The Walk the Line challenge is the DWMRT’s most significant fundraising event of the year. Last year it raised over ?38,000 for the team with the money being used to purchase a new Land Rover, call sign MR4, which proudly displays the Walk the Line logo.

Our team members come from a wide variety of backgrounds but have one objective in common – to save lives in wild and remote places. All proceeds from this year’s event will be used to provide vital equipment to support the work of the 40 volunteers on the team. An urgent task ahead of the team is to ensure the new vehicle is kitted out with all the necessary equipment to make it ready for its specialized role. The team is also in the process of modifying its other Land Rover, known as MR3, to make it capable of carrying a stretcher. This will greatly enhance the team?s capability to
extract injured people from remote areas quickly and safely. The success of the 2012 Walk the Line Challenge will ensure that these objectives can be achieved.

Taking place on the 23rd of June 2012 the event is a walk/run along the county boundary of the Dublin & Wicklow Mountains, starting near the Sally Gap and finishing at Larch Hill Scout Centre overlooking Dublin city. To fit in with the summer solstice the plan is that each participant would find themselves on a peak at sunrise.

The final route has been selected and confirmed (subject to permits from the National Park and Coillte). There are two options, a 20km
excursion for the novice walker who would like to support the Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team while experiencing the mountains at night
and a 30km hike for the more experienced folk who want to challenge themselves.

The registration fee is EUR25 per participant to secure a place on the event. Participants are also being asked to raise a further minimum of EUR75 sponsorship in order to participate bringing the total minimum sponsorship to EUR100. Both the 2011 and 2012 events have been proudly supported by the team’s main sponsor The Great Outdoors.

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Organisers hope to raise €100k for cancer research project

The annual Kerry Way Cancer Research walk in aid of Cork Cancer Research Centre was launched today by Breakthrough Cancer Research with the support of world renowned adventurer Pat Falvey and legendary Kerry footballer and sports pundit Pat Spillane.

Breakthrough Cancer Research, which is dedicated to fundraising for research into new treatments for cancers that currently have poor survival rates, is urging people to sign up for this annual event. The contribution made by walkers who will tackle the 71km Kerry Way route will go towards research projects at Cork Cancer Research Centre.

The event takes place from 20-22 July and will encompass three days of guided walks through the Kerry Way trails, where you will take in impressive mountain views, dramatic peaks and glens, wild moorlands, wooded paths and lakes. The walks include Molls Gap to Kenmare via Templenoe (22km), Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Kenmare via Black Valley and Galway’s Bridge (28km) and Cloonee Lake to Kenmare via Lough Inchiquin (20km) and promise to be a challenging and truly memorable experience for all, regardless of levels of fitness.

The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk has earned the support of many famous faces over the years including Sean Kelly, Dáithí Ó Sé, John McHenry, and Kevin Kehily, and this year Pat Falvey and Pat Spillane with lead the Kerry Way.

Adventurer Pat Falvey, who has been a supporter of the Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk for years, told us, “We hope to see a great turnout at this event in July. Cancer affects so many people, through their own journey or through someone they know. Taking on cancer is a daunting challenge which requires focus and determination, elements which are also needed for facing other challenges in life such as climbing Mount Everest or walking to the North or South Pole. However the greatest challenges cannot be achieved alone – it is the team supporting you that will help you get through. Just like the team of people that I work with to achieve what most would say as impossible, the Cork Cancer Research Centre provides focus and determination to the challenge of bringing new treatments to cancer patients. I’m delighted to be involved in this event and to lend my name and support as part of the fundraising efforts for cancer research, and to help combat cancer.”

Also commenting was legendary footballer Pat Spillane, “There are still too many people affected by cancer, including personal friends and family. The research this walk supports is the kind of cutting edge research that will change that. I am delighted to join the Kerry Way Walk for a second year to raise vital funds for Cork Cancer Research Centre who have helped so many already”.

Over the last 5 years, the 71km three day event raised in excess of €500,000 for cancer research trials. Supporters of the 2012 event have set an ambitious target of €100,000 which will go toward bringing Cork Cancer Research Centre’s five cancer treatments from the laboratory to clinical trial, with many more in preparation over the coming months..

If you would like to support The Kerry Way Walk or Breakthrough Cancer Research, lo-call 1890 998 998, visit www.kerrywaycancerwalk.ie , www.hopeliveshere.ie or see their Facebook page for further details.

