Hiking Articles & Information | Outdoor Adventure Store

One New Year’s resolution for 2019 – Go outdoors!

Resolve to spend more time in the Great Outdoors in 2019

This is one New Year’s resolution that will surpass all others. One New Year’s resolution that will make all the others seem like redundant wishes. Here is one resolution that is achievable, fun and covers all bases.

The most popular New Year resolutions include: getting more exercise, eating healthier, sleeping better and learning new skills. Most of these good intentions dissolve into unfulfilled good intentions by the time spring time comes around. Not this year! The resolve to enjoy this amazing country from the top of that hill, from the water’s edge or from the gentle beauty of a wooded forests, will tick all those boxes without you even noticing! (Too much!).

All weather walking

Your foray into the big wild adventurous world doesn’t mean taking a 20 mile trek into the wilderness Bear Gryllis style. A gentle walk around the local lake or forest trail is enough to get the heart rate pumping and the adrenalin flowing. It is worth noting that, as you walk, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain and improve your mood. If you happen to be passing some of the most beautiful views in the world at the same time, well, that is just a win-win bonus! Walking also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are clever brain chemicals and neurotransmitters that influence mood in a positive way. No wonder walkers are always smiling as you pass them.

Wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear for the terrain you choose. Get good wet weather gear so you are not stuck home on ‘soft Irish days’ and in the words of that eponymous sports-wear company ‘Just do it’.

Check out some great walk suggestion here:

Cycling for fun

Cycling is on the increase in Ireland, both for recreational purposes and as a way of getting about for daily business. In Dublin, over 95,000 people are cycling every day. This represents a 50% increase in people using bikes over the last six years. At the same time, we are reliably informed by undisclosed sources that the number of stationery exercise bikes being used as clothes horses, being side-lined to the garage or resold on buy and sell sites, are on the increase. But let’s face it, bikes are more fun outside! When we consider the improvement in the quality of cycling gear, helmets and clothing, over the past few years it is little wonder that more people are pedalling about. The government investment in greenways and cycle lanes has made cycling a much safer family activity. Little wonder that there are more people out and about, freewheeling happily up and down Ireland’s lanes, byways and highways. Cycling festivals have started to gain popularity too and they offer a fun challenge to novice and expert cyclists while giving the chance to make new friends. Check out www.cyclingireland.ie for details and find yourself some great warm waterproof gear right here for guys & here for girls and pedal through the puddles without a care in the world.

Fresh Air

Your New Year Resolution to breathe fresh air does not need drastic actions on your part. No need to plan grand expeditions up Carrantouhill or off to Kilimanjaro (‘though both challenges sound awesome!). Simple daily acts will change your way of thinking. Bring your morning coffee into the garden or out on to the balcony. Enjoy the morning sky and nature waking up around you as a perfect start to the day. Spend lunchtimes in the park. On Sunday afternoons you can scoff smugly at the lines of cars parked at the beachfront watching the waves through the windscreen (What is that about??). Take hot chocolate out under the stars. Leave the car at home and walk to the post office.

Once you start enjoying the great outdoors a bit more all those other resolutions… sleeping better, eating better, getting fitter, learning new skills and feeling more positive…will slip right into place. Make 2019 the year of your very own Outdoor Adventures!

Happy New Year from all the staff at Outdoor Adventures Stores.

Hiking for Older people

Breathe easy.

This is not another patronising blog about senior citizens needing to take it easy on the trail. At Outdoor Adventure Store, we are well aware from customer feedback and our own experiences, that there is no statute of limitations on backpacking. Anyone who has been left gasping for breath, overtaken by sprightly seniors striding up mountain trails can attest to the fitness level of many in the older generation. It’s all about gaining and maintaining a level of fitness.

