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The Bantry Walking Festival is an annual event held over the June Bank Holiday weekend. It involves organised guided walks in stunning parts of Bantry and the surrounding area.
Take a walk on The Sheep’s Head or a short ferry over to Whiddy Island for a guided walk to learn about the fascinating history of the island. Suitable for walkers and hikers, there is a walk to suit everyone of different abilities with walks of different durations..
Starting at the church in Gougane Barra we hike along the Beara/Brefini Way as far as Lough Fada. We take in the breathtaking views of Gougane valley and Lake. We hike to Conigar mountain 566 m. with panoramic views over Bantry Bay, West Cork and close by the Borlin Valley and Cnoc Bui. From Conigar we loop around to Bealisk Mt 537 m. before descending to the forest track in Gougane Valley and back to the Church
Difficulty: Moderate to high level of fitness.
Duration: 4.5-5 hrs.
Equipment: hiking boots and rain gear essential.
Our Sheep Head Walk is starting off from the Black Gate on the south side of the peninsula. We will travel up and over the ridge to the north side over looking Bantry Bay. Making our way out west to the lighthouse. We will return east along the ridge overlooking Dunmanus Bay towards the Mizen Peninsula. Optional endings at the Café Cupan Tae or you can continue back to The Black Gate completing the loop.
Difficulty: Moderate to high level of fitness.
Approx Time: 4.5-5 hrs
Equipment: hiking boots and rain gear essential.
Take a boat trip out to one of West Cork’s islands! On Whiddy, we’ll explore historical sites from the ruin of O’Sullivan Bere’s castle, to deserted English gun batteries, and a World War One seaplane base, on an absorbing and informative tour. The walk encompasses a variety of terrains from soft fields to rocky beaches and appropriate footwear is required to prevent discomfort.
The island, which currently has a population of around 20 people during the winter months, is about 5.6km long and 2.4km wide, and the walk takes about 3 hrs in total. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes if the weather takes a turn and you wish to remain on the island after the walk!
The cost of this walk includes ferry transfers to and from the island, courtesy of Whiddy Island Ferries.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bantry-walking-festival-2022-tickets-304668911917
