A faster alternative to the classic loop-route is the 7-kilometre 3-4 hour route from the Head of the Gap up to Purple Mountain (and potentially Purple Mountain NE Top), and then retracing the path back down to the Head of the Gap. However, there is limited parking around the Head of the Gap area (), and the best climbing between Purple Mountain and Tomies North Top is omitted; an alternative is a jaunting-car from Kate Kearney's Cottage to the Head of the Gap, from which the 9-kilometre 4-5 hour remaining Gap of Dunloe Loop route is completed.