Don’t let the winter keep you grounded, get out and about! Surprisingly, the winter can be the very best time to hike. A crisp, clear day, with firm ground and the slightest chance of snow can be amazingly uplifting. Of course, you need to wear sensible and suitable clothing. Pack some food and a thermos with a welcome hot drink and be aware of the reduced hours of daylight. Choose a well-worn route that can be completed within the hours available to you.
Here are a few suggested routes:
The Glendalough Lake Walk in Wicklow: The walk around this beautiful Co Wicklow lake is perfect for a chilly, sunny day as it is only 5.49 km, looped and sign posted. Beautiful scenery of the lake, hills, forests and mountains combine to make this a popular walking destination. Another charming walk nearby is The Avoca Forest Walk. This trail is twice the length of the Glendalough walk and of a more difficult level. Avoca itself is a beautiful village and an ideal place for a hot tea treat after the busy day of hiking.
For those who prefer to ramble far from the maddening crowd, it is advisable to choose a route far from the bigger cities. The Sliabh an Iarainn Loop in Co. Leitrim is about 5 km from Drumshanbo in the Iron Mountain and brings you through unspoilt, wild and quite demanding terrain, but it is definitely worth the effort. The advice from veteran hiker, Christopher Sommerville, is to “Climb the eastern flank from Aghnacashel Post Office skirting the grey cliffs and the beautifully hidden Mass Rock, to scramble up the crags. An exciting stretch of cliff-top, a slog up across heather and then the domed summit of Sliabh an Iarainn and the breath-taking view — 100 miles from Donegal to Sligo, Leitrim to the midlands” .
Not far North from here is the newly opened, Cuilcagh Mountain Trail which is open to the summit of the mountain from the car park at Legnabrocky, Co Fermanagh, just about 1 km from the road entrance to Marble Arch Caves. This hike is perfect for the winter walkers as the trail across the bog has been newly regenerated with a boardwalk protecting the rare blanket bog from erosion but making it easier to navigate the trail and access the mountain. On a good day, the views from here are stunning. Allow 4-6 hours for this particular walk.
Cork has plenty of choice for the hardy hiker, but one of the most exciting is the Esknamucky Walk in Glengarriff. This can be a bit challenging and is known locally as the High Walk. Steep and with impressive viewing points, it can be combined with the popular Waterfall Walk. (if the short distance of 9.8km is not enough to keep you in the zone)
Check the internet for the many trails and mountains that are still easily accessed in the shorter days of winter. From Errigal Mountain in Donegal to the Kerry Camino, there are a wide variety of outdoor trails to tempt you.
But no matter where you choose to walk this winter, there are a number of important things to bring with you:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Comfortable athletic leggings or trekking pants (not denim)
- Hiking socks
- Warm clothing plus spares
- Hat and gloves
- 1½ litres of water (or a hot drink in the winter)
- Food for the day
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (even in the winter sun)
- Rucksack of around 25-30 litres
- Walking poles (optional)
Waterproof jacket and pull up trousers: Cotton clothing is best under good rainwear. Your raingear will also act as a wind proof layer against the worst of the winter elements.
Good waterproof boots: It’s important to note that the walking shoe which you could rely on for the dry summer trekking may not be suitable for winter wear. It’s not just about comfort. It is also about safety. Good gripping soles are a must.
Water: Bring enough water to rehydrate, even if the rain is coming at you sideways and you have never felt so drenched, you need to be certain that your intake of fluids is kept up as you walk. A good guide is to bring 1 and an half litres of water for a full day.
Food: Bring good food. Some carbs, some fruit and chocolate.
Hat/Gloves and a spare fleece: To keep the shivers at bay.
Make sure your phone is fully charged, as it can be used to call assistance and to provide torch light if you need it.