HIKING

"WILD NATURE"

Water running from streams, rivers, waterfalls and lakes along to The Wild Atlantic Ocean; woodlands with native and ancient trees covered in moss; wild flowers, ferns, heather and gorse; red deer, wild goats, white-tailed eagles, foxes; remains of dwellings built by earlier inhabitants thousands of years ago will cause you to pause. 

SPECTACULAR SCENERY

The journey through The Gap of Dunloe showcases the grey and purple majesty of Purple Mountain and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, which contrasts with Mangerton Plateau and the dramatic mountain passes around Horses Glen.

There is the vibrant magic and prevalent green of summer in the valleys and woodlands of Killarney National Park, which transforms into a rich tapestry of differing shades of golden browns as summer turns to autumn over the mountains of County Kerry.

Walking in this scenery will enhance the positive side of your personality and you will be filled with a sense of well-being. 

-  Attention & concentration

-  Deep breathing

-  Feel your body in movement

-  Live the present moment

-  Active meditation

-  Listen to your heart rhythm....as we walk at a slow comfortable pace.

All hikes scheduled are a good opportunity to experience mindfulness elements during the activity, but especially "Killarney National Park Tomies Wood" is tailored with this aim in mind.

The immediate outcome after the walk is balance in your body energy, your thoughts and feelings.

Long term outcomes of practicing Mindful Hiking:

-  It is an effective way to manage moods & depression.

-  It will help to cope with stress and anxiety. 

-  It will improve the performance of the heart & lower blood pressure.

-  It will improve fitness, stamina, and the performance of the lungs.

-  It is an effective way to strengthen the immune system. 

-  It also helps to sleep better and control body weight. 

The Mindful Hiking concept which has evolved from Cesar’s experience when walking in this spectacular landscape, encourages his fellow walkers to enjoy, love and respect the natural environment and leave no trace, save for their happy memories.   

As an experienced professional, Cesar will manage the itineraries and spectacular mountain routes of your walk very carefully.

He's fully insured (Public Liability Insurance) and able to navigate on the mountains safely under any weather conditions. He observes, approaches and explores the mountains from every angle, and will advise about the most suitable route...

Many years ago, he was touched by the beauty of Ireland, especially the South West. During the last 8 years, Cesar has extensively explored Killarney National Park, Mangerton, Purple Mountain, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Iveragh, Dingle and Beara peninsulas, and walked most of the mountains ranges of Ireland.

Cesar regularly leads walks in a voluntary capacity for a Hillwalking Club, and has organised and coordinated walking holidays in his homeland - the mountains of Alicante, Sierra Nevada & Nerja in Spain. 

David – Singapore – 2021

What a wonderful day! Cesar took me on a route that I never would have found. First hour was a steep climb, over heather and grass, soft underfoot. We got up to the point that the scramble over rocks begins. Not as difficult as I thought it would be, Cesar’s calmness kept me feeling safe and confident. Then before you know it, we were on the top of Beenkeragh, stunning views across to the ridge to Carrauntoohil, you could almost touch the cross, but it was still 90 mins away. We stopped to chat to a lovely crew from Cork, youngest was 69 years young, and she showed her youth as she scrambled and joked. Gave me great encouragement for the future I hope to have. We moved across the ridge, top of Carrauntoohil, then headed towards the ridge leaning right away from the beaten path. We stopped had lunch, then crossed back towards the top of the devil’s ladder, but veered left towards heavenly Gates, then across the Balcony, down to the lakes. Moseyed back on the rocky road to the car park in Lisleinane. Cesar kept us off trodden paths, on nice soft turf, which was easy on the knees, and kept us away from others, which was good. We had nice chat, great day, and I feel that I’ve done a unique route across these hills. I’m from Dublin originally, Cesar is from Spain; I’ve climbed Carrauntoohil 4 times (but never Beenkeragh), this was the most interesting route by far. Great day; thanks Cesar! 

Nadine – UK – 2021

“A wonderful guided hike, conversation (and the chance to practise my Spanish!) and Cesar took fantastic photos for us! We really enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely get in contact next time we are in Kerry for a different mountain hike!” 

Jarek – Ireland – 2021

We've had a fantastic experience hiking with Cesar who was extremely accommodating with us. He had a wealth of knowledge about the surrounding area and we both felt like we were in good and experienced hands climbing the tallest mountain in Ireland. Would hike with Cesar again. 

Stacey – Ireland – 2021

What an amazing experience. Cesar puts you at ease and navigates the way up the mountain. On the route we took the views were amazing. I would highly recommend. 

Saikumar – India – 2021

Great guide, estimates the ability and plans the route along the way and Great guy who knows a lot about trekking and mountaineering. 