However, as our bodies age, we may find that we cannot do all the things we once did. This is also true when there are temporary fitness issues due to illness and injury. So, it really pays to be aware of our limitations while we enjoy the great outdoors

If you haven’t been hiking before and you plan to take it up as a retirement past-time, it is best to see your GP first, especially if you have any medical conditions. There are walks and hikes suitable for all levels, so once you get the green light health-wise, you can begin to have adventures. Just like anyone else, be sure you have the appropriate clothing and footwear.

Walking Poles

Common age-related problems often include the knees and legs. Many walkers complain of difficulties when descending hills or traversing rough ground. A good sturdy walking pole can steady the path and give support. They provide extra stability and can lower the amount of stress on your legs and knee joints by taking the weight onto the poles, through your arms. Feel free to have a chat with our helpful staff to ensure you get the best walking pole for your needs. The length of the poles should be adjusted to suit your height and the activity you are planning. Generally speaking, lengthen the poles for descents, and shorten them for ascents and the length for walking along flat or gently slopes should be around waist height.

Hydration

As we get older, our body water content decreases and the risk of dehydration increases. The consequences of not being hydrated enough also become more serious. It is really important to bring enough water with you on every trip. A bladder hydration system attached to your back pack can be very helpful its handy small drinking hose makes sipping water as you hike, much more convenient. If the weight of carrying water for the expedition is off-putting, you might consider some water purifying tablets, so that you may avail of the local water. Check out the many easy ways to bring enough liquids with you on your hike.

Be Prepared

Be sure you have a route planned with a distance that does not over extend you. This is true for backpackers of all ages. Take breaks and stop whenever you need to. Plan your journey with this in mind. Carry a comfortable backpack, suitable for your needs on the day. Wear good walking/hiking boots and a well fitted pair of socks. Make sure the phone is fully charged and that someone knows which route you are taking and your approximate return time.

Keeping the fitness level every day

Walk regularly, even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes a day. This will help keep your fitness level up and prepares you for longer rambles on the weekend. Good rain gear will make this much more possible in our climate.

Be realistic

As a form of physical exercise, hiking offers several benefits to the older enthusiast. Walking regularly reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, colon cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise. It burns between 180 and 266 calories every 30 minutes, a rate comparable to working out on a stair step machine or engaging in vigorous weight lifting.

But more importantly than any physical benefits, trekking in this wonderfully scenic county is uplifting, rewarding and good for your mental health. Stay young at heart, keep your heart healthy and get out and about in the wilds.

A guide to the perfectly packed rucksack

Before you take to the highways and byways for your grand adventure, you may be faced with one last dilemma. No, it’s not how to say goodbye to the dog nor is it anything to do with missing Mammy’s Sunday dinners. It concerns the growing pile of clothes, toiletries and equipment on the floor. How do you get all this stuff into one rucksack? The challenge is packing it all so that you are comfortable as you walk, so that you can find things easily and being efficient with space so that you won’t be leaving essentials behind. Yes, packing a rucksack is a skill.

Don’t panic! Here is a quick and easy guide to the perfectly packed.

The whole secret to the task is to evenly distribute the load evenly and in order of importance/ access.

The topple test – A properly packed pack can be tested by setting it down on a flat floor. If the bag falls to the left or right, then the weight is not distributed correctly, and the load will need adjusting. If the bag falls onto the front, then you have packed a bit top heavy and need to adjust the gear at the front of your bag or the load will drag you back as you walk. So weight distribution is very important when packing your bag, but bear in mind that the important and essential items need to be accessible. More about ‘the topple ‘later…

Before your big expedition, it is useful to practice the packing and to do it the same way every time. That way you know what fits and where everything is. Remember that you should not carry more than 25% of your own body weight, so dump some of the non-essentials now.

Start by packing the tent. It’s the biggest item so place it in vertically and near your back as this keeps the weight close and easier to manage. Slide the sleeping bag (snug in its waterproof case) beside the tent. Cooking items and bulkier stuff should be added next.

