Start to finish: Cork - Kinsale - Clonakilty - Baltimore - Skibbereen - Ballydehob - Schull

Transport: Ford Escort estate

Distance: 174km (108 miles) - including unplanned detours

Worth stopping for: A walk around Lough Hyne. A pint in Levi's in Ballydehob. A swim in Red Strand, Clonakilty

Best part of the trip: Rolling down the hill to Lough Hyne

Worst part of the trip: The heavens opening as we glide past the Ballinspittle Virgin Mary

Upcoming events: The fishing festival in Ardfield, near Clonakilty: bands, beach parties, children's events, freshly caught fish on the barbecue. Masters of Tradition, an acoustic music festival, takes place in the intimate setting of Bantry House, Co Cork, from August 17th to the 21st. For more details call 027-52788