Randonnées et camping sauvage pour visiter le Connemara
by Piikachu
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour à tous ! Cela fait des années que je rêve de visiter l'Irlande et ses contrées sauvage, j'ai décidé de me lancer pour cet été. Néanmoins, je dois admettre que j'ai de l'appréhension. Je compte partir seule et pratiquer des randonnées d'une ou plusieurs semaines dans le parc du Connemara en camping sauvage. Et ce qui m'inquiète justement, c'est le camping sauvage au niveau pratique. J'aurais seulement un grand sac à dos spécial rando, je ne pourrais y mettre que quelque vêtement, affaire de toilette, trousse de secours, mon sac de couchage, une tente, appareil photo, des basket pour la ville (je compte terminer ce voyage par du couchsurfing à Dublin), des piquets et des grandes bouteilles d'eau. Je ne pourrais pas trop m'encombrer car je vais devoir porter ce sac sur plusieurs semaines en randonnée. Je ne peux donc pas emporter de réchaud, ce serait trop lourd avec l'eau et je n'aurais plus de place dans le sac pour cela de toute façon. Je ne sais donc pas trop comment je vais me nourrir (peut-être faire des escale dans des petits village tel que Maam, Leenane mais je ne sais pas si je croiserais ce genre de village tout les jours). Pouvez-vous me conseiller s'il vous plait ? De plus, est-ce le camping sauvage est toléré en Irlande, pourrais-je camper n'importe ou à la nuit tombé ? En outre, si vous avez des itinéraire de randonnée pour le Connemara, cela m'aiderait beaucoup. J'avais pensé à la western way. Néanmoins, je ne trouve pas de carte précise avec un itinéraire VRAIMENT détaillé. Si vous avez déjà faite cette randonné, est-elle bien indiqué au fil des jours et avez-vous une carte ? J'aurais vraiment besoin de conseil de la part de voyageurs ayant déjà expérimenté le Connemara à pied et en tente. Merci d'avance ! 🙂
Beau projet !
Pour les cartes de randos au 1 : 50 000 (1cm =500m), tu peux en acheter auprès de l'agence nationale irlandaise de cartographie (l'équivalet des cartes IGN françaises) sur leur site : http://shop.osi.ie/Shop/
Pour avoir une idée des randos qui sont possibles, le site http://www.irishtrails.ie/ est plutôt bien fait, et il contient les fiches descriptive de la western way sur les comtés de Galway et de Mayo (voir http://www.irishtrails.ie/National_Waymarked_Trails/)
J'avais eu l'occasion de faire une partie de la Dingle way en 2013, et le marquage était relativement bon, même en pleine nature. J'espère qu'il en sera de même pour les randos que tu choisira ^^
Côté hébergement, il est tout à fait possible de planter la tente hors des campings, mais n'oublie surtout pas de demander la permission au propriétaire du terrain. Si tu pars pour plusieurs jours, je te conseillerais de prendre un réchaud quand même, les modèles à alcool pouvant être très légers, ensuite viennent les réchauds gaz, un peu plus lourd, et enfin ceux à essence. En Irlande en été, il devrait être relativement facile de se ravitailler en gaz ou en alcool à brûler solide, mieux vaut opter pour une de ces deux solution. En tout état de cause, tu peux explorer les petits villages où tu comptes passer sur google street view pour voir s'il y a des épiceries, et ainsi calculer ta charge de nourriture au mieux.
bonne préparation !
Pour avoir une idée des randos qui sont possibles, le site http://www.irishtrails.ie/ est plutôt bien fait, et il contient les fiches descriptive de la western way sur les comtés de Galway et de Mayo (voir http://www.irishtrails.ie/National_Waymarked_Trails/)
J'avais eu l'occasion de faire une partie de la Dingle way en 2013, et le marquage était relativement bon, même en pleine nature. J'espère qu'il en sera de même pour les randos que tu choisira ^^
Côté hébergement, il est tout à fait possible de planter la tente hors des campings, mais n'oublie surtout pas de demander la permission au propriétaire du terrain. Si tu pars pour plusieurs jours, je te conseillerais de prendre un réchaud quand même, les modèles à alcool pouvant être très légers, ensuite viennent les réchauds gaz, un peu plus lourd, et enfin ceux à essence. En Irlande en été, il devrait être relativement facile de se ravitailler en gaz ou en alcool à brûler solide, mieux vaut opter pour une de ces deux solution. En tout état de cause, tu peux explorer les petits villages où tu comptes passer sur google street view pour voir s'il y a des épiceries, et ainsi calculer ta charge de nourriture au mieux.
bonne préparation !