Place them to the front so you don’t have a pot handle sticking into your kidneys for the day. Clothes should be rolled and placed in the spaces between. Rolling is the best way to save space. Toiletries are next… Food items go to the top of the rucksack, alongside your first aid kit, waterproofs, hat and gloves and any other things which you may need in a hurry (toilet paper and sun cream!). If you are carrying liquid fuel, pop it in one of the side pockets, where it is less likely to spill on your gear and balance the weight with water bottles on the opposite side.

Now try the floor test. Once it passes the topple test, it is a good idea to trek around the room a bit and be sure that all is perfectly packed for your adventures.

A well-packed pack is something you don’t notice when admiring the astounding views and vistas of your adventure. A poorly packed one is very obvious to you and to your travelling companions.

A brief, but excellent, guide to Ireland’s Walking Festivals

Walking Festivals have become increasingly popular in Ireland for obvious reasons. The friendly banter amongst walkers, the organisers who can guide you on the tracks less travelled and experienced guides who have access to the best routes only being the beginning. Pair that with refreshments along the way and transport to the start of routes it can all add up to a perfect weekend activity.

Walking festivals cater for both the novice and experienced walker and often offer a graded choice of walks, from leisurely strolls to tough hikes. Let’s take a look at some of Ireland’s best walking festivals

Bravely kicking off the walking year is the February Dingle Walking Festival in Kerry. Get the weekend off to a jaunty start with a night walk on Friday 16^th February. A choice of a moderate or easy walk on both Saturday and Sunday bring the intrepid hikers through the Dingle Way. The promise of the amazing views of Skellig Rock, Ring Forts, stunning beaches and beautiful mountain views should be enough to keep the chill out and spirits high.

Spend St Patrick’s weekend in the hills of Donegal at the Ardara’s Walking Festival. The hills of Donegal can still be a bit nippy in March, but the hardy walkers up there are out in their droves for short, medium and strenuous walks in some of Ireland’s most amazing unspoilt scenery.

The Holey Soles walking club in Leitrim plan to spend the Easter weekend climbing in the beautiful Glenade Valley for The North Leitrim Glens 23^rd Hill Walking Festival. Registration is at Glencar Tea Shed and the fee of €10 – €25 includes transport to & from walk location, tea, coffee & scones at registration on both days. There is also the lure of home-made soup after Sunday’s walk. The views from the top of these amazing mountains are incredible.

The tenth anniversary of the Leenane Mountain Walking Festival takes place over the May Bank holiday. With a choice of guided walks led by qualified and experienced guides and aided by good humoured locals, witness some of Ireland’s most jaw-dropping scenery as you walk across the Mweelrea, Benbaun, Sheefry and Maumtrasna mountains. With the beautiful Killary harbour as a backdrop to the festivities it is no wonder that this is a very popular walking festival and enthusiasts are advised to book early.

Outdoor Carlow is a walking weekend organised by Tullow Mountaineering Club and The Blackstairs Ramblers Walking Club. The event offers a variety of guided walks throughout County Carlow in September. The proximity to Dublin makes this festival very inviting for many hikers.

If you fancy some longer guided walking days, walkinghikingireland.com have a number of self–guided and guided walking tours, including the Wicklow Walking Festival in October. ‘The Garden of Ireland’ is renowned worldwide for its scenic beauty and offers a variety of walking challenges – from woodlands and rolling hills to wild craggy mountain climbs making this festival extremely popular. Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken high raised ground in Ireland, approximately 50 km long by 40 km, covering almost the same area as that of Mont Blanc.

Walking Festivals are affordable and sociable and offer their support to local communities with a minimal impact to the environment. They are a wonderful way to enjoy the Irish countryside while improving your fitness levels. This is just a small sample of the many organised walks on offer.

There are more to see here: The Ireland Hill walking guide

Remember, it’s important to kit yourself out properly if you are new to walking and hiking. Check out our blog ‘Hiking Tips for Newbies‘, for advice on your essential hiking kit.

