Bantry Walking Festival in May

Sheep's Head Lighthouse

THE Bantry Walking Festival, which takes place between May 30th and 31st, is a voluntarily-run, intimate festival lead by local and experienced hiking leaders. It takes in some of the most spectacular walks in West Cork with A, B & C level walks, held on both days, catering for all levels of experience. The A level walks are for experienced hikers and include the ‘Hungry Hill Walk’. This is a strenuous stretch of 14km and involves 750m of climbing, and the ‘Caha Lake Walk’ (it is 15km long with an ascent of 700m). B level walks are less intense, but require some stamina and experience for walks like ‘The Cathergal Loop’. This 11km walk takes in the famous Sheep’s Head lighthouse before finishing back at Berries Cafe. The C level walks are open to everyone who enjoys regular walking activity. The Whiddy Island Walk is an absorbing and informative tour that explores historical sites of the island. See bantrywalkingfestival.com.