All the treks start in the colourful bustling town of Kenmare, yet within minutes you are alone in the wild beauty of Beara. You walk past loughs and rivers with views across the fjord-like Kenmare River to the mountains of Iveragh. As you penetrate the peninsula the rugged rocky mountains that make up the spine of Beara vie for your attention with the ever-widening seascapes. The villages of Lauragh, Eyeries and Allihies provide overnight stops. From Allihies you trek through the old copper mines across the mountains to Castletownbere, an attractive fishing port overlooking Bear Island and Bantry Bay. You can take the ferry out to Bear Island and enjoy walking out to the lighthouse and past disused fortifications including the Napoleonic signal tower with great views to the mainland on both sides of Bantry Bay.

Day 1 - Travel to Kenmare for the start of the holiday
Taxi transfers can be arranged from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport.
Accommodation - B&B in Kenmare

Day 2 - Kenmare to Tuosist (17.5 km, 440m ascent)
The walk begins with a short road walk before climbing through some of the hills for your first glimpses of the landscape of the southwest, across bog land, crossing stiles and walking back down the valley and along a quiet lane leading to your accommodation.
Accommodation - Pub B&B in Tuosist (non ensuite rooms)

Day 3 - Tuosist to Lauragh (15 km, 260m ascent)
After retracing your steps up past the Cloonee Loughs you cross over the flanksof the Caha Mountains with fine views across Kenmare River inlet. Most of the afternoon is along quiet lanes passing through holls to Lauragh.
Accommodation - B&B in Lauragh

Day 4 - Lauragh to Eyeries (23 km, 360m ascent)
A long but fairly low level route. The first sectionclimbs around the edge of the hills before followinf theroad into Ardgroom. Tn the afternoon you skirt up to join a low ridge tracing the waters edge around to Eyeries.
Accommodation - B&B in Eyeries

Day 5 - Eyeries to Allihies (11 km, 200m ascent)
The route follows an old miner's road up through the edge of the Slieve Miskish Mountains to the village of Allihies. It is an easy day and if the weather is fine it is worth clambering up one of the hills for some of the spectacular views across the Atlantic. In the afternoon you can enjoy a sandy beech, situated only a couple of minutes walking from the village.
Accommodation - B&B in Allihies

Day 6 - Allihies to Castletownbere (14 km, 400m ascent)
Walk though a mountain pass and descend the south side of the peninsula to the fishing port Castletownbere, passing an old stone circle en route.
Accommodation - B&B in Castletownbere

Day 7 - Bear Island (11 km, 460m ascent or more for the ambitious!)
Take the morning ferry out across to Bear Island and follow paths out to the southern shore and up to the Signal Tower with superb views overlooking Bantry Bay
Accommodation - B&B in Castletownbere

Day 8 - Return home

TOUR PRICE
€670.00 per person sharing

TOUR INCLUDES:
Seven nights accommodation: A mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses and country homes.
All rooms have a bathroom en suite, except for the second night on the tour
Two dinners in Lauragh & Eyeries
Four packed lunches
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour

Moderate