Alannah – UK – 2021

Great guide and fantastic experience 

Fiona – UK – 2021

Cesar was an excellent guide gives loads of information about where we were as we walked. Took health & safety very serious! Would have know problem recommending Cesar, Excellent! 

Yannick – France – 2021

Great day, great experience ! We were hiking in a small group of 4. Felt safe and enjoyable the whole way. Cesar paid attention to the level of each hiker and was able to adapt the pace and the route, thanks to a good knowledge of terrain in Carrauntoohil. He is friendly and very positive.  

Keira – Ireland – 2021

This was an amazing experience! Cesar was an excellent guide and made sure the hike was done safely and at a pace suitable to the group. I would definitely recommend Cesar as guide for climbing Carrauntoohil! 

Irfan – Uk – 2021

Lovely guide...reasonably priced...passion for the mountains...adapted the walk up and down to/from Carrauntoohil according to our fitness level...would not have been able to do the walk without him.....also imparted his extensive knowledge of the mountains throughout the trip. Excellent.

Miyu – Japan – 2021

It was a great experience. I am a beginner in climbing but Cesar was very kind and encouraging. He adjusted our pace and Carrauntoohil route to make sure we could make it. He has a good balance of both nice talking and giving us space. It was a fantastic experience!

Erin – Ireland – 2021

Cesar was a lovely guide to Carrauntoohil. Very patient and clear about the hike. He brought two adults and a 7 year old. Cesar was chatty and not too chatty! Just the right level of engagement, he allowed for us to enjoy the hike and ask questions. He is clearly knowledgeable in safety and showed us how to check for safe rocks and such like. I would recommend Cesar as a guide. Brilliant experience. 

Eamonn – UK – 2021

Thank you Cesar for guiding my group of 7 people to the top of Carrauntoohil. We had a great experience. Cesar led us up via O'Sheas Gully and back down via the zig-zags. Tough climb but Cesar was very patient and didn't mind us stopping for water breaks or rests. Views at top were amazing. Even had time for a dip in one of the many lakes on the way back down.  

Pat – Ireland – 2021

I questioned whether I needed a guide or not but soo glad I got Cesar. A different route up and down which was magical. Highly recommended, safety, knowledge and the best views and serenity. Thanks Cesar. 

Rena – Ireland – 2021 

“My climb to the top of Carrauntoohil would not have been possible without the confidence Cesar inspired in me with his sense of being in very capable hands and his many helpful tips along the way in some difficult parts.”

Warren - Ireland - 2021

We had the worst weather yet still an amazing experience. Cesar was excellent as our guide and his experience is the only reason we got to the top of Carrauntoohil. Don't attempt that walk without a guide.

Tee - Ireland - 2021

Cesar brings with him his experience and passion for hill walking on this experience. It was a tremendous day and Cesar made the hike safe and pleasant. I would highly recommend this for anyone but particularly anyone with less hill walking experience who is keen to conquer Carrauntoohil. Cesar will ensure the hike remains safe and at a personalised pace. 

Claire - Ireland - 2020

“We had a fantastic day on our climb to Carrauntoohil with Cesar. He was a great guide and went at our pace, being mindful of safety at all times. His knowledge of the mountains is very impressive and he took us on a quieter route which made it very interesting for us. Cesar was a great companion for the day. We recommend his trip highly and look forward to doing another climb with him in the near future.”   

Aoife - Ireland - 2020

“Thanks so much Cesar. We had a great day hiking Carrauntoohil. The hike was completely personalised to our abilities and it was a truly memorable experience. Couldn’t recommend this experience more and got so much more out of it than if when had just gone ourselves :)” 

Queenie - Northern Ireland - 2020

Cesar was a fantastic guide. Very helpful in the more challenging parts. I'll definitely be out with Cesar again and I highly recommend him. A1 guide.

  
Frank - Ireland - 2020

“Really enjoyed the day spent with Cesar in Carrauntoohil. He was knowledgeable, friendly and very passionate about hiking in Ireland.”

Marta - Ireland - 2020

Killarney Mindful Hiking was an excellent experience as a family! Cesar was a great encouraging force and his unique guidance inspired us to really treasure the mountain in very subtle and powerful ways. We went as a family with Cesar, with a 16 and 12 year old young ones, they really got inspired to continue hiking and exploring their relationship with nature.

Róisín - Ireland - 2020

“Cesar is a great guide.. friendly and knowledgeable. Although I reached the summit, the weather was terrible so will have to go again. Would highly recommend Cesar as a guide.” 

Nicolas - France - 2019

If you are looking to climb the highest mountain in Ireland, Cesar is your man! I've really fell comfortable and in safety during all the walk, he takes times to explain us the area and we have enough moments to take some rest. He is really passionate about hiking and Ireland generally, I appreciate his curiosity.

