The Wild Atlantic Way
From Mizen Head in the far South, to Malin Head, the most Northerly point in Ireland
900kms of cycling and over 8,500 metres of climb along the way
Day 1 - Mizen Head to Killarney
Distance - 82 miles (132kms)
Elevation - 4,610 ft (1,405m)
Three climbs on the first day:
The Caha Pass
Molls Gap
The Gap of Dunloe
Day 2 – Killarney to Spanish Point
Distance - 95 miles (153kms)
Elevation - 4,436 ft (1,352m)
A much flatter ride, passing the towns of Tralee and Ballybunion, and a short
ferry ride across the river Shannon
Day 3 – Spanish Point to Galway
Distance - 82 miles (132kms)
Elevation - 3,606 ft (1,099m)
Northwards along the Wild Atlantic Way, climbing
to the Cliffs of Moher. Then it's on to the lovely village of Doolin, renowned for its traditional Irish music, before heading for the Burren - a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone.
Day 4 – Galway to Westport
Distance - 79 miles (127kms)
Elevation - 3,010 ft (917m)
A day of truly stunning scenery! Lakes, bog and mountain passes as we cross from County Galway to County Mayo. The Sheeffry Pass is the biggest climb of the day, followed by a thrilling descent to Westport.
Day 5 - Westport to the City of Donegal
Distance - 114 miles (183kms)
Elevation - 4,829 ft (1472m)
A day of quiet, rural roads interspersed with villages. Between Castlebar and Foxford the road intersects Lough Conn, which I last set eyes upon 35 years ago! A truly magical place for me.
Day 6 - City of Donegal to Buncrana
Distance - 85 miles (137kms)
Elevation - 5,525 ft (1684m)
Today provides more stunning scenery as we ride by Lough Finn, then on to Lough Barra and the long, steady climb to the Glenveagh National Park.
Day 7 - Buncrana to Malin Head
Distance - 44 miles (69kms)
Elevation - 3,199 ft (975m)
The finish line is now only a few hours of cycling ahead. However, in between lies the Gap of Mamore, one of Ireland's toughest climbs. "Well, if something is easy, then it's not worth the reward". At the top, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Inishowen Peninsula stretching before us. It's on now to Ballyliffin and then Gortnamara. Only 20kms to go and we arrive at Malin Head - the most Northerly point in Ireland.