The Best Winter Hikes in Ireland

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.

Hiking Tips for Newbies

Ireland is one of the world’s top hot spots for outdoor pursuits such as hillwalking and hiking. None other than the prestigious National Geographic Magazine describes Ireland as providing world class walking and hiking opportunities. A wealth of easily accessible areas of natural beauty and scenic views, coupled with a temperate climate, make Ireland the perfect place for backpacking and exploring. It’s no wonder that rambling, hiking and hillwalking are fast becoming one of the top leisure activity pursuits across all ages of the population.

If you are a new recruit to the hiking scene, be assured that you are about to embark on a wonderful activity which is as enjoyable as it is beneficial. There are proven positive physical and psychological health benefits attributed to walking in nature. It is a natural high, which is likely to see you climbing and walking for years to come. A low cost pursuit which leaves you feeling tired but happy is hard to beat.

We are pleased to list some simple, sensible and essential advice for novice hikers. Just a few pointers to take on board, before you head to the hills.

Start Easy: Your first hike should not be the biggest challenge of the year. Nor should it be in the company of super fit hikers who will stride ahead and make you feel inadequate. Take it easy. Start with a gentle hike or an easy hill walk with companions who are near your own fitness level. There is a reason why most walking festivals have graded walks, A, B and C. Take it easy and stop to enjoy the view.

Good Footwear: Ditch the sandals and invest in a good stout pair of hiking boots. An investment in a decent pair of walking shoes will pay off as they become your trusty friends on the highways and byways of this beautiful country. Good shoes will provide grip, support ankles and absorb knocks and shocks. Many of the accidents which happen on mountains and hilly ground can be attributed to bad footwear. Talk to your supplier about ‘breaking in’ the new shoes to avoid blisters on the first long haul hike.

No Bad Weather, Just Unsuitable Clothing: Dress for the weather. You don’t need to spend a fortune on waterproof trousers and jackets and many stores have a range of good gear for starting off. It makes sense to buy lightweight in the summer and added layers for the more hardy summers and the wintry days.

Comfortable Backpack: The bag on your back should not chaff nor cause pain. Make sure your backpack can be adjusted to suit your body shape, with good lumbar pad, hip belt and shoulder straps. Check out some backpacks here>>

Go Lightly Through the World: You might be tempted to pack a huge amount of food, liquids and other stuff. People always think that they need stuff. However, experience will show you that high energy food, such as chocolate and energy bars, are wonderfully lightweight and are perfect for perking up the flagging spirit. On a one day hike, a sandwich, piece of fruit and a treat is all you will need. Water is essential. Make sure you are well hydrated at all times.

Don’t Get Lost: It happens. Avoid it happening to you and have a plan B, if it does. When starting out, a novice hiker would be wise to stay to the beaten track and trail. Plenty of good websites offer marked routes and trails. Pack a map and a compass and always make sure that your phone is charged to the max. Ireland offers much variety of terrain in the hills, mountains and coastlands, and simple trails are available in each county. Even on the frequently trodden routes, you can often be the only intrepid trekker’s onsite that day. You don’t need to go far from the road to find the wilderness.

Weather Wise: Be ready to cancel your plans if the day does not live up to the forecast. Be ready to turn back if the weather changes. Seasoned hikers can hike across snow, ice, sideways rain and intense heat but it really is not much fun for beginners. If the cloud cover is swirling round your feet or the pathways are swimming in mud and water, it might be time for that rain check. Met Eireann Forecasts

Have Fun: Decide whether you want to walk alone, with a partner or whether you want to check out local walking groups and organised walking festivals. The organised groups are great places to start off your walking career. Hiking and hillwalking is a not a walk in the park, but it does not have to be difficult. With some simple preparations and a lot of enthusiasm your fitness level will build quickly and the joy of the great outdoors will become the norm in your life. In no time at all you will be one of those annoying people posting fabulous social media pics from all kinds of inaccessible beauty spots.