Jade - France - 2019

I had a wonderful time to hike until the top of Carrauntoohil with the guide Cesar (15th of November, with snow)! I am delighted to have chosen to contact him, I never could have done this walking alone. Cesar has adjusted the course with my physical condition and my equipment; I trusted him and we took a passage that I did not think I could cross! A real adventure! Thank you very much Cesar! 

Andrew - UK - 2019

We spent a weekend with Cesar. He was efficient, very nice and absolutely knew all the mountain walks. He will keep going all day which is what we like and we had a great time. Thoroughly recommend. 

Sheila -  Ireland - 2019

Cesar's knowledge, preparation to detail and expertise makes him an outstanding guide for all walks, hikes and mountain climbing. He led some of our family including an American visitor up Carrauntoohil via O'Shea's Gully and down via the Heavenly Gates. it was simply amazing!! Looking forward to the next outing. Thanks Cesar. 

Lisa - US - 2020

Lovely experience to hike along some of the hills and mountains that wind alongside the Wild Atlantic Way. The views are beyond what the imagination can conceive. Cesar truly loves & is connected to the land & his enthusiasm for it shows. If you go on a hike with him you, too, may also fall in love with the wonderful & enchanting mountains of Killarney. If you book this hike you won’t be disappointed.

Karen & Igor - Switzerland - 2020

“Es war eine sehr schöne Wanderung mir Cesar. Wir werden auf jeden Fall weitere Wanderungen mit Cesar buchen. Cesar hatte uns an atemberaubende Plätze geführt und jederzeit gut auf uns geschaut. War sind begeistert.

“It was a very nice hike with Cesar. We will definitely book further hikes with Cesar. Cesar had taken us to breathtaking places and had a good look at us at all times. We were thrilled. 

Mary - Ireland - 2021

“Cesar is a competent, most pleasant, intuitive guide that will give you a wonderful experience in the mountains of Kerry. I cannot recommend him highly enough:)” 

Brahim - Germany - 2020

The hiking tour to the Mangerton mountain with Cesar was great.. I felt really safe during the walk.. The weather was not good, nevertheless we could reach the top.. It was an unforgettable experience. I definitely recommend Cesar.

Yvonne - Ireland - 2019

I took part in a group hike up Mangerton mountain on 14th September 2019 with a group from the gym I attend. Cesar was absolutely fantastic. He lead us up with ease taking everyone's fitness levels into account and made sure we got the most spectacular views. I can't recommend Cesar enough. 

Emer - Ireland - 2019

Cesar is an excellent guide. I attended a group hike and he really took the time to ensure everyone was comfortable with the pace at all times. His knowledge of the area is very thorough and we had such an interesting and enjoyable day!

Niamh - Ireland - 2019

Cesar was an outstanding guide and took everyone's fitness levels into consideration. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide to help us up to the top of Mangerton. Highly recommend Cesar and Killarney Mindful Hiking.
 

Tanja - The Netherlands - 2021

We had a lovely hike with Cesar. He accommodated the hike to our wishes and fitness and took care of our safety, since Purple Mountain does not have any official paths. We especially appreciated the walking sticks he provided. 

Steve - UK - 2019

“If I am thinking of some proper epic walking in the nearby Cork and Kerry Mountains, there is only one mountain guide. Cesar Lopez from Killarney Mindful Hiking. Take a bow, son. YNWA”
 

Dan - Ireland - 2019

Cesar Lopez of Killarney Mindful Hiking is an outstanding Hill Walking Guide with a great knowledge of the hills in Kerry and West Cork. His walks are always scenic, interesting and most enjoyable.

Bridie - Ireland - 2019 - Hike to Shehy & Purple mountains

I had a beautiful hike today on the mountains of Kerry. Our guide/leader was Cesar, who guided a group of 19 up a part of the mountain that is seldom trod. We set of from the Gap of Dunloe and traversed east. We ascended Shehy from the south and had lunch on the "rocks" there. Then onto Purple Mountain and descended back down to the Gap by the little lake of Glas Lough. There were fantastic views, great comradery and a feel good factor among the group, that was safely lead by Cesar. Thank you Cesar. 

Suzanne - Netherlands - 2021

We had a great day! Cesar takes care of the right pace, knows interesting facts about the route and takes you off the regular tracks.   

Ronald - UK - 2019 - A hike in Beara Peninsula

Another fantastic day with Cesar Lopez and Killarney Mindful Hiking. This was my first time walking on the Beara Peninsula and the weather could not have been better. There were some tricky sections to be negotiated during our ascent but Cesar guided me through those before we enjoyed epic views across to the Iveragh Peninsula and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks along our entire ridge walk. The descent was a little boggy but the flowering gorse bushes made up for this and we were soon back onto the fields and lanes back towards our starting point.