recommended route
Castlegregory to Camp
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BlennervillePhoto: Heleen Bosch, Macs Adventure
The last link in the circular Dingle Way route, the section between Castlegregory and Camp is short and relatively straightforward.
Keep a look out for remnants of turf cutting as you walk through a flat area of bogland before following another 7km stretch of coastline along the seashore to Camp. Buses run from Camp to Tralee (approximately every 25 minutes).
Author’s recommendation
Whether you fancy a coffee and cake to refuel or a savoury sandwich to go, Sandy Feet Farm and Cafe may be worth the small detour.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
A large portion of the Dingle Way is on minor, low-traffic roads. Where there is no pavement, you should walk on the right side facing the oncoming traffic, except where the road bends right when you should cross over to the other side. Stay alert to vehicles around you and be prepared to step into the verge if necessary.
The trail is often rocky and uneven and can be slippery when wet. Wear appropriate footwear and take care with your foot placements, particularly at the end of the day when you may be tired. Walking poles can be useful on some of the steep ascents and descents.
The weather can change quickly. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing in your day-bag.
Today's route involves beach walking on your way to Camp. The sands should be safe to walk on, but if you are not sure, take the dunes or wait for a safe passage.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Aughacasla Standing Stone
The standing stone is 4 m in height and some say that its carved top resembles 'Bart Simpson', although not sure about the latter, it is a remarkable local heritage site. The site is in close proximity to the golden beaches of Tralee Bay and on a level coastal plain. The base has three rectangular steps that have been added to the base and local folklore believes that priests were buried underneath.
Food and Drink
There are a few small restaurants in Aughacasla which you will pass through on your way to Camp. And if you don't mind the small detour, there is Sandy Feet Farm and Café. This is a family-run open farm and café serving coffee and cake, or soup and a sandwich (https://sandyfeetfarm.ie/). If you wish to stop by Sandy Feet Farm and Cafe, follow the signs for Shore Acre Caravan Park and turn right down the road as signposted.
Please bear in mind that restaurants and/or cafes may be closed when you visit so it is advised to always bring enough snacks and water for the duration of your journey. Your accommodation may be able to arrange a packed lunch for you.
Camp, where you will finish your walk, has shops, bars and restaurants, as well as Tralee.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The official Way runs past Castlegregory Post Office to a crossroads. TURN LEFT following the Dingle Way signposts leaving in a southeasterly direction along a quiet road.
Continue STRAIGHT ON as you notice the trail turning from a tarmac road into a gravel track. Cross the river and follow the trail further as it turns into tarmac again and bends right passing Anchor Caravan Park.
Walk STRAIGHT ON keeping your eyes peeled for Aughacasla Standing Stone in a field to your left-hand side, a hard-to-miss feature in the surrounding landscape. Continue ahead until you reach the hamlet of Aughacasla.
TURN LEFT along the main road for roughly 200 m, then TURN LEFT towards the beach. Cross a small stream and continue along the Way. ( Please note: If the tide is in, it might be best to leave the beach via a ramp to bypass a set of rocks further along the route. In that case, continue STRAIGHT ON around the field edges, keeping the fence to your left. After roughly 250m, look for a gap in the brambles to your left-hand side, and negotiate a small stream to cross a field to return to the beach.)
Walk STRAIGHT ON following the beach and carefully crossing the Meenascarty River that runs parallel to the shore.
Arriving at Carrigagharoe Point, continue around the headland in an eastward direction and TURN RIGHT onto a waymarked path leading to a church. You will pass Kilgobbin Church (1824) and follow the Way as it bends left then right.
When reaching R560, cross carefully into Lower Camp where you will continue for 500 m to the main road (N86). From here you can catch the bus to Tralee, buses leave approximately every 25 mins.
Coordinates
Equipment
Bring appropriate footwear, preferably walking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Bring waterproof jacket and trousers, even where the weather forecast makes this appear unnecessary.
Walking poles may be useful on some of the steep ascents and descents.
Food for the duration of the hike two litres of water is recommended.
A powerbank and phone cable may be useful if you are navigating using your phone. Phone batteries are less effective in cold weather.
Questions and answers
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