Sheep's Head Way
7 Days & 6 Nights 4 Read 2 reviews- Peaceful & unspoilt Sheep’s Head peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way
- Bantry Harbour, sheltered by Whiddy Island & one of West Cork’s oldest ports
- Uncover traces of Ireland’s rich history; Stone Circles, Holy Wells & Ring Forts
- Lucky sightings of dolphins & whales in Bantry Bay
- Enjoy the mildest climate in Ireland with its proximity to the Gulf Stream
What To Expect
Tour Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.
Activity:
Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour
This trip is suitable for:
Multi-Generational
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Coastal & Island
Activity Level & Terrain
This itinerary is graded moderate and is suitable for regular walkers. When walking on the ridge along the peninsula this is reminiscent of English/Scottish moorland so can be windswept on the tops. There will be elevation gains and losses to get up to the ridge but no more than 450m and on most days just 350m of gain.
You will be walking along green roads (old cattle drover’s roads), pathways, forestry tracks and minor tarmac roads. During rainy weather some of the trails can be very muddy, boggy and waterlogged, so be prepared to get your boots wet and wear very good quality walking and waterproof boots. Wearing gaiters is also a good option.
As there are no “public rights of way” in Ireland these itineraries do involve road walking. However the roads are generally very quiet and pleasant to walk on with great views with always a wave from the locals. At times though you may have to look out for traffic.
Navigation
This route is way-marked but at times the way marking will be a bit intermittent and sometimes we may follow a different route to avoid a busy road, for example. Detailed route notes and GPS data will be provided for you via the Macs Adventure App. Further information will be provided upon receipt of your booking.
Accommodations
The accommodations on this tour are hand-picked B&B’s and guest houses. All offer a particularly warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious full or Irish breakfasts.
Please be aware that there are 2 accommodations on Day 2 that we will use, one is in Glanlough and the other in Gerahies. Both accommodations are between 1 and 2km from the end of the day’s walk. If you stay in Gerahies this will also add about 1.3km to the next day’s walk. Please be aware of these details when calculating your daily walking distances.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested, and a single supplement applies. This trip is also available to solo walkers, and a supplement is again payable (as some costs are not shared). Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options.
Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. For dinner there are either nearby pubs and restaurants in each location or the B&B will provide dinners. In Glanlough the B&B will take you to the restaurant in Akahista and will also pick you up afterwards.
- Overnights in B&B's & guest houses
- Breakfasts included
- Luggage Transfer
- Transfers as per itinerary
- A detailed information pack, route notes and maps
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel to & from Bantry
- Lunches & dinners
- Snacks & drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Extra nights before, after or during your walk
When To Go
This walking tour is available between April and October. You can start on any date subject to availability.
You will find up to date availability on our website. The walk is very popular so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able to.
Getting to the Start
The closest international airport is Cork Airport. This airport is served by a few different airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus from cities such as London, Manchester, Glasgow, Munich, Zurich and Amsterdam. When you arrive you can take a #266 bus from the airport to Cork Parnell Bus Station. Buses from the airport run approximately every half an hour. From Cork Parnell Bus Station you can catch a bus to Bantry, there are about 5 buses departing per day and the journey takes about 2H.
It is also possible to fly into Dublin and take an Aircoach direct to Cork either from the airport or from Dublin city centre. which takes about 3H30. You can then do as described above and take a bus from Cork to Bantry. You can also fly into Shannon Airport, then take a bus to Cork from here. Buses run approximately every hour and take about 2H35. Then take a bus from Cork to Bantry.
A useful website when deciding on your travel plans is Bus Eireann.
Getting from the End
The tour also finishes in Bantry so you can follow the Getting to the Start directions in reverse.
Luggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
General Information
The distances and descents / ascents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necesssary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/ cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bantry and overnight Day 2 Bantry to Glanlough/Gerahies 9 miles / 14 km Day 3 Glanlough/Gerahies to Kilcrohane 8 miles / 13 km Day 4 Transfer to the Cove. Walk to Kilcrohane via Cahergal, Caher and Funeral Path Loops 8 miles / 13 km Day 5 Kilcrohane Loop via Akahista 9 miles / 15 km Day 6 Transfer to Durrus. Walk Durrus to Bantry 12 miles / 19 km Day 7 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
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