Wild Atlantic Way walking: what fitness level do you really need?

Walking on the Wild Atlantic Way ranges from gentle coastal strolls to demanding mountain routes. The Beara Peninsula sits towards the more serious end.

What we ask of you

You don't need to be a hiker, but you should be a regular walker. If you can comfortably walk 12–16km (7–10 miles) with some hills, several hours on your feet, you'll be well prepared.

What makes it harder than the distance suggests

Uneven, sometimes wet ground; climbs and descents; and weather that can add wind and rain. A 15km day on Beara feels different from 15km on a city sidewalk.

How to prepare

In the months before you travel, build up to longer weekend walks on varied terrain, including hills. Walk in the boots you'll bring. Try a few walks in the rain.

And if you need a rest day

Take it. You can sit a day out and still enjoy everything else about the week.