Situated as it is between the sea shore and the majestic mountains and headlands, the area offers many interesting routes for strolling, walking or hill climbing.
The following are some suggested routes.
The more adventurous visitor will find, of course, that these will only whet the appetite.
Waterville – Golf Links ‐ Waterville
Leaving Waterville Village follow the road to the left at the Huntsman Restaurant. This brings you along the cliff road. It is a very spectacular, pleasant walk. You have a view of the whole of Ballinskelligs Bay and Carraig Eanna, a reef of rocks less than a mile from the shore. Continue to the end of the road until you come to the Inny Beach, a long sandy beach alongside the Golf Course.
Return Distance – 2 Miles
Waterville – Baslicon – Waterville
Using Waterville as a starting point, head towards Caherdaniel. Continue for about 1.25 miles until you pass a bridge on a dangerous right hand bend. After another 200 yards (approx.) turn right onto an old green road. The green road is walled on both sides by beautifully built dry stone. As you continue for about .75 of a mile you will be able to see across Ballinskelligs Bay and Lough Currane. When the green road crosses a tarred road, turn right and continue past a bridge until you again meet the Waterville/Caherdaniel road. Turn left here and return to Waterville.
Return Distance – 3 Miles
Waterville – Hogs Head ‐ Waterville
Leave Waterville heading towards Caherdaniel. Turn right at a disused Petrol Station about 0.25 miles beyond the village. After about 1 mile you will be walking within sight of Ballinskelligs Bay. About 3.5 miles from Waterville you pass a small pier (Rineen Pier) used by the local fishermen. The road continues alongside the Bay and climbs through a gap in the mountain. On the other side you will see Derrynane Bay dotted by islands like Scariff, Deenish, etc. As you pass through this mountain gap you can see, standing stark and impressive on top of the mountain on your left, a bleak ruin of a building which is locally known as “The Lighthouse”. It is, in fact, a military barracks, which served as a lookout station during the Napoleonic Wars. A similar structure can be seen, across the bay on Bolus Head. The road ends about half a mile from the mountain pass.
