Today was the first day of our Kerry Way walk, which is a loop walk from Killarney.
We walked from Killarney to Black Valley. Distance : 22 kms Time : 6 hours
All of the other guests at Robeen B&B we're involved in a walking or biking holiday in the area, so there was lots of chat at breakfast about what were everyone's plans for the day. We set off and only a few hundred metres down the road is the Flesk River bridge on Muckross Road, which is the unofficial starting point of the walk.
The Kerry Way is well-signposted and easily-accessible for walkers and cyclists.
We set off on the path into Killarney National Park and walked around Lough (Lake) Leane and came upon Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and its manicured gardens.
Nearby is Torc Waterfall, where the Owengarriff River cascades from a height of 18m into Muckross Lake.
We continued up the hill from the waterfall and onto the Old Kenmare Road, replaced in 1830. Here we found a group of French high school students on a holiday English-immersion trip. They were lost. Hilariously (particularly when you know our track record) we were able to guide them for the next hour on to the right track.
Green, green, green - everywhere green. Derwent could never produce enough green pencils to replicate Irish greens. Here in the distance we had views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks - fabulous name, isn't it!
Suddenly we were in a moss convention (not strictly a geological term). Bulbous moss covering rocks and trees.
Then, just as suddenly, we were walking in fields in a secluded valley.
Magical views of Upper Lake
A welcome coffee at a cafe associated with this ruin, Lord Brandon's Cottage. The former home of a wealthy clergyman.
The Gearhameen River which runs through Black Valley, our destination for the day.
Our B&B, Hillcrest Farmhouse. A little lacklustre but we have an ensuite room and wifi!
Meanwhile down the road in the hostel, are Maugie, John and Liz, with whom we will walk from tomorrow. They are holding Taytos - potato chips - not any potato chips - the best, according to the Irish, particularly with a Guinness or two. No pub in Black Water so we look forward to a bit more life in Glencar tomorrow night.
M&M
10/7/2014
No comments:
Post a Comment