Introduction
Images(©) by Michel Colaci Photography
This wonderful, scenic loop walk is roughly 8km (or 6km without the optional section through the forest) and another one of the many wonderful walks and hikes in West Cork. It is marked red (Rathbarry - Kilkeran Loop) on the trail signs and brings you up to the High Cross, overlooking Castlefreke, Rathbarry old churches, onward through Castlefreke Forest, past Kilkeran Lake and along above the Dunes of Long Strand with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean with Galley Head Lighthouse to the east of the strand.
Since it is a loop walk, you can park either at Long Strand, at Castle Cross carpark or at Croaghna Wood carpark below Castlefreke.
We started the walk from Croaghna Wood carpark via Kilkeran Lake, past Long Strand and then up to the High Cross. It was late afternoon. We wanted to time our walk to be up at the Hight Cross with the sun sitting low to the West and illuminating the coastline in its warm, golden light. At sunrise, we would probably go the other way round up to the High Cross first and down to Long Strand in order to see the sun rising behind Galley Head lighthouse to the East.
This walk is another beautiful spot to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland, on your staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.
Impressions
Images(©) by Michel Colaci Photography
How to get there
This location indicates the biggest of the car park options.
Alternative start/end points and parking options are described above.
What’s to love?
Majestic views over the Atlantic and Galley Head Lighthouse, well sign-posted, special areas of conservation, The big dunes of Long Strand as well as several sites of natural, historical and archaeological heritage.
Top Tip
There are several benches with scenic views along the way - bring a flask and a sandwich and enjoy magnificent views as your picnic backdrop. Bring waterproof footwear during wet weather periods. Combine with Galley Head Lighthouse or a walk on Long Strand.