Bray Head Loop (Valentia Island)
In the far west of Europe, a short hike that offers superb views of the sea.
A
Ireland walk
posted on 28/02/22 by Netra. Last update : 09/03/22
Description
(S/E) From Bray Head car park, return to the small access road (ignore the path marked "Bray Head Loop" which goes west, this will be the return path). Follow the road to the left. Turn right on the road at the building and go Northwest along quite a level road.
(1) Shortly before a left turn, leave the road, pass a barrier on the left and take a path that goes West-South-West. Climb steadily between pastures (potential muddy passages).
(2) Ignore a path coming from the left and turn right (West). Climb more carefully and head around the top of the hill to the right.
(3) From the top, go South-South-West and head down carefully to the old watchtower.
(4) From the watchtower, take a turn to the left and follow a suitable path to the North-East then East-North-East which heads down to Bray Head car park (S/E).
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 41 m - Bray Head car park
- 1 : km 0.94 - alt. 46 m - Start of path
- 2 : km 2.11 - alt. 185 m - Junction
- 3 : km 2.6 - alt. 224 m - Directly below the summit - Bray Head
- 4 : km 3.33 - alt. 161 m - Old watchtower
- S/E : km 5.44 - alt. 41 m - Bray Head car park
Useful Information
Bring hiking shoes as the path between (1) and (4) can present muddy areas.
Car park:
Bray Head car park. To access the starting point, take the first small road on the left after the bridge giving access to Valentia Island. The car park is located about 2 km from the start of this small road. There is a charge for parking (2 € last).
Recommendations:
__Do not stray too far from the marked path, there are peaks above sea level.
Only attempt this hike in dry weather. In wet weather, follow the variant below.__
Round-trip variant:
Leaving the parking lot, head to the left (West-South-West) on the path which climbs directly towards the watchtower. Return by the same route.
Useful detailed map (at least the one that accompanies this description).
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Bray Head Point forms the western end of Valentia Island, which itself is the most westerly inhabited place in Europe.
- The loop offers superb views of the sea and the Skellig and Blasket Islands offshore.
(4) 16th century watchtower
