Vanuit het hart van de County of Kerry volgt u bij “The Kerry Way” de oevers van de Kenmare River. Dagelijks geniet u van vergezichten over het Beara Peninsula, The Isles of Bull &Cow en de Caha Mountains. Wandelend over een oude boterroute, die in vroeger tijden door de boeren werd gebruikt om zuivelproducten naar de markt te brengen, bereikt u Caherdaniel, eens de woonplaats van de beroemde Ierse dichter Daniel O’Connell. Een karrenspoor leidt u verder. Als het schiereiland Dingle langzaam in zicht komt, eindigt de 8-daagse reis; heeft u twaalf dagen de tijd dan sluit u de reis af in de heuvels van de Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Day 1 – Arrival to Glenbeigh From Cork or Shannon airports, travel by bus to Killarney and take a local bus to Glenbeigh, a traditional seaside village on the north side of the peninsula. Overnight accommodation in Glenbeigh village. Day 2 – Glenbeigh to Derrymore Your route passes under Seefin mountain with stunning views over the magnificent Rosbeigh Beach and Dingle Bay. The route turns inland at Drung Hill before walking through the Foilmore valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar. Distance 19km or 23 km. Ascents 300m. Approximate walking time 7 hours. Overnight accommodation in Derrymore valley or Caherciveen town. Day 3 – Derrymore to Waterville Walk through the Caherciveen hinterland. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Some short climbs give views over Valentia Island and the stunning scenery of the western end of the peninsula. Waterville is a colourful coastal village, bounded by a long white beach and the lovely Lough Currane. Distance 25km. Ascents 350m. Approximate walking time 7 hours. Overnight accommodation in Waterville village. Day 4 – Waterville to Caherdaniel A wonderfully scenic route rounding to the south side of the peninsula. The distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens, home of Daniel O’Connell known as ‘The Liberator’ who was the father of Catholic Emancipation during the 19th century. Distance 15km. Ascents 200m. Approximate walking time 5 hours. Overnight accommodation in Caherdaniel village. Day 5 – Caherdaniel to Sneem Walk on the old “Butter road” – from where butter was transported by cart to Cork in the 19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem. Distance 19km. Ascents 280m. Approximate walking time 6 hours. Overnight accommodation in Sneem village. Day 6 – Sneem to Kenmare This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spans the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Kenmare is an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Roughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by Englishmen, who built a prosperous fishing industry and an ironworks. Distance 14 or 26km. Ascents 320m. Approximate walking time 6 or 8 hours. Overnight accommodation in Kenmare town. Day 7 – Kenmare to Killarney Walk on the “Old Kenmare Road” a delightful pass at 500m between Peakeen & Knockanaguish mountains. Descend through Killarney National Park, old oak forests, lichens, red deer, views over the Lakes of Killarney. The end of the Way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and into the tourist town of Killarney. Distance 25km. Ascents 550m. Approximate walking time 7 hours. Overnight accommodation in Killarney town centre. Day 8 – Departure from Killarney Departure by bus or train from Killarney.