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View of the Mountains and Green Fields During the Kerry Way.
BY Ankita May 18, 2024
There's a magical charm in circular hiking trails that arrests the attention of tourists and seasonal hikers alike. One of the most popular is Hiking the Kerry Way in Ireland. It provides waves of adventure that guide you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Ialand has to offer you. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just a beginner in this adventure sport, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your journey. The Kerry Way is an 11-day hike providing an experience you can not forget. , Right from mist-covered mountains to the simplest charm of villages, get ready to soak in the rugged beauty. Be an adorer of the magic of Ireland's southwest coast. What Is The Kerry Way? The Kerry Way is a hiking trail that circulates the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. The trail is approximately 215 kilometers long and takes 11 days to complete. Moreover, along the way, you can spot some of the most breathtaking views of the coastline, along with gigantic mountains and blue lakes. The Kerry Way offers a unique admixture of rich history, friendly local culture,, and nature's bounty. It's a chance to dip yourself in Ireland's rugged charm. Trail Length And Difficulty Level Like most of the long-distance trails, for example, West Highland Way in Scotland, or Camino de Santiago in Spain, this one is disintegrated into several stages. Moreover, there are around nine stages in total, and all of them last 15 to 30 kilometers. While some sections are a bit difficult, the overall difficulty level is moderate. This is why the trails become accessible to hikers of diverse capabilities. Planning Your Trip Like with most walking holidays that cover long-distance trails, planning is indeed one of the major factors. You need to ensure that everything is okay before you start your journey. Remember that it's a physical challenge. You will find yourself walking for several hours a day, and soon, it turns out to steal the heart of the traveler as one accustomed to its stiffness. However, here are some key factors to keep in mind: Best Time To Hike The Kerry Way You must opt for the Kerry Way during the spring and summer months(April to September). This is the best time to tackle the difficulty. However, the weather is friendlier for the trackers during this time of the year. But as you get closer to summer, the entire and crowded places since it's also the peak season. Accommodation Options Along The Trail There's no dearth of places to stay while hiking this trail. You can choose from the several towns along the trail based on your priorities, budget, and other requirements. Besides, you'll find small hostels on the roads. You'll find a mix of guesthouses and hostels in abundance. Keep in mind, you must look to book in advance. It is highly recommended, especially when the season is at its peak. Packing Essentials Packing light is key, but you need to make sure to dress in layers and pack a raincoat even if it's summer and the weather is mild rain can happen from time to time. Make sure you don't forget your sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, water bottle, and a good map if you are old school. I recommend a hiking app that lets you use its features offline. Also, a first aid kit is a must! Scenic Highlights There are many highlights along the way; you'll be able to experience the stunning Killarney National Park and explore the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, and the Lakes of Killarney within this magical park. Not only that but also the coastal cliffs and dramatic seascapes of the Dingle Peninsula section offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. History is present on these iconic trails, and you can spot several ancient ruins and historical sites and discover stone circles, ring forts, and medieval castles along the way. What Safety Measures You Should Take While You Go Out For Hiking Hiking a trail lets an individual be immersed in the sea of enthusiasm and joy. It is one way to set free from the bondage of daily duties and surrender entirely to nature. Hiking the Kerry Way in Ireland instills visitors with a dosage of love for nature, which remains in the soul forever. So, if you like to give it a try…cut the handcuff of 9 to 5… this is the time to listen to the call of nature. Let your heart respond to her call with openness. However, in this section, we discuss some of the safety measures that you must take when you set out for your adventurous journey. So, let's get started without wasting any more time. 1. Bring At Least one Friend One of the safety measures that you ought to take is making a group while you attempt such travel. Solo trips are not good, at least when you are traveling or hiking. According to the opinion of the National Outdoor Leadership School, there must be at least one companion who must be there in these adventurous journeys. This can help the traveler recover from any issue that erupts during the hiking. Hence, you must have an individual who can help you out in the hour of need. 2. Agree On A Emergency Plan While you plan your hiking, you must have a clear idea of devising an emergency plan. Moreover, there is a key question that you need to answer. Will there be a reliable call service at the place? Then, in such a case, a personal locator beacon or a satellite messaging device can help the individual. 3. Prepare For The Weather You must have adequate preparedness when you set out for hiking. Moreover, you must talk to the ranger or thereafter consult with them on the inclement weather events at this time of the year. Even with the best weather forecast, inclement weather conditions like thunder and lightning take over quickly and most unexpectedly. However, in these situations, you must use the NPS counseling in a shelter while stuck amidst the wild areas. But as a basic refrain from the high and open areas. They are prone to risk and uncertainties. Pack The Ten Essentials The 10 Essentials is a list of emergency provisions created organically by the mountaineers. As per their opinion, when you are looking for mountaineering, trekking, or even hiking, you must ensure that you respond to the emergency and thereafter spend at least one night outdoors. However, here we mention the list of essential objects that you must carry with you on your journey. They include sun protection, a first aid kit, an insulation jacket, fire starters, a lighter, repair kits, nutrition (that is an extra day's supply of nutritious food), Hydration, and the emergency shelter, that is, tents, blankets, bivy, tarp or sleeping bag. These are the essentials that you must keep with you when you trek or hike. Conclusion Hiking the Kerry Way has its own set of thrills, adventure, and love. It is one of the most fascinating places for hiking in Ireland. Have your entire planning in place and at the same time ensure that you consider the points discussed on safety. Have a great hike and hike safely. Read Also: Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Five Best Things To Do In Nepal
