We found the Kerry Way to be one of the most challenging hikes of our entire journey. But we also felt the blessings beneath our feet, the wind at our backs, and the sun on our faces as we neared the completion of our eighth and final trek.
The Kerry Way is the longest of the Republic of Ireland’s long-distance paths. It circles the Iveragh Peninsula, providing a walkers’ version of the famous Ring of Kerry drive. With many path options to consider, we chose a trekking route totaling 123 miles over nine stages.
While planning our treks, we were intrigued by Ireland’s South Leinster Way. There weren’t any books or detailed trail websites, but several blogs described beautiful mountains, peaceful river scenery, and quaint villages. We decided to take a chance by hiking this 65-mile route.
The Republic of Ireland has 43 long-distance waymarked trails, totaling over 2,500 miles. We chose the 80-mile Wicklow Way to experience hiking over secluded mountains, through lush forests, and into deep glacial valleys. As a bonus, we would also travel to the monastic city of Glendalough.
Northern Ireland’s County Antrim northern coastline consists of secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and ancient castles. It is also the location of the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site. Our four-day “saunter” on the 32-mile Causeway Coast Way trail provided us with easy access to all of these sites.
The River Spey is Scotland’s second-longest river, flowing 107 miles from the Scottish Highlands to the North Sea. The Speyside Way follows the course of the river through mountain highlands, moorlands, forests, and river valleys. It also passes through distilleries in Scotland’s whiskey country.
After 65.9 miles of hiking, we had six more stages to go before the end of our John Muir Way trek. Many of our remaining miles would be through the “nature’s heart” of the Scottish coastline, as we hiked east to the North Sea.
John Muir was a founder of the Sierra Club and an early United States National Park advocate. He was also born in Scotland. Trekking the 134-mile John Muir Way would provide us with a microcosm of the natural beauty and cultural significance of Scotland over 10 hiking stages.
One of the British Isles’ most famous sites is Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans 1,900 years ago. The wall was a 73-mile stone and turf structure, averaging about 15 feet high, and built over seven years. It was also the location of our 91-mile trek.
After 55 miles and four days on the Cotswold Way in England, we had hiked a little more than halfway on the 102-mile path. On the second part of the trek, we looked forward to discovering the village charm that makes the Cotswold area famous.
The word “wold” refers to a hilly or rolling region. The Cotswold area is a series of hills that rise to a steep slope, known as the Cotswold Edge. The 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail runs along this escarpment, passing through many quaint villages.
During our time of Trekking the Planet, we have taken several extended trips. So we know what it is like to plan and pack for a long journey. But planning and packing for this year’s Trekking the British Isles adventure is much different.
