The 2007 Kenmare Walking Festival
The dates for the 2007 Kenmare Walking Festival are
Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June, 2007
Each summer,the Kenmare Walking Club organises a Walking Festival, usually
held from the English holiday weekend at the end of May to the Irish Whit
holiday at the beginning of June. The Festival has a variety of guided walks
of different grades, from gentle "C" strolls to substantial
"B" walks and yet more strenuous "A" walks over the
hilltops and mountains. We select these to show the visitor something of the
variety of hill and water scenery around Kenmare, with local points of
interest.
Highlights of the week are ascents of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's
highest mountain at 1039m: successful climbers are presented with
certificates to hang on the wall. Festival information gives the
distance, height climbed, and duration (not including transport) of
each walk, as well as the relevant Ordnance Survey Ireland map.
Most walks last several hours, and visitors should bring drink and
packed lunch. Please note that walking in Ireland is permissive, not
by right. Much of the Festival depends upon the traditional goodwill
of local landowners, and we ask visitors to respect that, and to
follow the country code and do no damage. In particular, dogs and
other pets are not allowed on any walk.
Register for walks at the Festival Office in The Square, Kenmare,
30 minutes before each walk. There is a charge for each walk, based
on transport and insurance costs. We are able to keep charges
moderate because of welcome local sponsorship and because the guides
and organisers are volunteers. There are limits on numbers, based on
safety and transport, and in the unlikely event of these being
reached, we will then close the registration.
There is no pre-booking for walks. Transport leaves from The Square.
CAUTION! Do not underestimate the Irish hills!
The ground can be steep and rough, and often lacks any defined track.
Walkers must be properly prepared for Ireland's changeable weather.
Weather can be glorious, but always remember that on high ground
temperatures are lower, winds are stronger, and mist and rain are
more likely. The Kenmare Walking Club takes safety training,
equipment, and attitude seriously, and the Festival has a duty
of reasonable care towards you. Even so, you are ultimately
responsible for looking after yourself, and must come properly
equipped. Walkers attend at their own risk.
Walks are divided into two main categories:
| A Walks | B Walks |
|---|
| A high level of fitness is required for all "A walks".
You must have the following, whatever the forecast weather: |
A moderate level of fitness is required for all "B walks".
You need to have the following: |
| Good hill walking boots |
Good walking boots |
| Wind and water proof outer jacket and leggings |
Wind and water proof outer jacket |
| Warm layered clothing with hat and gloves |
Warm clothing with hat and gloves |
| Hot and cold drinks — at least 2 litres |
Hot and cold drinks |
| High energy food |
|
| Sunblock — if sun forecast |
Sunblock — if sun forecast |
| Insect repellent — if midges bother you |
Insect repellent — if midges bother you |
| Medication — if you need it |
|
| Rucksack — no hand luggage |
Rucksack — no hand luggage |
There are also "C" grade walks.
These are much less strenuous and will not necessarily be centred solely around walking.
This introductory walk climbs the "Bog Road" past old turf cuttings to the 500m
summit of Knockreagh (viewpoint). The descent to Lough Inchiquin passes Uragh Stone Circle at the lakeside.
Map:
OSi 84
The day starts with a scenic hour-long drive
along the Black Valley into the heart of Macgillycuddy's Reeks.
The Festival route climbs the sister summit of Caher before reaching
the peak of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. It is essential for
this difficult and challenging circuit that walkers are properly
equipped and physically fit.
Map:
OSi 78 or "MacGillycuddy's Reeks"
Past historical remains,
this walk overlooks Bantry Bay and skirts Sugarloaf Mountain before concluding through woodland and loughs.
Map:
OSi 84/85
A leisurely day with friends on this beautiful sub-tropical island paradise on Bantry Bay.
Map:
OSi 85
Starting at the Cork-Kerry border, by the tunnels, we walk through the Caha mountains, past "Eagle's Nest" and Knocknagorraveela. This is a long and strenuous day.
Map:
OSi 85
See separate information sheet available from the Festival Office or visit
www.staroutdoors.ie. Tel: (00353)(0)64 41222
Experience Kerry Hills by moonlight. Passing Torc Waterfall at the start, we follow the Old Kenmare Road (now the Kerry Way) through the hills and red deer terrain. Bring a torch.
Map:
OSi 78
| Wednesday 30 May | | Start: ?? |
| | |
No walking today, but enjoy water activities with "Star Sailing", an evening gentle sea cruise on Kenmare Bay with dinner (separate brochure in office) or just relax. Visit
www.staroutdoors.ie. Tel: (00353)(0)64 41222.
Killarney to Kenmare the prettiest way! Boats take walkers from medieval Ross Castle near Killarney across the lakes to Lord Brandon's Cottage, which offers shelter and refreshment. From there, the Kerry Way route goes around the upper lake, through woodland and along the high valley to Windy Gap where the southerly view opens up to Kenmare and beyond. A "rescue" service carries the needy over the last 4km of country road.
Map:
OSi 78
Surprisingly tough for a walk so close to Kenmare. This walk starts from Sheen Valley and covers four hills (Knockeirk, Barraduff, Killaha and Mucksna) before dropping down to the minor road to Kenmare. Photographers note: From Mucksna is to be found the best views of Kenmare and surrounds laid out below.
Map:
OSi 85
Friday night is quiz night. A time to see if your brain works as well as the legs. Enjoy the evening and the craic. Details in Festival Office.
The day starts with a scenic hour-long drive
along the Black Valley into the heart of Macgillycuddy's Reeks.
The Festival route climbs the sister summit of Caher before reaching
the peak of Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain. It is essential for
this difficult and challenging circuit that walkers are properly
equipped and physically fit.
Map:
OSi 78 or "MacGillycuddy's Reeks"
Starting at Ardgroom, we enjoy a short section of the Beara Way overlooking Kenmare Bay and Coulagh Bay.
Map:
OSi 84
This mature woodland garden beside the sea was laid out in Victorian times and is a local beauty spot, particularly renowned for its tree ferns and rhododendrons. We meet up with "walk 10" at the Shebeen pub.
Map:
OSi 84
From the magnificent Ballaghbeama Pass, we travel east on numerous spot heights to Stumpa Duloigh 784m and then a long descent to the finish. Magnificent views and some club history on this walk.
Map:
OSi 78 or "MacGillycuddy's Reeks"
This mostly downhill walk starts at the Cork-Kerry border by the tunnels and descends along the side of Esk Mountain to Releagh and Molly Gallivan's for refreshments.
Map:
OSi 84
This walk repeats last year's successful excursion to the newly-opened pre-historic sites at the Bonane Heritage Park, continuing around the townland to refreshments at Molly Gallivan's traditional farm.
Map:
OSi 85
Map numbers are 1:50000 Ordnance Survey Ireland "Discovery series".
OSi also publish 1:25000 maps for "MacGillycuddy's Reeks" and "Killarney National Park".
