Kerry Head Cycleway
Grade
Moderate
Length
17.1 km
Time
40 mins
Format
Loop
Ascent
141 m
Finish Point
Ballyheigue
Nearest Town to Start
Ballyheigue
Lat. and Long.
52.38839006, -9.82657
The Kerry Head Cycleway which is a mix of flat and hilly countryside starts in Ballyheigue and departs along the steep hill overlooking Ballyheigue Bay, with its crashing waves where many a ship has foundered. As cyclists climb to the top, the westerly prevailing Atlantic wind can be a challenge but soon the road levels out for a gentler but undulating ride back to Ballyheigue. It is worth stopping at various points along the route to enjoy the views, where the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon. Gradually the route turns inland along the edge of the mountain and finally enters the town of Ballyheigue again by the local golf course and the castle, built in the early 1800's, but now a ruin.
Maps and other information
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheets 63 and 71
A bike with low gears is recommeneded to get up the climb in the first half of this route.
The route is on quiet roads with very light traffic along the way.
The route should be signposted but please print the map provided here and bring it with you just in case. There are very few turning points on the route - after leaving the start keep straight on at all junctions until the return journey where you turn right at the crossroads near Glenlea (shown on the map) and then right again when you reach the R551 and take the smaller road back into Ballyheigue.