Starting at the top of the town in pretty little Ballycotton village, in East County Cork, the Cliff Walk travels a well-worn single track path that follows the cliff edge, and the walk culminates after 8kms at Ballyandreen Beach, where you can either pick up the second vehicle you parked earlier, or else walk back on your tracks and enjoy the views from the opposite perspective.
It’s a mesmeric walk, talking in both the sea below, and a wealth of wildlife. We were excited to spot both a chough and a stonechat, but you have to keep alert for birds as they quickly scurry into the undergrowth of furze that lines the walk, and gives great shelter to the abundant wildlife.
Wear good walking shoes, because the path can get a little slippy. But don’t worry, it’s not that close to the cliff edge to induce too much vertigo, but it is close enough to allow you to feel the power of the sea, and the exhilaration of the salty air.
8km linear walk. Park at the carpark, just beyond the memorial boat, the Mary Stanford. Ending at Ballyandreen Beach, where there are great seaweed foraging opportunities and another small carpark.
Eating:
The Field Kitchen operates out of the popular Blckbird Pub, which is where all the students of the Ballymaloe Cookery School hang out.
Colin and Holly’s excellent Pier 26 Restaurant is the destination dining spot in the village.
There are delightful panoramic views across the bay from the courtyard of the Bayview Hotel, a good place for coffee.
