MALIN TO MIZEN: Mizen Head

Day Eight from Kenmare to Mizen Head via Bonane, Glengariff, Bantry, Durras and Goleen. Clocked Up 91.04 km

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The final day began with the toughest climb of the week - a 350 metre ascent over the Caha mountains. Once negotiated, we free-wheeled down into Glengariff and onto Bantry where we had lunch. It was now time to say goodbye to Patricia who unfortunately would not be at Mizen Head by the time we would arrive as she had a hen party to go to later. We stopped in Durras for '99s' but the up-and-down nature of the terrain meant it was slow progress onto the 'Mizen village' of Goleen. The final twelve kilometres from Goleen and in particular the last three brought the most unwelcome climbs of the week. But finally we arrived at Mizen Head - and to a fanfare welcome from the Hurley clan and friends! Having popped the champagne, the nature of our feat began to set in - 751.25 kilometres of effort. On such a lovely warm evening, we were in no rush to leave Mizen Head, but eventually headed for Schull. Dinner that evening was at the Waterside in Schull where the group had swelled to thirteen. Afterwards it was on to Hackett's Bar where - as well as lovely pints - there was a large map of Ireland. And you couldn't take the smile off my face as I peered up at Malin Head and eyed the route right down to Mizen. Just a wonderful, wonderful week!!