START/FINISH POINT: Hornhead Bridge (Grid Ref. C009375). Follow the road sign posted for Horn Head, which turns off at the Garda Station in Dunfanaghy. Cross the bridge and park at the lay-by nearby on the left.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: To walk the route in an anti clockwise direction, you can start by either walking the beach or stay on the road for approx. 1km. If you take the road, after 1km you'll have to go onto the beach and make your way along and around the low point ahead. Be careful if the tide is in! Cross the small beach and go up the sand dunes.

Follow the path through the vegetation and the thicket at the Black Burn.

Follow the coastline, past the natural bridge near Cowan Head, and a Northwest direction will bring you to the ruins of an old settlement (C035400). Moving northwards. You will be able to see the remains of an ancient Promontory Fort perched above Sheephaven Bay. As you make your way around the cliffs. The breath taking view of Horn Head comes into view. After the path fades for a few hundred metres, you will have to descend to cross a small stream, go below a scree patch, climb again, and you will find the path. From here, cross the heather and boggy patches and make for the old napoleonic tower. From the tower, make you way to the inlet at C005414. Follow the remains of a stone wall south westwards and summit Crockaclogher (126mts). Near here you will be able to see the natural arch. Pass more stone walls and continue to follow the coastline around Rough Point and down onto the beach at Pollaguill Bay.
At the other side of the Bay, head straight for Curragh Harbour. Cross the fence and you are now faced with a mass of grass covered sand dunes. Walk in a southeast direction, using your compass if desired for a more direct route. As you gain some height, you will be able to see the plantation on your left, New Lake on your right, and the bridge in the distance.
Make for the bridge, and you will soon be back at the start.

POINTS TO NOTE: As the walk involves cliffs, this walk is recommended only for good weather.The O.S. Map does not show the paths.

TIME: Approx 5.5 - 6 hrs
DISTANCE: Approx 17 km (10.5 miles)
ASCENT: Approx450m
MAPS: OS 1:50000 SHEET 2