Case Study: Kerry Way, Ireland

July 2016

By Sam Demas with advice from Patricia Deane, Rural Recreation Officer

Purpose, methodology, and notes
These case studies are building blocks towards a broader “Country Study” examining long distance walking in Ireland. The intent of the case studies is to paint a picture of the most salient features of each walk and to delve somewhat into operational details. The idea is that in looking across these case studies a broader national picture will emerge.

The intended audiences for these “Country Studies” are American recreation planners and trail builders, and secondarily, others interested in how long distance walking came into being and is supported in other parts of the world. While they may hold some interest for a few serious recreational walkers, these case studies are not intended as planning guides for walkers.

Methodology: To prepare this case study the author:
Researched publications and web sites about the Wicklow Way; interviewed a number of B&B owners, the Rural Recreation Officer, people involved with trail maintenance, and other walkers; and walked four days on the Way. The outline below is based loosely on the criteria used by the European Ramblers Association in their Leading Quality Trails certification program, supplemented with my own areas of interest.

Suggestions on methodology, topics included, and organization of the case study are most welcome.

Notes: Many good guides already exist and some are listed for each trail profiled. Mention of specific accommodations or features on the trail are not meant as endorsements, but simply as examples that are typical of the offerings on or near the trail. There are many fine establishments that are not mentioned here. All references to “Ireland” are to the Republic of Ireland, unless otherwise noted. The author takes responsibility for any mistakes, misrepresentations and opinions; these are not to be attributed to the people with whom he spoke.   Finally, reader comments, corrections and suggestions are most welcome!

Overview:

The Kerry Way (KW) is the longest and certainly one of the most beautiful and diverse of Ireland’s National Waymarked Ways. The name in Irish is Slí Uibh Rathaigh, meaning the Iveragh Way. The KW circles the Iveragh Peninsula and is sometimes referred to as “a walkers version of the Ring of Kerry motor route”. This is a physically challenging walk which brings the rewards of experiencing one of the largest and most beautiful peninsulas in Ireland. Walking it continuously one is able to experience a wide range of terrain while circumambulating many of the highest peaks in Ireland. With a National Park at the beginning and a National Historic Park near then end, it is blessed with diverse and, for Ireland, well-preserved ecosystems.

As farming in the Iveragh Peninsula continues to decline the KW is an increasingly important part of the economy, particularly for towns not directly on the Ring of Kerry. Kerry is renowned for its hospitality and there are ample accommodations along the Way, many of which are decidedly “walker friendly”.
Challenges:

• Trail maintenance: with the high levels of rainfall, keeping drains clear, managing water-flows, repairing and preventing trail erosion, and maintaining boardwalks, bridges and stiles are a constant challenge.
• With 268 landowners participating in the Walks Scheme communication, maintaining personal relationships, and ongoing support and training is a large workload for the Rural Recreation Officer (RRO).
• The Kerry Way Committee (comprised of many of the people who founded the KW) meets regularly but does not include the RRO in most of its meetings.
• With an increasing volume of walkers in the MacGillycuddy Reeks (which are not directly on the Kerry Way), the annual number of accidents and rescue calls in the area is increasing due to unprepared walkers.

Opportunities:

• The MacGillycuddy Reeks Access Forum, a completely separate entity from the Kerry Way, was established in 2014 to protect the Reeks and to ensure that the region is prepared for the volume of walkers/climbers, while ensuring the protection of the habitat and sustainable development. It is also developing a locally based skilled workforce for trail maintenance in the Reeks area.
• Increasing numbers of walkers, in particular from Germany and continental Europe, is making a greater economic contribution to the area.

History:

Unable to find a written history of the Kerry Way, I have pieced together some notes that will give a sketchy sense of how the trail came to be and some of the folks who have worked on it.

Caveat: these notes provide only glimpses and a few milestones of the history. They are the simply the gleanings of a very brief visit, and I cannot know if they are balanced or even entirely accurate. Researching and writing a history of the trail is way beyond the scope of this case study. However, as the trail continues to grow in popularity, and while many of the founders are still alive, someone should write a proper history of the trail.

