The Sheep’s Head Way (West)

The Sheep’s Head Way (West) starts in Bantry town, then travels the ridge and north side of the peninsula to Sheep’s Head lighthouse, before returning to Bantry from the south side. It is approximately 102 km long and walkers can start or finish from any of the trailheads along the route.
The interactive map below has an overview of the whole western main trail. To practically walk the western section, we have divided it into 6 stages. The links below describe these 6 stages, with maps and further information.

1) Bantry to Glanlough (14.2 km)

2) Glanlough to Cahergal (16.8 km)

3) Cahergal to Kilcrohane (23 km)

4) Kilcrohane to Durrus (18.4 km)

5) Durrus to Barnageehy (9.3 – 20 km)

6) Barnageehy to Bantry (9.4 km)

Western Main Trail Details

Distance	107 km
Grade	Strenuous
Estimated Walking Time	33 hrs
Ascent	3628 m
Descent	3397 m
Min. Height	2 m
Max. Height	297 m

Western Main Trail Description

In this overview the full extent of the Sheep's Head Way (West) is shown. The loop and linear walks are also shown, and you can use this map to plan alternative ways to walk the main trail. The various loop and linear walks provide different routes between the trailheads. There is limited accommodation available on the Sheep's Head peninsula and consult our accommodation section for more information.