Merci pour ta réponse :) Pour ce qui est des randonnées, le site irishtrails est en effet très bien, merci de l'information. J'ai pris les cartes pour la Western Way de Galway et Mayo. Pour le reste, je pense faire aussi la Diamond Hills dans le Parc du Connemara ainsi que la Sky Road du côté de Clifden. Je vais encore essayer de chercher d'autre randonné sympa à faire. Je suis preneuse de toute suggestion. Pour l'hébergement, comme je vais camper dans la nature, je ne pense pas que ce soit des terrains privée, du moins je l'espère, j'aimerais planter ma tente près d'un lac ou d'une rivière pour faciliter la toilette le matin. A ce propos, si vous avez des conseils pour l'hygiène en camping sauvage, je suis preneuse. Pour la nourriture, le réchaud ce n'est vraiment pas possible, même qu'il serait léger, je n'ai vraiment plus de place dans mon sac, j'ai fait des essais et j'ai déjà du mal à le fermer. Donc je pense faire quelque courses à Galway avant de démarrer la western way, je ne croiserais pas de supermarché avant deux jours (j'avais déjà eu l'idée de regarder si il y avait des supermarchés auparavant mais il n'y en aucun à Maam Cross et Leenaun) donc je prendrais chips et barre céréalières :/ je n'ai pas d'autre idées.
Tu peux nous faire une liste de ton matériel, il y a surement des choses en trop pour alléger le sac et libérer de la place. Tu peux déjà enlever tes basket de ville. Tu peux très bien visiter les villes avec ta tenue de randonnée. Les gens ne vont pas te jeter des pierres si tu portes des chaussures de randonnée.
Pour la toilette : => un gant => un bout de savon
Rien de plus.
Pour la toilette : => un gant => un bout de savon
Rien de plus.
"Un bivouac c'est un peu comme le dépucelage et la première cuite, une espèce de rite qui fais de toi un homme" (MonsieurHenri du site randonner-léger.org).
Récits de mes voyages : http://les-voyages-andre.blogspot.fr/
Récits de mes voyages : http://les-voyages-andre.blogspot.fr/
Il est rare que la terre n'appartienne à personne, surtout s'il y a un point d'eau dessus (lac ou rivière), au pire tu demandes la permission à la ferme la plus proche, même si ce n'est pas son terrain, la personne saura généralement en retrouver le propriétaire ou te trouver un autre endroit.
Bonne rando !
Bonne rando !
Eh bien côté matériel c'est assez chargé mais je n'ai pris que l'indispensable. Pour faire rapide : appareil photo, téléphone, chargeur d'appareil photo et de téléphone, adaptateur, cartes, boussole, tente, sac de couchage, 4 rouleau de papier toilette, 20 paquet de mouchoirs (je me mouche tout le temps), 2 serviette (si la première est mouillé), 2 gants de toilette (l'un pour le visage et l'autre le corps), gel bactériologique pour les mains, lentilles de rechanges + boîtier + produit à lentille, trousse de toilette (shampoing, gel douche, dentifrice, brosse à dent et gobelet, coton tiges), trousse de secours (pansements, médicaments, désinfectant), basket (je me vois mal visiter Trinity College et autre monuments et architecture de Dublin avec des chaussures de randonnées :/ ), lessive à la main, 2 grandes bouteille d'eau, barre énergétique, amandes, chewing-gums, guide de l'Irlande, carnet de voyage + crayons, lampe torche, briquet, sachets plastique jetable pour mes déchets, brosse à cheveux et élastique, crème anti moustique et démangeaison, 1 jogging pour dormir et mes chaussures de rando. Pour ce qui est des vêtements pour les deux semaines de randonnée et camping sauvage : 2 short rando et 1 pantalon rando, 3 tee shirt manche longues (spécial humidité) et 1 tee shirt manche courte, 1 imperméable. Pour la semaine à Dublin : 1 jean, 1 sweat à capuche, 2 tee-shirt de ville et 2 pull. Je prendrais aussi des cadeau pour mes hôtes qui m'accueillent en couchsurfing (carte postale, spécialité locales...).