For what it’s worth, following are a few notes on the history of the KW that may help to place it in the context of the development of long distance walking in Ireland and begin to trace the broad outline of its development:

• According to Wikipedia, the idea of a Kerry Way was proposed in 1982 by the Laune Mountaineering Club and the Kerry association of An Taisce.
• People have been hiking around the Reeks for years. In the 1960’s and 70s lots of young people backpacked in the area and used the boreens, etc. that later formed parts of the KW.
• Sheila O’Sullivan opened her B&B in 1967 to cater to these early adopters. Her business gradually expanded as more people started coming from continental Europe.
• Sean O’Suilleabhain was the chair of the founding group and is sometimes cited as the founder. He apparently was inspired to devise the initial concept by a lecture by Father John Hayes on the old roads and paths of the region, which essentially provided infrastructure lying in wait.
• At about this time Ireland was organizing an effort through COSPOIR to develop a series of long distance walking paths.
• A Long Distance Walks Route Committee was established in 1978 and JB Malone was appointed Field Officer soon thereafter.
• The Wicklow Way was selected as the first Long Distance Route to be implemented (1982) and the Kerry Way as the second (1984).
• In 1983 County Kerry Vocational Education Committee and Sports Advisory Board hosted a national conference with COSPOIR “The Development of Walking Routes”, 6-8 October in Killorglin. See conference proceedings.
• Sean O’Suilleabhain of the Kerry Walking Routes Committee presented a talk on the Kerry Way describing the natural and cultural features on a three day walk from Killarney to Glenbeigh.
• Brendan O’Shea, Conservation Officer at Killarneny National park, and others from Kerry attended the 1983 conference. Brendan has been deeply involved in trail siting, building, and maintenance for many years. And he pioneered the use of railroad ties covered with hardware cloth as materials for boardwalks to protect fragile areas.
• PJ Brouton, a forester, was involved with the development of the KW and is said to have had a good manner with the locals and to be effective in getting local cooperation.
• Originally the KW did not go through the National Park. It was re-routed in the late 1980’s in part to make use of the Old Kenmare Road (dating back to 1770’s). After being closed for 150 years (when the land-owner decided to build a deer park), this old road would later require considerable drainage and road re-building work.
• The full route was completed in 1989 due to the efforts of many individuals, and with construction assistance by workers on the FAS social employment and Rural Social
• In 2007 Ireland established the positions of Rural Recreation Officers (RRO), which position was intended to work with the Kerry Way Committee.
• Patrick O’Sullivan and Sean O’Donoghue of Black Valley are a few of the many who are currently working on the trail and have knowledge and opinions about its history and future.

Trail characteristics:

The trail description from the National Trails Website gives a good overview:

The Iveragh Peninsula is the largest of Kerry’s Atlantic peninsulas, extending 60 kilometres into the ocean from the mainland, and it is 32 kilometres across. The Iveragh contains the Killarney Lakes with their mountainous backgrounds, the most famously picturesque landscapes in Ireland since tourism began in the late eighteen hundreds. The main mountain group on the peninsula, called the MacGillycuddy Reeks, contains the two highest summits in Ireland, Carrauntoohil at 1038m and Caher at 1001m. The Kerry Way, at 230 km the longest of the Irish Waymarked Trails, is a circular route that circumnavigates the peninsula, starting and finishing in Killarney, and also passing through fine Kerry towns such as Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare. The landscape the route passes through is very varied, from the lakes of Killarney to high and remote mountain peatland: Carrauntoohil and Caher tower over the route west of Black Valley and the return leg passes along the startlingly contrasting semi-tropical, palm-treed south coast. Terrain consists mainly of quiet tarmac roads, open moorland, woodland and field paths and boreens. Some sections of the open moorland can be very isolated, and off-road sections can often be very wet and muddy. Aggregate ascent over the whole route is about 5400m, and there are some sustained and quite steep climbs. The highest point on the Way is 385m above sea-level, at Windy Gap between Glenmore and Caherdaniel. There are some long stretches between overnight accommodation possibilities, and walkers should plan their days carefully to take these into consideration: public transport options are very good.

