The initial stages run through the Blackstairs Mountains, crossing the flanks of Mount Leinster, the highest mountain in the range to reach the village of Borris.[4] From Borris, the Way follows the towpath of the River Barrow to the town of Graiguenamanagh where it enters County Kilkenny.[5] The route continues from Graiguenamanagh towards Inistioge via the northern slopes of Brandon Hill, the highest mountain in County Kilkenny.[6] A series of tracks through forest from Inistioge leads to Mullinavat.[7] The final stage follows the road from Mullinavat to Carrick-on-Suir.[8]
A review of the National Waymarked Trails in 2010 found usage by multiday walkers to be low and usage by day walkers to be medium to high on some sections.[2] The review recommended that a Trail Management Committee be established, that short scenic looped walks be developed off the trail and that the proportion of road waling (currently 55%) be reduced.[2]