If you are looking for something better then just another coach potato Sunday, then get the walking boots on and get out there for National Trails Day.
The event will be taking place nationwide this Sunday, October 3, and is a celebration of Ireland’s wonderful variety of trails and a chance for everyone to enjoy some of the beautiful countryside, forests, mountains, and lakes. National Trails Day 2010 is sponsored by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Coillte, the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, and the Countryside Activities and Access Network (NI ).
Last year’s event was very successful with about 120 events held across the country including bat walks, mountain bike cycles, guided canoe trips, family orienteering, ‘Leave No Trace’ hikes, trail conservation, heritage walks, and just plain walking. This year there is even more on offer and to find out what is happening near you or in other counties then log on to www.nationaltrailsday.ie for details.
There are many events happening around Galway and here are just some of them: The Suck Valley Way Walk and Talk consists of a 10km from Ballymoe to Glinsk viewing a beautiful scenic landscape, that includes country lanes, bog tracks, farm land, rivers, and lakes as well as history and wildlife. For more information contact Martin Dunne, Roscommon Integrated Development Company, on 087 2665951; The Inishbofin Island West End Loop Walk is a guided walk of the area giving stunning Atlantic views, island history, and folklore. Phone Murray Grant on 087 9811579; the inaugural walk of The Hymany Way is a 14km walk on the banks of the River Shannon, from Portumna town to historic Meelick. There is an option to walk 7km. Phone Eric Flaherty on 086 8725898; The Slieve Aughty Ramble is a eight to 10km uphill moorland walk on Slieve Aughties with views from the top of Loughrea and over to Clare. Contact Kevin Cunningham on 0863314607; and Mountain Bike for Fun is organised by the West Coast Wheelers Cycling Club. Try out the experience of mountain biking for both adults and children at Derroura, Oughterard, Co Galway. Phone Padraic Benson on 086 2581382 for more details. Other events include Clann, Sráidbhaile Lúb Chósta, and family orienteering/walk.