Less than 60 km or about 29% of the 210 km (130 mile trail is on local roads, one of the lowest proportions among the National Waymarked Ways. The roads are not heavily travelled and mostly make for pleasant walking.

Natural features:

The varied terrain is one of the great strengths of the Kerry Way. In addition to rugged mountain landscapes and coastal views, it traverses high moorlands, glens, and passes, and passes by beautiful lakes and rivers.

The oak woodlands, lake views, and Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park are a wonderful opening statement for nature on the trail. The mature oak and hazel forests along the Way are a particular delight.   The walk from Glencar to Glenbeigh wends its way through beautiful woodlands and along the scenic Caragh River, one of the cleanest in Europe, and by lovely loughs. From Glenbeigh one can view the Dingle Bay and the enveloping arm of Rossbeigh strand creating a calm harbor. The fertile Fertha Valley offers a view of an ancient agricultural landscape and the village of Foilmore is its lively center. Climbing out of Waterville towards Caherdaniel the farm country is beautiful, and the coastal views and glimpses of the Skelligs through the mists are sublime. On reaching the crest of Coomakista Pass, one is rewarded by breathtaking views of the remarkable archipelago of beaches, islands, sheltered harbors, and headlands of Derrynane Bay on the way to Caherdaniel. On the way to the village the trail wends through some of the natural beauty of Derrynane National Historic Park.

Altogether, the combination of agricultural landscapes, numerous rivers and lakes incredible coastal views and formations, and abundant cultural sites is absolutely heavenly.

Cultural features:

The Iveragh Peninsula has been settled for several thousand years and is rich with interesting cultural features. A few of the highlights include:

• Muckross House and Gardens
• The Old Kenmare Road
• Derrycunnihy Church
• Lord Brandon’s Cottage
• Curragh More stone at the junction of Black Valley and Bridia Valley, and others along the way
• Marvelous stone walls and ruins of crofters cottages throughout
• The spectacular, c. 9th century Loher Stone Fort
• Cill Rialaig oratory, which is off the trail but well worth a visit
• An ancient cemetery
• Derrydane National Historic Park, including the gracious home and gardens of Daniel O’Connell, a liberator of modern Irish history.

Accommodations:The Kerry Way has a wide range of options for accommodations, many of which are listed on the commercial website site Walking the Kerry Way. I have not found any usage data on the different types of accommodation, e.g. what percentage of walkers use B&B’s Pubs, Hostels, Camping, etc. However, the RRO tells me that the majority of walkers on the Kerry Way stay in small B&B’s, a few camp, but this is definitely weather dependent. The quality of B&B’s is excellent. The categories listed below are based on the website Walking the Kerry Way.

Hostels  Án Oige (Irish Youth Hotel Association) operates two youth hostels on the KW: one in the Black Valley, and one in Fossa. In addition there are six privately operated hostels. At 15-20 Euros per night, the hostels are the least expensive accommodation on the KW. They fill rapidly and reservations are needed, particularly on weekends and in summer.

Camping  There are 3-4 commercial campsites and one can camp at some hostels and Inn’s. People camp throughout the KW on green fields, normally after agreement or discussions with the local landowners. Camping in the National Park is allowed, by permit only with prior permission from the conservation rangers, adjacent to the trail, and overnight only.

Bed and Breakfasts  The most common form of accommodation, there are dozens of B&B’s on or near the trail. They range upwards in price from 30 Euros per person per night to 70 Euros per night per person. Many are walker friendly and the Rural Recreation Officer has conducted training for B&B owners to familiarize them with the needs and wants of walkers, and to actually take them on a walk on the trail (something many have never done). B&B’s often serve meals by agreement with the guests or prior arrangement.

Guest Houses  Guest Houses are similar to B&B’s but also serve supper on request.

