The Kerry Way

siobhan37

Hi There,

Has anyone walked The Kerry Way? I was planning on taking it on next year and was just wondering how tough it was (climbs, remoteness etc) I was hoping to do it alone - am I a mad woman??

Siobhan37

RORYBBELLOWS8

Hi Siobhan

The Kerry way is a wonderful walk. Parts of it can be easy. Glencar to Glenbeigh for example, other parts can be tough enough, Black valley to Glencar. My advice would be to plan well ahead. Most of the guest houses/B+Bs will provide a packed lunch and will send your non walking luggage to the next location. Plan for all weather, bring wet and dry weather gear with you in your backpack. Bring plenty of water, a platypus and a couple of extra liters at least. In summer you could be walking 25 to 30k on some stages in 25+ degree heat. In winter the main problem is the short days. Leave as early in the morning as possible. Bring a map and a compass.
My advise would be to not travel alone. A twisted ankle in the middle of nowhere can be a problem. I have often done stages where I have not met another person along the way. Again it is a fantastic walk.

siobhan37

Hello Rory,

Thanks for reply.

I am hoping to cover 40km per day - is this unrealistic? Are there parts of the way that could slow you right down?

Thinking of doing it next April or May - hopefully won't be too wet under foot and not too hot either (but with Irish weather you never know!!!)

Thanks again for advice

RORYBBELLOWS8

40k per day might be unrealistic. The stages vary in length, the shortest being about 20k the longest about 30k. I averaged as an experienced walker about 6 to 7 hours per stage.

Here is the trail breakdown:

Killarney – Black Valley: 22km
Black Valley – Glencar: 20km
Glencar – Glenbeigh: 13km
Glenbeigh – Cahersiveen:28km
Cahersiveen – Waterville:30km
Waterville – Caherdaniel:28km
Caherdaniel – Sneem: 19km
Sneem – Kenmare: 30km
Kenmare – Killarney: 25km

Of course you will get distracted when you enter each town.

JonathonS

I have done sections of several stages but like you it is a goal to do the lot. I agree with Rory about the dangers of doing it alone, I have rarely met other walkers on the off-road sections. Maybe book your accommodadion in advance, give them your phone no and ETA so that they can raise the alarm if you don't turn up.

siobhan37

Hi Jonathon,

Thanks for reply. I am hoping to run/walk the Kerry Way over 5/6 days. The plan is that my Hubby will be support crew (I was support crew for him earlier this year for cycle from Mizen to Malin ).

My concerns are firstly is it safe enough for a woman to travel in alone and secondly how tough are the tough sections. Hoping to cover 40km a day in 10km stretches with break between. At the min I can cover 10km in an hour but this is on roads. Have been doing a little trail running and notice that going is slower. What I am wondering basically is it likely that 10km could take 2 or 3 hours in some sections?

Any and all advice welcome

Siobhan

JonathonS

OK, this is a more serious attempt that I had realised! IMHO with a backup team it is safe, but please do not take my word for it. Try contacting Kerry Mountain Rescue (site http://www.kerrymountainrescue.ie/index.html), briefly outline what you are planning, and I am sure they will be happy to advise you.