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The Festival launch takes place on Friday June 1st in Aherlow House Hotel at 9pm. The special guest speaker will be Michael Fitzgerald, Chairman of South Tipperary County Council. Launch night enables you to meet your walking guides from the Galtee Walking Club and check out the 10 weekend walking routes with display stands and slide show to showcase the Glen of Aherlow.

All walks are graded and led by experienced guides, A and B Walks will take you on the high Galtees. The C walks for the casual walker will follow the national Loops on Slievenamuck giving the opportunity to enjoy the heritage and culture of the Glen. The Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival supports Lisvarrinane winners of the 2012 Foras na Gaeilge G TEAM competition on TG4 by hosting a Siúlóid le Gaeilge on Sunday June 3rd at 12.15pm

Enjoy the delights of the natural environment with mountains and lakes, fresh air, interaction with fellow walkers and fun & merriment with nightly entertainment. Courtesy bus available on the Saturday night, details available at registration.

Local tourism providers, who are part of the Walkers Welcome Initiative, are offering a superb attractive weekend deal for the Walking Festival in The Glen, with prices starting from €70 for 2 B&B and 1 Dinner. Details can be accessed on www.aherlow.com.

The Glen of Aherlow in Tipperary is now one of Irelands leading Walking Hubs, with all local tourism providers signed to a Walkers Welcome Charter to ensure a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Registration for all walks is at Moroney’s Bar, Lisvarrinane, Tipperary on the R663. For more information or Walking Festival brochure contact: Helen Morrissey at the Glen of Aherlow Fáilte Society, Tel: 062 56331 or mobile 086 8314443. Email: info@aherlow.com or on our web site at www.aherlow.com

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Dublin’s outdoor activities company – Wilderness Fitness is organizing its 1st Glenmalure Walking Festival in Glenmalure Co.Wicklow on 11th-13th May. The main purpose of this event is to introduce people to a great way to keep fit, as hill walking certainly is.

Over the 3 days of the festival they have organized 7 different types of walks so people of different fitness levels and walking experiences can take a part and enjoy it.

There will be challenging walks, moderate walks, easy/historic walks and even a Night Hike.

Prices are various and depend on the actual walk grade. It is €15 for easy/historic, moderate and Night Hike and €20 for challenging walks.

Along with the walking part Wilderness Fitness have organized two workshops – Digital Photography and Walking with a Sketchbook – an art workshop. For as little as €25 you can learn how to draw landscapes, nature, buildings or master your photographic skills.

In the evenings, after a long day of walking, what better way to relax than over a perfect pint and traditional music session provided by Glenmalure Lodge. Make sure to bring your own instrument and voice!

For more info please visit: www.wildernessfitness.ie or call 01 6606 442

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This is a 12 mile (19.1Km) Point-to-Point challenge. Starting on Bray Sea Front encompassing Bray Head, The Little Sugar & The Great Sugar Loaf. The course follows the esplanade towards the trail of Bray Head following a marked route to the top with an elevation of approx 206 meters. The route continues following Victoria’s trail through private land, crossing the R761 to enter Killruddery Farm through the Iron Gates at Windgates. Follow a marked course to the summit of the Little Sugar Loaf with an elevation of approx 342 metres. Road Section to start of Great Sugar Loaf. Descending Great Sugar Loaf with an elevation of approx 501 metres. Single track trail to access Quill Rd and follow this road to the Grounds of “The Glen View Hotel” to finish.

‘Adventure challenge’ surface types
Dirt Trails, Gravel roads, Open Field, Heather Paths, Shale Summits, Forest Fire Roads, Tarmac Roads

Adventure challenge’ Experiences
This is an Emotional Challenge with Amazing views. You will experience a wide range of emotions during this event but the sense of achievement upon finishing will be second to none. Individual Challenge “Did you run the complete Route?”

Adventure challenge’ Watch Out For!
Some of natures little creatures, squirrels, rabbits [hares] and a pheasant or two.
Views of Wicklow Mountains, Bray & Dublin City

So what is different?
This route is truly unique, with its mixture of sections from Road, Trail, Hill & Mountain, with a mix of steep inclines and daunting downhills that can be slippery in either direction. Single track sections, open track, and road sections.

This would be excellent training for those attempting the Gael Force, War and other such Adventure Races. Dirty Dozen Adventure Challenge is limited to 300 participants to ensure a unique event for those that cross the finish line at the GLENVIEW HOTEL. Earn the honour of being able to say that they completed “Dirty Dozen Adventure Challenge”.