Hotels  There are a few hotels, which tend to charge by the room rather than by the person, and which have more modern finishes. These are in the larger villages/towns and are sometimes recommended for rest days.

Townhouses  This category of accommodations overlaps with others and is distinguished primarily by location within a town, i.e. in close proximity to pubs, restaurants, and other civic amenities. The prices range widely.

Farmhouses  Farmstays tend to be priced and operate like B&B’s, but offer the opportunity to stay on a working farm.

Historic Houses  A category that overlaps with others on this list, these offer some historical character associated with the structure itself or the locale. Again priced variously.

Economic impact

While I have not seen any hard data on economic impact of the KW, it seems clear that the Way is an important economic driver, particularly for the villages and farms along the way and off the far busier, motorway, the Ring of Kerry.

The largest impact is in revenues from walkers staying in local lodging, paying for baggage transfer, eating in restaurants, shopping in local stores, and other expenditures associated with their walking holidays. In recent years the numbers of foreign walkers, and those from Germany in particular, is said to be rising dramatically after the recession. As far as I can tell, there is no systematic data gathering on the numbers of walkers from different nations or on their expenditures.

The KW is well marked and for most walkers does not warrant hiring guiding services. However there are group walks with guides and apparently some locals question how much these companies impact the local economy.   Many foreign walkers book their accommodations and receive their maps and guidebooks/itineraries through companies in Ireland and abroad. There are seven Irish walking tour operators listed on the Walking the Kerry Way site, and anecdotally it was clear to me that German, Belgian, French companies are providing such services.

Local journalist and guidebook author Donal Nolan published a piece in the Kerryman in (27 February 2016) pointing out the UK magazine Great Outdoors identified the Kerry Way as one of 10 of the greatest walks in the world. His larger point was that locals should be aware of what a gem they have, and that there is tremendous potential to tap into the large numbers of walkers from Germany and the UK.

The Walks Scheme contributes modestly to farm income through annual payments to about 268 farmers for trail maintenance.

Patricia Deane emphasizes economic development as an important part of the trail’s function and a key principle for her is to keep the money in the local community. This includes hiring and training local people for ongoing trail maintenance (in addition to the Walks Scheme), and purchasing materials and supplies locally.

People come from around the world to delight in the splendor of the unique and largely pristine landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula. A 2010 report “Farming the Iveragh Uplands: a tale of humans and nature” published by University College Cork, shows how the future of farming in the Iveragh uplands is a key to environmental quality. The longstanding relationship between traditional farming methods and species biodiversity, termed “high nature value farming”, can be seen as one key to attracting foreign visitors to this splendid region. Walking the tightrope between celebrating and despoiling what is unique about fragile and “marginal” regions such as this, is one of the great challenges of modern “adventure tourism”. Walking is a very attractive alternative to the “mass tourism” represented by bus tours along the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, for example. But figuring out how to make it financially worthwhile for locals while not fundamentally changing the character of the culture and landscape is an issue the good folks of Kerry will be wrestling with for years to come.
Trail management structure and operation

The management of the Kerry Way appears to be divided between the South Kerry Development Partnership (which administers the Walks Scheme through the Rural Recreation Officer), and the Kerry Way Committee. There does not appear to be anything on the web about the KW Committee, so my research on how the trail is managed is incomplete.

Following is text from the relevant web page from the South Kerry Development Partnership web site:

South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd (SKDP) is a local area Development company, established in May 1991 to promote and support the Development of sustainable and vibrant communities in the south Kerry area.

Walks Scheme supports landowners along National way marked ways (in Kerry –The Kerry Way and SKDP sections of the Beara Way) to maintain the sections of the way marked ways on their lands by providing for a small payment in return for which each landowner undertakes necessary maintenance work.

South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd employs a Rural Recreation officer to work with Communities and Individuals to develop, oversee, maintain and promote Trails and Walks in South Kerry. South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd in conjunction with Failte Ireland work to promote these walks for communities and visitors alike by ensuring that they are of a high standard and accessible at all time.

