Visually impaired group take a walk on the blind side of Cork's paths

The Visually Impaired Walking Group make great strides as they pound Cork paths, writes Dan MacCarthy

HILLWALKING is a boom leisure activity in Ireland. New guide books appear every few months while there is no shortage of shops selling hiking gear and maps. Domestic hiking clubs seem to appear overnight and are located in nearly every big town. It is an activity that appeals to young and old, male and female and… abled and disabled.

In Cork, the Visually Impaired Walking Group under the auspices of the National Council for the Blind meets on the second Saturday of every month. While not taking on mountain challenges (yet) the walkers and guides explore many of the flatter routes in and around Cork city.