The Walk
Distance: 15km | Ascent: 260m | Time: 6 hrs
All walkers should meet at the Kenmare Bay Hotel from 10a.m. The hotel have given permission for us to park here. A bus will transport all walkers from the Kenmare Bay to Blackwater Bridge where the walk will commence.
The Kenmare Walking club will be leading the walk.
Starting from Blackwater Bridge, the Kerry Way briefly stays on the road before turning off into some forestry. The trail runs along the estuary of the Blackwater River, with views out to the Kenmare River through the gaps in the trees. After reaching Lackeen Point, the trail changes direction and starts to come back inland and retreat into the forest and away from the waters edge.
After 2½km, the trail skirts the private residence of Dromore Castle, which was built prior to the Irish Famine, in the 1830′s. The Kerry Way gradually ascends 30m to come within touching distance of the road and then once again turns towards the sea. A further 2½km sees the forest track pass the ruins of Cappanacush Castle from the 13th century.
Shortly after passing the castle, the trail returns to the ‘Ring of Kerry’ road for the remaining 2km to Templenoe. The road passes and old church which is now been converted into a private dwelling and also a Pat Spillanes Pub, which is owned by one of Ireland’s most renowned Gaelic Football players. After another few hundred metres, the trail reaches the church opposite the post office, marking the stage end.
Within ½km of leaving the new church at Templenoe (opposite the post office), the Kerry Way leaves map 85 and goes onto map 78. The trail then turns off the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and starts an ascent of 120m over the next 2km to cross a spur of Lacka Hill. The estuary of the Kenmare River becomes increasingly narrow as the Beara Peninsula draws in close. Over the next 1km, the track crosses the Reen River and drops 60m to meet a minor road.
A second ascent of 150m sees the Kerry Way climb Gortamullin Hill (205m) over the next 1½km. Fantastic Views of the Caha Mountains on the Beara Peninsula are to the south and the gap between Knockanaguish and Peakeen Mountains immediately to the north-east mark the area where the Kerry Way will pass in the following section. Over the following 2½km, the trail drops back down close to sea-level and once again meets the ‘Ring of Kerry’ as it enters Kenmare.
The final 1km of trail approaches the town along a secluded gravel path which escapes the traffic before emerging in the central market square after crossing the Finnihy River.
Transport
The Kenmare Bay Hotel have kindly granted permission to our walkers to park in their car park. The walk will return to the Hotel.
Sponsorship T-Shirts
Each walker will be provided with a Brú Columbanus t-shirt on the morning of the walk. It is best to layer, so the Brú Columbanus t-shirt can be worn over your own top. Please contact Anne-Maria at 021-4345754 or brucolumbanus@eircom.net and advise her of your own t-shirt size. (s-m-l-xl)
Clothing and Essential Items
Comfortable walking/ hiking boots and socks, a hat or cap for sun protection (or rain!), water and wind proof jackets and over trousers are essential outer wear. Beneath that a series of lighter mid and under layers of clothing are recommended. It would be worthwhile bringing spare socks, a small face cloth, your mobile phone and camera.
Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and sunscreen (let’s be optimistic!)
Refreshments
Bring plenty of food and liquids, for example sandwiches, bananas, apples, energy bars, and water.
Accommodation
The following is a selection of accommodation in Kenmare should you wish to stay.
- Kenmare Bay Hotel: 064 66 79300
- Brooklane Hotel: 064 6642077
- Davitts B&B: 064 6642741
- Landsowne Arms Hotel: 064 6641368
If you wish to stay please book early.
Safety
- Hill walking is an adventure sport and not devoid of an element of risk. Those taking part in any of the walks do so at their own risk.
- The walk is not suitable for buggies or bikes.