We would acknowledge Failte Ireland for their contribution to the Walks and for the beautiful photo’s supplied.

I met with The Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) for the region, Trisha Deane, who manages the Walks Scheme and works with communities in South Kerry on trails development, maintenance and promotion. In this capacity, RRO Trisha Deane is embedded in and paid by the SKDP. Ms. Deane’s brief includes:

• Administering the Walks Scheme in South Kerry, which includes liaison to 268 land-owners who receive a modest annual payment for maintenance of the parts of the National Waymarked trail that cross their land.
• To coordinate and oversee the management and enhancement of trails in the county.
• To assist local communities developing new routes.
• To assist in the marketing and promotion of other trails in the region.

The budget for operation of the Kerry Way includes the following components:

• Walks Scheme: Funds allocated by Ireland’s Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs (name recently changed) to SKDP are used to purchase materials and supplies to construct bridges, ladders, stiles, etc. for the trail. These funds are also allocated, for annual maintenance payments to 268 landowners who maintain portions of the trail on their property.
• Salary for RRO: Allocated from Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs to SKDP.
• LEADER Grants: EU funds are allocated to SKDP and combined with local development agency funds. These are made available for targeted grants, which can include projects related to trails and walking-related activities in the region.
• Contributions: Walkers can contribute through “Contribution Boxes” along the access points to the MacGillycuddy Reeks, and memberships in the “Friends of Reeks” program.
• Grants and contributions from other sources as opportunities arise.

Like other 11 other RRO’s in Ireland, Trisha Deane’s overall brief is to help implement the national strategies for the walks scheme, for countryside recreation, and for rural development. See: http://www.environ.ie/community/rural-development/other/national-rural-development for more information about these the walks scheme and the other two broad national strategies.

The RRO’s brief (remit) is broader than just the Kerry Way. It includes many other trails in South Kerry (e.g. National Looped trails), working with communities that want to develop new trails, Blueways (kayak/canoe paths) and Greenways (cycling paths), and a range of other tourism initiatives.

A major initiative for the RRO, which is separate from the Kerry Way, is working to improve access to the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Project is an initiative of Comhairle na Tuaithe, the national body with responsibility for outdoor recreation, which is resourced through the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The MacGillycuddy Reeks is one of two pilot areas where a permissive access model is being piloted, based on awareness of and respect for private land. This project is being supported by The Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government-Rural Recreation Section and the Interreg IVB Rural Alliances Programme. The Forum was set up after intensive consultation carried out by SLR Consulting Ireland. The SLR report (Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Development Assessment 2014) identified the need for the establishment and resourcing of an appropriate local management structure to manage the MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Scheme. This report also highlighted the need to address trail erosion in the Reeks. With 15 of Ireland’s 20 highest mountains — in the Iveragh Uplands — many people from Ireland and beyond visit to walk and climb in the region known as MacGillycuddy Reeks.   The safety concerns, access issues, and environmental pressures on this region are great.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks Access Forum consists of: Local Elected Landowners (7), Elected Community representatives (3), Elected representative from KCC (1), Elected Local Guides representative (1), Elected Small business representative (1), Elected Recreational Users (2), South Kerry Development Partnership’s Rural Recreation Officer (1), Department of Environment, Community & Local Government representative (Rural Recreation Section 1), National Parks & Wildlife Service representative (1), Kerry County Council representative(1) and Fáilte Ireland representative (1).

Organizations involved with the Kerry Way
The KW coordinates with and is supported by a number of organizations. Following is a summary of key organizational relationships inherent in its operations:

International organizations

The EU program LEADER makes grants available for projects at local level focusing on the diversification of rural economies and the improvement of the quality of rural life. SKPD has used Leader funding to do training for B&B owners serving walkers and for other purposes. 

National bodies

The National Trails Office (NTO) inspects the route annually and approves it for eligibility for insurance to indemnify the landowners from claims by users. It’s Guide to Planning and Developing Waymarked Walking Trails in Ireland outlines the NTO’s procedures and criteria for certification.

