Trail blazers: Walkers set to get out and about

MORE than 180 events are taking place throughout the country tomorrow to mark National Trails Day.

The annual celebration of the countryside is aimed at getting people of all ages and fitness levels outdoors and discovering trails in their locality.

It started off in 2008 with just 60 events here in the Republic and then doubled to 120 the following year when it became an all-Ireland phenomenon.

Events planned this year include canoe and kayaking, mountain biking, trail conservation work, nature and heritage walks, horse-riding on equestrian trails, family orienteering and family cycling.

The day is organised by the Department of Community, Equality, and Gaeltacht Affairs, Coillte, the National trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and Fáilte Ireland, together with the Countryside Access and Activities Network in Northern Ireland.

Coillte’s National Trails Day project manager, Daithí de Forge, said National Trails Day was set up to encourage people to come out and try an activity with a guide on the day.

“The day has now become well-established on the calendar and gives trail providers and local groups the opportunity to showcase great trails in their area and encourage those who may not have experience in the outdoors to come and try and event,” he said.

All events, are listed on www.nationaltrailsday.ie with information on who it is aimed at, the meeting point.

“Every event is free of charge and guided by a local expert or enthusiast to make sure you stay on the right path,” said Mrde Forge.

Here are some highlights this year:

nFamily orienteering at Coillte’s Farran Forest park in Co Cork led by world race walking silver medallist, Olive Loughnane, who won’t be walking at her usual blistering pace.

It is a fun event for all ages introducing the new permanent orienteering courses in the forest park.

- A coastal walk along Sheep’s Head, west Cork, that overlooks Dunmanus Bay and the wild Atlantic coast aimed at all grades of walkers and family groups.

- A wild mushroom hunt in Coillte’s Glengarra Forest in Co Tipperary. A ‘fun-ghi’ event led by a member of the Irish Mycological Society who will advise on what can be eaten and what is best avoided during a gentle stroll through a beautiful forested river valley near Burnport.

Mr de Forge said people really needed to get out and see the wonderful trails that have been preserved and developed around the country in recent years. “An enormous effort has been invested by local communities in Ireland’s trail network and we want to showcase what has been achieved,” he said.