South West IrelandWalking and Biking

With spectacular views over Derrymore Glen and across the Dingle Peninsula, Slieve Mish is a fantastic walking spot without being too busy. The end of this lane near Derrymore Bridge provides the ideal start/finish point for those looking to head south from the coast and ascend to some of the highest peaks in the region.

Head south west for Gearhane and follow the ridgeline to link up with Caherconree and Baurtrgaum. From there, loop around the deep corrie and follow the narrow ridge toward the north east and your finish point. An experienced walker should finish the seven miles in under six hours.

Ireland's highest mountain is also perhaps its most difficult to ascend: Carrauntoohil is protected on all sides by precipitous slopes and towering crags. Inasmuch as paths exist, they are narrow, rocky and flanked on both sides by sheer drops. The total ascent is a chastening 1200m. In short, this is not a walking route to be undertaken by novices or anyone who does not have the right gear, map, nutrition etc.

For those who do make the ascent, the views are truly spectacular. Park up in the Carrauntoohil / MacGillicuddy Reeks Public Carpark and follow the concrete track until you cross Cottoner's River. Continue south to join the ridgeline ascent toward Caher West, then Caher and finally Carrauntoohil before the second half of the horseshoe carries you down to Beenkeragh and Skregmore. A very rewarding seven hours for an experienced hiker.

Coomasaharn Lake is one of five glacial loughs left behind after the last ice age. Each lake forms the focal point of its own coum: this is a dramatic landscape of high cliffs towering over deep, brooding corries below. There are various routes and walkways available, but a circular route around Coomasaharn Lake is perhaps the most obvious, encompassing the summits of Knocknaman, Meenteog, Coomacarrea and Teermoyle Mountain.

A charming and wild area where you can get away from the busier slopes of The MacGillycuddy's Reeks and escape into the silence of this idyllic Co. Kerry landscape. Park up in the lay-by just north of the concrete bridge and follow the road south on foot before passing through the metal gate on your left, just after the bridge. Shortly after Lough Reagh, head west toward the ridgeline and ascend to follow the horseshoe all the way round Lough Duff.

About 1km after Stumpa Dulaigh, look out for a grassy pathway on your left as it picks its way through the crags on the north side of the ridge. At the bottom, rejoin the River Gearhameen as it guides you back to where you began the day's adventures.

A relatively accessible walk that celebrates all the best features of Ireland's inland landscapes, including a mature native woodland, a stunning panorama over the Killarney lakes, and the 12m high Torc Waterfall. To reach the summit of Torc Mountain, the 490m ascent is unavoidable. But most walkers will associate views like this with a much tougher day's hiking and most able-bodied enthusiasts should manage the climb.

For a pleasant four hours, park up at the carpark near Torc Waterfall and follow the Owengariff River until it joins the Kerry Way. At that point, begin your ascent up Torc Mountain from the south.

A rugged five-hour exploration of an imposing landscape offers views over Glanmore Lake while encircling the dramatic Cummeengeera corrie. Seven miles of walking will see 900m of total ascent around a ring of peaks, each around 600m in altitude. Park up here on the lane at the base of the Cummeengeera Valley before heading on foot toward the farmhouse. Here, for an entrance fee of a few euro, you can see the Shronebirrane Stone Circle before heading north up the slope and following the ridge west to Tooth Mountain. From the summit, follow the sweeping horseshoe shape of the ridge to Coomacloghane, Eskatarriff and Lackabane, whose descent will return you to the lane where your journey began.