Department of the Environment provides funding for the Rural Recreation Officer, which is run through the SKPD. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is a branch of Department of Environment, as is National Monuments, which is a resource in trails development. The KW runs through lands administered by the Killarney National Park, and takes responsibility for trail maintenance on its lands. Similarly, the KW runs through land managed by the Derrynane National Historic Park. Both of these land management agencies have recreation in their remit and are said to be highly cooperative in KW trail management.

The KW traverses sections of Coillte (semi-state forestry) owned land, who are also very supportive of the KW.

Fáilte Ireland promotes and advise walkers of the KW and on various looped walks throughout Kerry.

Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Sports Council cooperate with SKPD on “Lets Go Walking”.

Mountaineering Ireland is a valuable resource, particularly in terms of environmental monitoring and mitigation issues. Mountaineering Ireland was helpful in advising on the formation of the Macgillicuddy’s Reeks Access Program.

An Oige, the Irish Youth Hostel Association, operates two hostels on the KW.

MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Access Scheme (MRMAS)

The KW essentially circumambulates the Macgillicuddy MacGillycuddy Reeks region. Some who come to walk the KW take side trips into the uplands. The Reeks themselves draw many “green” tourists (one estimate is 25,000 per year) for climbing, hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Some of them end up walking parts of the KW.

I’ll summarize the nascent MRMAS here because of the cultural, geographic and recreational relationships between the Reeks and KW, but, more importantly, because MRAP is attempting to establish something needed for long distance walking and outdoor recreation throughout Ireland: agreed permissive access in an area owned privately that encourages recreational use of fragile rural lands while both preserving the lands and providing much-needed local economic stimulus. It seems clear to me that going beyond the currently closed Walks Scheme is essential for the further development of long distance walking in Ireland, and solutions may come out of this work in Kerry. I will discuss this work further in the “Country Study” overview based on these case studies.

MRAP grew out of discussions in 2013 fostered by, SLR, a consulting firm contracted with funding from Comhairle na Tuaithe “to develop a sustainable model for the management of selected Irish uplands, based on permissive access to predominantly privately owned lands, with the collaboration of the landowners.” The consulting firm’s December 2013 report “MacGillicuddy Reeks Mountain Access Development Assessment” is a very helpful resource for understanding land use issues and opportunities in relation to long distance walking and other recreational uses of privately owned, environmentally sensitive lands.

The issues MRAP is designed to address are summarized from the report p. 48:

1. Land is 100% privately owned, but landowners have no control on recreational access to the lands at present; significant environmental damage is done by recreational users of the path network, as well as uncontrolled dogs.
2. The Reeks are designated as Special Area of Conservation (SAC, Natura 2000) and proposed Natural Heritage Area with consequent environmental responsibilities in habitat protection.
3. There are increasing numbers of hillwalkers, climbers, and recreational users annually,in particular charity and challenge events are attracting large numbers and causing high impact.
4. Commercial guides are operating without formal access agreements; this is a particular source of irritation to landowners. Recreational pressures are creating additional environmental pressures on the most popular routes. Many users are ill-prepared, thus creating safety risks.
5. Due to unemployment and emigration, there is a decrease in population, loss of traditional farm practices, and scrub encroachment. The Reeks have the potential to become a model for sustainable management of upland areas, through agri-environmental measures and high nature value farming.
6. The more remote communities are not benefitting from the recreational potential of the mountains in a sustainable way. The potential for economic stimulus by recreational use is not being realized.

Very briefly, the conclusions of the consulting report included:

1. Recommendations on a structure, a shared vision and strategy for MRAP.
2. Development of an Integrated Management Plan linked to a Conservation Management Plan.
3. Ideas about funding the enterprise.
4. A review of similar management strategies in Ireland and in UK with discussion of lessons learned.
5. Explication of the policy, environmental, social, recreational, business, and organizational/governmental context within which MRAP would fit.
6. And a recommended strategic action plan.

