People are being encouraged to walk off the festive excesses by making use of Coillte’s extensive forest parks and trail networks across Galway this Christmas.
The area is home to 15 walking trails, 150 recreation sites, 12 forest parks and five Coillte mountain bike trails, meaning there is something for everybody to enjoy whether you’re interested in walking, hiking, horse riding or nature watching.
Coillte Forest Parks offer a wonderful array of facilities including children’s playgrounds, marked walking and cycling trails alongside scenic woodlands. They are ideal places to take the family on a ramble, spot some nature, and get some fresh air into the lungs over the holiday season.
Coillte Head of Recreation, Bill Murphy says whether you're planning a relaxing day out, or looking for somewhere pleasant to walk off the Christmas pudding, forests are great places to explore by foot or by bike. “At this time of year, wooded areas can be quite magical. We hope the public will take advantage of the great outdoors over the festive season, explore native wildlife and enjoy some of Coillte’s many recreation sites around the county.”
Bill Murphy is advising people to enjoy the experience but to dress appropriately for the elements, “Don’t forget to wrap up warm and be prepared for the cold. Bring a warm drink and a snack and let someone know where you are going.”
For full information on tracks, trails, forest parks and recreational sites located nearby, as well as information on wheelchair and buggy accessibility, see www.coillteoutdoors.ie