There is cut off time of 3 Hours for the Great Sugar Loaf section.
(If you have not reached the Quill Road Extension (Kilmacanogue Flyover) within 3 Hours you will be directed to the alternative route along Quill Rd to the finish. Sweeper wagon available for those in need.

Prizes

Glenview Hotel
Mens Prizes
1st Prize 6 months Leisure Club Membership €295.00
2nd Prize 3 months Leisure Club Membership €150.00
3rd Prize Full Body Massage in the Haven €70.00
Ladies Prizes
1st Prize 6 months Leisure Club Membership €295.00
2nd Prize 3 months Leisure Club Membership €150.00
3rd Prize Full Body Massage in the Haven €70.00
NB: In addition, the Glenview Hotel would be delighted to offer a special membership rate for the Leisure Club for all participants of the Dirty Dozen 2011.

Martello Hotel
Spot Prizes of Meal vouchers from the Martello Hotel

AmphianKing
The Best of Running Gear from AmphianKing

Options

Option 1
€40.00 – T-shirt & “Pasta Party”
(This option Closes at 2 O’Clock 4 MAY)
Specifically designed T-shirt
Finish Line Pasta Party at the Glen View Hotel.
Transport back to Start (Bray) after finishing
3 Water stations, 1 Food station
Isotonic/water and well deserved Chocolate bar on passing the finish line
Bag Drop at start line to transport bags to the finish line for you to collect
Prizes for 123 Male & Female. Spot Prizes!
Race Insurance
Online booking fee included

Option 2
€32.50 – No T-shirt, No “Pasta Party”!
(This option Closes at 2 O’Clock 11 May)
Transport back to Start (Bray) after finishing
3 Water stations, 1 Food station
Isotonic/water and well deserved Chocolate bar on passing the finish line
Bag Drop at start line to transport bags to the finish line for you to collect
Prizes for 123 Male & Female. Spot Prizes!
Race Insurance
Online booking fee included

Option 3
€40.00 – On the Day Registeration
‘On the day’ registration will cost €40.00 (Will not included the T-shirt or the “Pasta Party”)
So don’t leave it until the last minute to register online and please remember that on-line registration will close on the Friday 11th of MAY at 2 O’clock.

Recommended Kit
Kit (Recommended)
Trail Runners or good pair of hill walking shoes
Light/small ruck sack
Bivvy Bag
First Aid Kit
Water/wind proof clothing, its Ireland.
Hat & Gloves the wind can cut through in parts
Whistle
Mobile phone
Food (Energy bars/gels) and hydration (Water/Carbohydrate drinks)

For more information, visit www.trailrunner.ie/events/dirty-dozen-adventure

With maps all around us and our list of all the walks we have done over the years at our side we sat down and studied the county. Variety is what we found. Varied views, outlooks and terrains should all be at the heart of any long distance route. People hike for many different reasons and I was insistent that this route should be interesting to the widest range possible.

After many thinks and rethinks, changes and arguments this is the way we came up with. In my opinion this is an exceptional route that is unchallenged in how different each day can be. From Maghera and gentle country roads to historic Carntogher and beyond on the first to the breathtaking summit and descent of Binevenagh on the second. The bird life on Lough Foyle on day three combined with a possible wild camp on the summit of Loughermore just keeps the quality coming. A easy final day of walking the Foreglen to somewhere with the history and culture of The Maiden City rounds the route off in style.

As you can see the way combines modern and ancient history, definitive geology, unique natural habitats and is abundant in both native and non-native wildlife. All these come together to not only make this a possible route of national importance but could yet be a defining route to the many visitors to this country. There is always hope!

The route – http://runkeeper.com/user/Nicky240675/route/431559

Full information for the route can also be found on the dedicated page on my blog – http://theantrimrambler.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/londonderry-way.html

The facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TheDerryWay

Other pages you may be interested in include:
My full blog – http://theantrimrambler.blogspot.co.uk/
The Antrim Rambler facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/TheAntrimRambler
Photos Of Ireland facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/PhotosOfIreland

If anyone has any ideas on how to promote the route or any suggestions of any kind please feel free. If there are any questions or queries either leave a comment on the blog or contact me on my facebook page mentioned above. For any of you that completes the route and wishes to send me trip reports or photos etc please do. With your agreement I will publish them on my blog and on the facebook page. I also intend to create a blog specifically for this route in the future so keep an eye out for that over the coming months.