The role of the RRO was outlined (p. 45) as:

The Rural Recreation Officer (RRO) has been successfully working on issues of land access for some time and administers and manages the Walks Scheme in South Kerry. The RRO coordinates and oversees the development, management and enhancement of trails and loops in South Kerry, as well as assisting local communities in developing new trails and looped walks, as well as other recreational activities in their areas ( canoe, pony trekking, cycling, heritage trails etc). The RRO also assists in marketing and promotion of trails in the region through production of map cards, National Trails Day etc.

The RRO works to develop:

• Trail management plans; coordinate trail maintenance;
• Protect the natural and cultural environment of a trail and its locality against damage through usage, while promoting the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles;
• Liaises regularly with landowners to ensure that goodwill is maintained and concerns are addressed in a timely fashion, while seeking to resolve access issues on the ground;
• Liaises with trail users, to gather feedback, comments and address concerns where they arise
• Liaises with other stakeholders and state agencies such as National Trails Office, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland and National Parks & Wildlife Service.

The RRO will be critical in supporting the overall management and delivery of the proposed actions of the Reeks Mountain Access project.

Highlights of the current status of MRMAS:

• A Reeks Upland Path Audit was conducted in 2015 to assess erosion and repair priorities.
• Funding was received as a Rural Economic Development Zone pilot project to provide intensive training for local landowners and residents in upland path repair work.
• Cairgorms Outdoor Access Trust was awarded the contract to train eight workers and to conduct work on the four paths identified as priority in the path audit.
• An Event Form is now in use for groups of 10 or more using the Reeks for recreational purposes.
• To begin to bring in additional revenue, a “Friends of the Reeks” group initiative has commenced, whereby individuals, small and large business can make a contribution to path repair works and contribution boxes have been placed at two popular car parks.

Safety, security, and insurance
The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) is responsible for rescue in SW Ireland, including the peninsulas of Beara, Iveragh and Dingle. The 35 active team members are fully trained in mountain rescue, first aid and emergency medicine. With 15 of the Ireland’s twenty highest peaks, the Team receives as many as 30 calls for emergency services annually, and the numbers are rising with increased use and increasingly careless climbers and walkers.

KMRT is a non-profit, voluntary organization affiliated with Mountain Rescue Ireland. About half or its budget is met through grants from the Irish Coast Guard and Kerry County Council, and the remainder is raised through donations. Their website includes callout protocols and reporting forms, navigation and safety tips, and Team information. Reports on KMRT activity seem to have moved from the website to their Facebook page in recent years.
Members of Ireland’s many walking clubs affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland receive insurance coverage as part of their club membership. Walkers who are not affiliated with a walking club or other entity providing insurance are on their own. Property owners on Waymarked Trails certified by the National Trails Office, like the KW, are covered with indemnity insurance under a Public Liability Scheme operated by the National Trails Office for about the last 20 years. See Country Study for detail on the Walks Scheme and the Occupiers Liability Act, 1995, which address exposure of landowners to claims arising from recreational use.
Cost/affordability
As with other Waymarked Ways, one can walk the trail at a range of price points: from camping to hostels on the lower end, to B&B’s and Inn’s on the higher end.

Environmental issues and impacts:

• Trail erosion is a constant challenge due to high use in some areas and to high rainfall throughout.
• Dogs not allowed due to the prevalence of livestock.
• See discussion of “Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Mountain Access Forum” above.

Kerry Way Resources
Maps
The most commonly used maps are the Ordnance Survey’s “Discovery Maps” Numbers 78, 83, and 84. These cover nearly all of the KW at a scale of 1:50,000 (1.25 in. = 1 mile/2cm. = 1 km).

Additionally, sheets 70 and 85 cover very short stretches of the trail.

Guide books and websites

The website Walking the Kerry Way is a great resource for all aspects of the trail.

Guidebooks: I found the Kerry Way Rucksack Reader by Sandra Bardwell much easier to use and more practical than Donal Nolan’s Kerry Way: a walking guide, which is rather florid and better for historical/cultural information.

The website http://www.irishtrails.ie is an excellent resource.