across to the Dingle mountains. Crossing the main Ring of Kerry road an old coach road hugs the flanks of Drung Hill, Beenmore and Been Hill before dropping into the Ferta valley. Here tracks, quiet roads and field paths bring us to Srugreana Cross where we are met by our bus for the return trip to Killarney

22km 6-7 hours