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Enda hopes that the event will be a celebration of Irish Sport and in making the pilgrimage up the famous Holy Mountain that it will also be a tribute to our Irish international Soccer Team before they head off to the European Championships! The leaders are inviting people from all walks of life to join with them in this tribute to our sporting heroes and to climb with them on April 28th. ,
“I’m sure a lot of Irish sports clubs will send people to Mayo, and perhaps even a few of our well-known sports stars will help out – though not any of the football team in case they turn an ankle,” said Enda. It’s a very appropriate time to do the climb, just before the Euro finals, and hopefully it’ll give the team a boost.”

The climb is due to commence at 12pm and all participants are encouraged to wear green! Both the Taoiseach and Giovanni Trapatonni are looking forward to the climb, looking at it as a pilgrimage for Irish success. “I am really looking forward to returning to Croagh Patrick,” said 73-year-old Trapatonni at Government Buildings,at the launch last Tuesday. “It is a very special place, and hopefully this visit will bring us some luck before we set off to EURO 2012 this summer.”

A crowd of over 2000 people is expected to participate in the event and a donation of €20 can be made on line when pre-registering or on the day. For more information see www.hospice.ie, call 0949388666 or find us on facebook at Enda’s Trek with Trap’s Green Army. All names from registration will automatically be entered into a draw to win a 2 night B&B Break in any Maldron Hotel throughout Ireland of their choice!
Special thanks to All in Design at the Map Store Castlebar for design and print work and to Berry’s Print Westport for providing signage for the event.

An account has been set up at Castlebar Credit Union for anyone wishing to make a donation: Account No 10541951 Sort Code 991093

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Bring all the family along to enjoy the landscape and embrace breathtaking views of the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as your guides lead you on your journey at a gentle pace. Starting from Slieve Gullion Forest Park Car Park, follow forest trails and mountain paths to the summit of Slieve Gullion whilst learning about the area as you walk.

The guided walk starts at 10am and is being organised by the Ring of Gullion Office as part of an ongoing series of events to encourage people to explore the Ring of Gullion.

Darren Rice, Ring of Gullion Officer said, “This ‘walk and talk’ style ramble will give the whole family an opportunity to learn about the Ring of Gullion and explore the great outdoors together.”

For further information or to book, please visit www.ringofgullion.org or contact Darren 028 3086 8900. Places are limited therefore pre-booking is essential.

For more information on other tours, attractions and places to eat and stay in South Armagh visit: www.ringofgullion.org, www.visitnewryandmourne.com, or www.south-armagh.com

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The concept was borne out of the organisers love for the great outdoors. As avid runners they have both spent years pounding the pavement and striding through the countryside. Now they are bringing the pleasure of trail running to the masses in Irelands first ever off-road trail Marathon.

Over the past 10 years tens of thousands of people have taken on the infamous Marathon jogging through the streets of major cities all over Ireland and the globe. Now is your chance to test yourself over the classic 26.2 mile distance but without an inch of tarmac in sight.

As well as a full marathon, there is also a half-marathon and a relay marathon.

If you don’t consider yourself a runner but enjoy a walk and are looking for a new challenge then perhaps the Madventure Trek is for you. This fully guided walk will take walkers around the 13.1 mile route so they can sample the challenges of the course and enjoy the stunning views but all at a nice slow pace.

Our experienced guides make sure you stay on course and will keep the pace steady to ensure everybody stays together and enjoys a good chat with your fellow walkers. This event is open to anybody over 16 and is expected to take 5-6 hours in total.

The Location
The Madventure Marathon will start and finish at the Ballycuggaran Forest car park (52.836166,-8.463514) which is 4km outside Killaloe, Co Clare on the R463.

Directions:
From the M7 motorway take Exit 27 in the direction of Killaloe/Ballina. In Ballina cross the bridge and turn right towards Scariff, parking for the event is located at the Twomilegate recreation park on the right side of the road 4km from Killaloe.
From Galway (West) take the N18 towards Limerick. Follow signs for Tulla/Scariff (R352) on the Ennis Bypass section of the dual carrigeway. In Tuamgraney/Scariff take a right turn for Killaloe (R463), after approx 10km you will see parking on the left, parking for the event is located at the Twomilegate recreation park.

For more details, see http://madventuremarathon.com/home
You can register online at http://madventuremarathon.com/home/?page_id=14
There will be no parking available in the forest on the day of the event. Please respect other motorist and take care when arriving and departing from the carpark it is on a very fast section of road. Do not leave any valuables in sight in your car.

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