Cape Clear Island Walks
Cnoicín’s Loop and the Gleann Loop are the island’s two official walking trails and well worth a few hours out. Cnoicín’s Loop is great for families while the Gleann Loop is a bigger challenge and offers a longer hike. Both offer spectacular views of the coastline and the wild Atlantic.
Gleann Loop
Distance: 7km
Estimated Time: 2hr-2h30mins
Grade: Moderate – Average levels of fitness
Minimum Gear: Hiking boots, raingear, fluid, snack and mobile phone
Terrain: Minor roadways, coastal paths, green tracks
Directions
Starting Point: Cape Clear Island is Ireland’s most southerly island and is reached by a 45min ferry trip from either of the villages of Baltimore (all year) or Schull (in summer). The trailhead is located at the Information Office near South Harbour.
A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the red arrows (and green arrows for the shorter Cnoicin’s Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left. This is the point to which you will return – for now continue straight.
B-C. Continue to follow the green and red arrows as the road ascends. After 200m you reach a 3-way junction where you keep left and shortly afterwards are treated to splendid views of South Harbour. After 600m you reach a 3-way junction near a hostel – the green loop turns left her but you continue straight on.
C-D. After only 100m take a sharp left away from the quay and ascend sharply to reach a left bend – you turn right onto a sandy roadway. Follow the roadway for only 150m to a left bend and watch for the red arrow which turns you to the right and into a field. Now follow a narrow walking path as you are taken around the area called An Gleann. Please stick to the official path, which keeps you on the outer edge and affords you spectacular views to the Fastnet Rock and the West Cork coastline. After over 1km the loop turns inland and takes you cross-country to join a surfaced road where you rejoin the green loop. After only 200m watch for a marker, which directs you left through a stone stile and onto what was an old Mass Path. Follow the red and green arrows as the track takes you across an area called Cnoicins (the little hills) and exits onto a surfaced road where you turn left.
D-A. The road takes you back to the junction mentioned at B above – 50m from the Information Office, shop and restaurant.
Cnoicin’s Loop
Distance: 4km
Estimated Time: 1hr30mins – 2hrs
Grade: Easy – All levels of fitness
Minimum Gear: Trekking shoes, raingear, fluid, and mobile phone
Terrain: Minor roadways, green tracks
Directions
Starting Point: Cape Clear Island is Ireland’s most southerly island and is reached by a 45min ferry trip from either of the villages of Baltimore (all year) or Schull (in summer). The trailhead is located at the Information Office near South Harbour.
A-B. From the mapboard at the Information Office / Shop follow the green arrows (and red arrows for the longer Gleann Loop) arrow along the roadway to reach a roadway on your left. This is the point to which you will return — for now continue straight.
B-C. Continue to follow the green and red arrows as the road ascends. After 200m you reach a 3-way junction where you keep left and shortly afterwards are treated to splendid views of South Harbour. After 600m you reach a 3-way junction near a hostel — the red loop continues straight on here – but you turn left.
C-D. Follow the roadway as it ascends gently and, after 500m, note that the red loop rejoins from your right. After only 200m watch for a marker, which directs you left through a stone stile and onto what was an old Mass Path. Follow the red and green arrows, as the track takes you across an area called the Cnoicins (the little hills) and exits onto a surfaced road where you turn left.
D-A. The road takes you back to the junction mentioned at B above — 20m from the island shop and restaurant.