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Sheep's Head Way

A peaceful, unspoilt peninsula, home of the Sheep’s Head Way walking route, which has some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery.

Home > Walking Routes > Difficulty & Duration

Difficulty & Duration

The following table orders the walks by grade (easy to difficult). Select the “By Duration” tab to order the walks by time. Click on a walk name to view the full information page for that walk.

By Difficulty

GradeWalkTrailhead
EasyFuneral Path LoopKilcrohane
EasyCoomkeen LoopBoolteenagh
ModerateWhiddy Island LoopWhiddy Island
ModerateLighthouse LoopTooreen
ModerateFarranamanagh LoopKilcrohane
ModerateBarnageehy LoopBarnageehy
ModerateCahergal LoopThe Black Gate
ModerateRooska LoopBantry West
ModerateSheep's Head Way LoopBantry West
StrenuousMass Path LinearDun Óir / Ahakista
StrenuousPeakeen Ridge LinearThe Goat's Path / The Black Gate
StrenuousBaran LoopAhakista
StrenuousCahergal LoopThe Black Gate
StrenuousSeefin LoopAhakista
StrenuousGortnakilly LoopDun Óir
StrenuousGlanlough LoopAhakista
StrenuousFoilnakilly LoopDun Óir
StrenuousPeakeen Ridge LoopThe Goat's Path
StrenuousPoet's Way LoopTooreen / The Black Gate
StrenuousMount Corrin LoopDurrus

By Duration

TimeWalkTrailhead
1hr 15minFuneral Path LoopKilcrohane
1-2hrWhiddy Island LoopWhiddy Island
1hr 30minLighthouse LoopTooreen
1hr 45minMass Path LinearDun Óir / Ahakista
2hr 15minFarranamanagh LoopKilcrohane
2hrPeakeen Ridge LinearThe Goat's Path / The Black Gate
2hr 45minBarnageehy LoopBarnageehy
2hr 45minBaran LoopAhakista
1-2hrCoomkeen LoopBoolteenagh
3hrCahergal LoopThe Black Gate
2hrCaher LoopThe Black Gate
4hr 15minSeefin LoopAhakista
2hr 45minGortnakilly LoopDun Óir
5hrGlanlough LoopAhakista
3hr 30minFoilnakilly LoopDun Óir
3hr 45minPeakeen Ridge LoopThe Goat's Path
4hr 30minPoet's Way LoopTooreen / The Black Gate
5hrRooska LoopBantry West
6hrMount Corrin LoopDurrus
6 daysSheep's Head Way LoopBantry West

Grades

Our grading levels for walking trails help you to understand what kind of challenge each walk poses. That means you can confidently choose a route that suits your ability and the time you have available for any given visit.

Whatever level of difficulty you choose, make sure you are well-prepared for changes in the weather, uneven ground, and the other challenges that accompany walking on our beautiful trail network here in West Cork.

Easy

Generally flat trails with a smooth surface and some gentle slopes or shallow steps. These trails are generally suitable for family groups including children and the elderly. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn.

Moderate

These trails may have climbs and may have an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot, with some obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks etc. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended.

Strenuous

These are physically demanding trails, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.

Very Difficult

These routes are predominately in remote upland areas. They will typically include steep slopes and very variable and rough underfoot conditions on sometimes indistinct trails. They may be unmarked so the use of a map and navigational skills will be required. Suitable only for the very fit and competent mountain walkers with a high level of experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.

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Maps & GPS

Maps & GPS

News & Updates

The Sheep’s Head Way is closed to the public on Sunday 31st January 2021

As usual each year, the Sheep’s Head Way is closed on 31 January, unless the expressed wishes of the Landowner states otherwise. This has become a customary practice which enables the landowner to grant permission for the public to access their land throughout the remaining year without risk of any public right of way being established. We hope you will respect this necessary inconvenience.

Mount Corrin loop

Due to storm damage, the forestry section of the Mount Corrin loop walk will remain closed until further notice.

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