D'accord, je vais faire ça alors ^^ si je vois une maison je demanderais au propriétaire si j'ai le droit de camper aux alentours (pas trop près, j'aime me savoir seul dans la nature sans maison dans mon champ visuel) et si je n'en vois pas, c'est que c'est sauvage et public. Merci beaucoup :)
appareil photo téléphonechargeur d'appareil photo et de téléphoneadaptateurcartesboussolelampe torchebriquettentesac de couchage1 jogging pour dormir4 rouleau de papier toilette20 paquet de mouchoirs2 serviette (si la première est mouillé)2 gants de toilette (l'un pour le visage et l'autre le corps)gel bactériologique pour les mainslentilles de rechanges + boîtier + produit à lentilleshampoinggel douchedentifricebrosse à dentgobeletcoton tigeslessive à la mainbrosse à cheveux et élastiquecrème anti moustique et démangeaisontrousse de secours (pansements, médicaments, désinfectant)chaussures de rando2 short rando1 pantalon rando3 tee shirt manche longues
1 tee shirt manche courte1 imperméable2 grandes bouteille d'eaubarre énergétiqueamandeschewing-gumsguide de l'Irlandecarnet de voyagecrayons sachets plastique jetablebasket1 jean1 sweat à capuche2 tee-shirt de ville2 pullFranchement, tu es loin de l'indispensable. Tu as 6 haut léger, c'est énorme sachant que tu as de la lessive en plus. 3 de trop.Tu as 3 haut chaud. Tu en n'as au moins un de trop.2 short de rando. C'est quoi l'utilisé du deuxième ?Un Jogging c'est volumineux et lourd. Prend un bas de pyjama en soieTa trousse hygiène/santé est énorme. Tu ne vas pas mourir si tu te laves les cheveux avec ton gel douche. Mieux, tu ne vas pas mourir si tu ne laves pas les cheveux tout court.Gel douche, c'est surtout de l'eau. Prend un savon.Tu as oublier le matelas de sol.Tu peux "boire" directement à la bouteille au lieu d'avoir un gobelet lors du lavage de dent.Il va te servir à quoi le briquet si tu n'as pas de réchaud ?Si tu as besoin de 4 rouleau de PQ, je t'invite à consulter un docteur. Compte 12 feuilles pour un caca (c'est grand luxe là). Avec 2 caca par jour, cela donne 336 feuilles pour 14 jours, soit moins de 2 rouleaux de PQ.Le visage se lave très bien juste avec les mains => un gant de moinsGel bactérien pour les mains !!!! Tu vas faire du camping sauvage. Tu ne vas pas au festival de Canne. 🤪
"Un bivouac c'est un peu comme le dépucelage et la première cuite, une espèce de rite qui fais de toi un homme" (MonsieurHenri du site randonner-léger.org).
Récits de mes voyages : http://les-voyages-andre.blogspot.fr/
Récits de mes voyages : http://les-voyages-andre.blogspot.fr/
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Thanks, community! 🙂
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Thanks, community! 🙂
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We’d love to spend a day in Tarrafal, but getting back requires a boat or taxi, and it’s really expensive!
We’re a couple, 78 and 76 years old. What do you think of this itinerary?
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Thanks
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Hi everyone!
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New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028. I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄). This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂
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This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont. The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
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We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert
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Spots where we could pitch the tent near a stream
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Hi there,
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
I’m looking for half-day hikes near Karakol (not Jety-Oguz, since I’ll be heading there separately—max 30 minutes’ drive to the trailhead).
I can find longer treks, but nothing for a short outing!
So, if you’ve got any ideas...
Thanks! :)
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We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike. It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Pascal
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike. It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂
Pascal
Hi there,
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge. I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle. In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge. I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle. In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thanks! :-)
A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Thanks! :-)
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations. Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations. Thanks so much for your tips!
hi there,
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there? A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions? For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip... Thanks for your tips! Have a great day, Anie, Toulouse
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there? A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions? For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip... Thanks for your tips! Have a great day, Anie, Toulouse
Hi,
I’d like some advice on doing the Camino de Santiago—or part of it—from the Basque Country.
Best,
Hi there,
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice? Best regards,
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice? Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish. I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips? Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina? At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish. I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips? Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina? At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
Thanks in advance!
Caro
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.