This Walking Festival is the most fabulous way to get some weekend exercise
Not all of us are runners…
But we do like a good walk. Especially when it entails a heart-pumping hike and a view from the top of one of Cork’s most gorgeous mountains.
This weekend offers the perfect opportunity to hit the hills and get to know one of West Cork’s idyllic seaside towns; Bantry Walking Festival will host its annual weekend of events from Saturday, June 3rd to Sunday, June 5th, 2022.
The adventure begins with a challenging guided climb of Gougane Barra at 10am on Saturday. Starting out at the iconic church, the group will head onto Lough Fada to take in the breathtaking views of Gougane Valley and Lake.
After that, it’s onto Conigar mountain for panoramic views over Bantry Bay before looping around to Bealisk and descending the forest track in Gougane Valley back to the church.
On Sunday, also at 10am, you can spot spring lambs on the Poet’s Loop as another guided walk takes you down the south side of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula to the lighthouse and Dunmanus Bay towards the Mizen Peninsula for breathtaking views of Bantry Bay.
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On Saturday and Sunday, there is the option to head to the infamous Whiddy Island to explore historical sites like the ruin of O’Sullivan Bere’s castle, deserted English gun batteries, and a World War One seaplane base.
Walkers are reminded to bring a spare set of clothes in case of a change in the weather. The cost of the ferry is included in the €20 ticket price.
Tickets for the Gougane Barra Climb and Poet’s Loop are €35. Hiking boots and rain gear are essential for all walks and climbs and you can book your ticket from Eventbrite here.
