OUTDOORS Activity of the month – hillwalking

GATEWAY TO HEAVEN?Looking north from the Burrishoole loop in west Mayo to the Glendahurk Horseshoe in the Nephin Beg mountain range.

Moving to higher ground


Activities
Mick Kane

A huge number of tracks and trails have been developed throughout Mayo over the last few years, with many villages and towns having local marked ways and loop walks. These are a great way to get into walking and are suitable for all ages and abilities as well as being accessible throughout the year (in any weather!). However, many people want to push themselves a little further by taking to the hills. While hillwalking is generally higher level, requiring a different approach and certain skills, the rewards are immense.

Hillwalkers’ paradise
Hillwalking around Mayo is a fantastic way to engage in aerobic exercise whilst taking in the sheer beauty of the scenery around you. It gives you a great cardiovascular workout and burns body fat arguably as well as jogging does. Aside from increasing your fitness levels,  studies have also shown that hillwalking can even reduce stress and boost the immune system.
Mayo has an abundance of top class  hill/mountain walks within easy reach for the enthusiast. Among the most well known are Croagh Patrick, Nephin and Mweelrea but there are also the spectacular peaks of Knockmore on Clare Island and Slievemore on Achill. Achill also boasts the highest sea cliffs in Europe on the west side of Croaghaun mountain. We are so lucky here in Mayo to have high coastal mountains. The Atlantic views are breathtaking, an added bonus for any walker, who is also being treated to lakes, rivers, bogs and wildlife.
Walkers from all over the world come to Mayo and the west coast to enjoy the quiet, unspoiled landscape. And it’s understandable. Mayo’s mountains  are places of wilderness, of discovery. They’re places where you can take in great lungfulls of clean air that has travelled over nothing but sea for thousands of miles. Dramatic bastions of  beauty, they nevertheless offer those who walk them the calmness that comes from being close to nature.

Gear
Hillwalking is gaining in popularity and on any given Sunday walkers may be spotted on the hills around the county. It is a relatively cheap activity to get into but it is important to get good gear when starting out. Good waterproof rain gear – jacket and trousers – is very important and should be light and breathable if possible.
Proper hillwalking boots are essential for ankle support, dry feet and comfort. They may seem expensive, but if you mind them they should last for many years.  
Another necessary piece of equipment for walking in the hills is a good rucksack. You’ll need  it to carry food, water, spare clothes and a first-aid kit. Proper food and hydration are essential, as you can burn a lot of calories on a long walk. (It’s best to always let someone know of your planned route and when you expect to return.) Make sure your rucksack has proper back support and fits well. There are several excellent outdoor retailers in the county who will offer advice on what best equipment suits your needs.

Training
As with all adventure sports, it is essential to get proper training, especially in navigation and mountain skills, both to develop as a hillwalker and to know how to cope with poor weather conditions.
The Mountaineering Council of Ireland provide information on training courses and events on its website, www.mountaineering.ie. You should also consider joining a club. There are four well-established clubs in Mayo – their contact details are available at www.mayowalks.ie.
Hillwalkers must respect the land that they pass through. This is often private land or commonage, and the landowners’ rights must be respected. Gates should be closed if opened and ‘leave to trace’ principles applied. A guide to this approach – an excellent programme which is designed to promote responsible outdoor recreation – is available at www.leavenotraceireland.org, where you’ll also find details about upcoming awareness sessions for groups, as well as sessions for would-be trainers.

Mayo is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. From climbing mountains to diving under the ocean, it has everything on a world-class level. During this series of monthly articles, I hope to make local people more aware of what is available on their doorstep. So go on, get out there and try something new. There are excellent providers, outdoor centres and clubs offering these activities all year round within the county. The great outdoors is right here.

Mick Kane works for South West Mayo Development Company as Rural Recreation Officer. His job includes the development and promotion of water sports, adventure sports and walking and cycling trails throughout the county. He can be contacted at
living@mayonews.ie.