Cahernaman to Coars
Distance: 10km | Ascent: 250m | Time: 3hrs 45mins
Been Hill, Mullaghnarakill and Teermoyle Mountain
Start: Cahernaman(V 5660 8520)
Finish: Coars National School (V 5425 7910)
OS Map: No. 83
Grade: Moderate
Cahernaman is on a small country road, 2km to the south-east of the post office at Kells. This road joins the Kerry Way at the western foot of Been Hill. After an initial ½km of road, the trail traverses a further 1½km across a boggy area of land. It crosses a minor spot-height at Meelin, before reaching Boulderdah, where it re-joins a tarred surface.
The next 2½km of trail follows an exceptionally straight road to Foilmore. Travelling alongside the foot of Knocknadobar, the full impact of its dominant presence can be felt. Soon the trail shares the road with the 'Ring of Kerry Cycle Route' as far as Foilmore. This is an optional stage end from where one of the local bed and breakfasts can collect hikers by prior agreement.
A second option for leaving the trail for Cahersiveen is 2½km further away. The Kerry Way now crosses fields with livestock and briefly follows the banks of the River Ferta. A foot-bridge spans the river before the trail reaches the road at Gortmore. Heading south-east in the direction of Coomduff the trail follows a lane and skirts some fields. At Teeraha the trail divides into two with the Cahersiveen Spur being straight ahead.
Proper hiking boots are a necessity for the last 3km to Coars as it can get extremely boggy underfoot. From Teeraha, the Kerry Way starts a brisk 150m climb up to the summit of Coomduff (235m). There are fantastic 360° views of the surrounding mountains, including Knocknadobar to the north, Teermoyle Mountain and Coomacarrea to the east and the town of Cahersiveen to the west. A pleasant ridge-walk crosses a few minor summits before descending 60m to meet the road. Coars National School is around the corner on the left.
Connecting Stages...
Prev : Mountain Stage to Cahernaman
Next : Linking Spur to Cahersiveen
Alt : Coars to Mastergeehy
