HIKE & EXPLORE SKILLS SERIES

OVERVIEW

This summer starting at the end of June and continuing until the end of July (now end of August), every Wednesday evening (excludeing August 6th) we have our hike and explore skills series. Aimed at those looking to become a more confident and independent hillwalker. Throughout the series we will explore some of Wicklow's hills and woodlands while learning about these beautiful areas we travel through and the skills such as navigation, access information and leave no trace, required to become a more independent walker.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Week 9: Sunset Summit - Heart of Wicklow

When: 27th August 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Where: Tonelagee & the Love Heart Lake, Co. Wicklow
Difficulty: 6kms, 490m Ascent. Mountain trail open mountain side, rough underfoot conditions. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.

PAST EVENING DATES

Week 1: History of Glendalough - History Tour and Derrybawn Loop Walk

When: June 25th 7pm - 10pm
Where: Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.
Difficulty: 9kms, 300m Ascent. Track and Trail. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Easy.
Course Focus: Our first night gets us out and active, looking at movement and basic walking equipment. We will enjoy the Glendalough valley focusing on its history and our ancient connections to mountains.

Week 2: Flora, Fauna and Clara Vale Woodland and Valley Hike

When: 2nd July 7pm - 10pm
Where: Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
Difficulty: 9kms, 200m Ascent. Track and trail. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Easy.
Course Focus: Our second night brings us into the woodlands. We will look at lowland walking, trails and marked pathways while learning about the flora and fauna of our native woodlands and how to walk sustainably in these environments.

Week 3: Hike Skills: Equipment & Access & Climb Trooperstown Hill

When: 9th July 7pm - 10pm
Where: Laragh, Co. Wicklow.
Difficulty: 9kms, 330m Ascent. Track and trail, rocky in places. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.
Course Focus: Our third night will focus on stepping into rougher terrain. We will be looking at walking on uneven ground, what equipment we should be using and how to access mountain and hill areas safely.

Week 4: Introduction to Navigation & Climb Brockagh East Top

When: 16th July 7pm - 10pm
Where: Laragh, Co. Wicklow.
Difficulty: 9kms, 390m Ascent. Track, trail, open mountain side. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.
Course Focus: Our fourth night looks at basic navigation skills as we look at maps, how to read them and how to make simple navigation decisions, all while reaching the top of Brockagh East Top.

Week 5: Skill Development: Deeper Look at Navigation, Hiking Equipment & Summit Scarr Mountain

When: 23rd July 7pm - 10pm
Where: Glenmacnass Waterfall, Co. Wicklow. Graded: Moderate.
Difficulty: 6kms, 260m Ascent. Track, trail, open mountain side, rough underfoot conditions. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.
Course Focus: Our fifth night builds off of our introduction to navigation night. We will be looking at navigation again focusing on contour interpretations and placing ourselves in the landscape as we work together to reach the summit of Scarr. We will also look at safety in the mountains focusing on what to do in an emergency and important safety equipment to carry.

Week 6: Sunset Summit of Djouce Mountain; Head Torch and Walking at Night

When: 30th July 8pm - 11pm (Exact timings TBC)
Where: Lough Tay, Co. Wicklow.
Difficulty: 9kms, 330m Ascent. Track and trail. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.
Course Focus: On our last night we will hike to the summit of Djouce to enjoy the amazing 360 degree sunset views. Our focus will be on enjoying the views and building confidence in walking in low light and poor visibility.

Week 7: Sunset Summit - South Wicklow Mountains

When: 13th August 7pm - 10pm
Where: Croghan Kinshelegh, Co. Wicklow (Near Arklow).
Difficulty: 8kms, 300m Ascent. Track, trail, open hill side. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.

Week 8: Sunset Summit - North Wicklow Mountains

When: 20th August 7pm - 10pm
Where: The Great Sugar Loaf, Co. Wicklow
Difficulty: 7.5kms, 360m Ascent. Track, trail, rocky in places. Aimed at Beginners. Graded: Moderate.

PRICE & BOOKING OPTIONS

WALK INFORMATION

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Professional and qualified Mountain Leader.
First aid trained and certified leader to REC 3/ Wilderness First Aid 3 standard.
Fully insured activity and staff.
Information and insights into the upland flora and fauna.
Insights into local history and geology.
Fun, engaging and informative Mountain Leader.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Personal equipment as listed in the "required equipment" list.
Food and refreshments.
Transport.
Car parking fees.
Accommodation.
Personal accident insurance.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Hiking boots - It can be wet and boggy with off trail sections and open mountainside.
Clothing suitable for hiking/sport - Avoid cotton/ jeans etc.
Raingear - Waterproof jacket and leggings.
Water & Nutrition/Food/Snacks.
Extra layers such as a fleece jumper.
Hat & gloves.
SPF - even if it’s not sunny.
Bug spray - There can be midge and ticks from spring to autumn.
Any medications you may need.
Small rucksack to hold the above items.
Spare clothing such as socks/tops/bottoms/shoes for after the hike - you don’t need to carry these, leave them in the car for your return.
Trekking poles if you normally use them.

MEETING POINT

You will receive a Google Pin to the meeting location on booking/enquiry. On our regular walks a map is included below with the meeting location marked. Click "View on Google Maps" to get driving directions on your phone.