This area is a magnet for walkers of different levels of fitness – some come to tackle the 196km Beara Way – others to enjoy a growing number of loops around the coastline and on the islands just a stone throw offshore.

A trip to the sublime Bere Island via ferry from Castletownbere gives you a choice of two looped walks – one which visits the Ardnakinna Lighthouse (on the west of the island) – and this one which starts and finishes in the village of Rerrin on the eastern end.

Along the route, older archaeological Bronze Age sites are clearly marked with interpretive panels for your reference. Back in Rerrin you can enjoy the atmosphere at a number of pubs and restaurants.

A-B. Facing the mapboard at the trailhead, turn left and follow the purple (and yellow) arrows along the road out of the village. The yellow arrow is for the long-distance Beara Way - this loop overlaps with part of it. After 300m you reach a Y-junction - veer right here following and zig-zag up the hill to reach level ground. After approx 1km pass the military buildings on your left, and pass a number of road junctions to reach the ruins of Lonehort Battery (behind wire fencing) on a right bend. Here you veer left and leave the Beara Way to incoporate a trek around the battery.

B-C. Follow the purple arrows as the loop descends to the shorelaine and then ascends again to give you closeup views of the extensive moat that surrounds the battery, and expansive views of Lonehort Harbour. Rejoining the roadway, the loop turns left and follow the Beara Way along the tarred surface. After 1.5km the Beara Way turns left at a laneway - but you continue straight.

C-A. Almost immediately turn the right bend and follow the purple arrow as the loop veers right at a

3-way junction. Enjoy the last 500m back to the trailhead.