WICKLOW WALKING FESTIVAL

Wicklow Walking Festival Takes to the Hills

Climb new heights at the Wicklow Walking Festival, 23rd – 26th October 2009

Get your hiking boots on for the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival, taking place this October Bank Holiday Weekend!

The four-day event is packed with a huge variety of walks, reflexology and aromatherapy workshops, dance sessions and more, all in the autumnal beauty of the Wicklow woodlands, hills and mountains.

The Festival, which will be based in the Brockagh Resource Centre in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, is the first of its kind to be held in the county since 2005. This year’s event is organised by Christopher and Teresa Stacey of Footfalls Walking Holidays.

Walks will be led by knowledgeable and experienced guides, and events include specialist walks such as, ‘My Rhythms’ Dancing and Walking, a photography walk, night walks and Nordic Walking.

As well as specialist walks, ten day walks varying from easy to strenuous will be held over the Bank Holiday. The walks will also provide a fantastic opportunity to spot some Wicklow wildlife, residing in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Christopher Stacey says, “The National Park plays host to most of Ireland’s native mammal species including large herds of silka and red/silks hybrid deer, foxes, badgers, hares and birds of prey – and hopefully we will get to see many of these during the Festival.”

Weary walkers can relax and enjoy a well-deserved pint with traditional music and song at the end of the day in local pubs. And if your feet aren’t too tired, try out your Irish dancing skills at the Céilí night on Saturday, 24th October in the Brockagh Centre, in aid of the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team.

Speaking about the event, Teresa and Christopher Stacey say, “Wicklow is home to the largest area of unbroken high ground in the country and covers almost the same area as that of Mont Blanc. The thousands of people who walk regularly in Wicklow know what a fantastic experience that is, with its spectacular scenery, mix of flora, fauna and wildlife, and of course, the variety of ever-changing terrain. We want many more people to enjoy Wicklow and thus we designed our Festival programme accordingly.”

This year’s Festival is great value, with affordability a key focus for the organisers. “We want this Festival to be accessible to everyone and are literally covering the costs of experienced walking leaders and insurance.”

For more details on the Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival and a full schedule of events log onto www.walkinghikingireland.com or call Christopher or Teresa on +353 (0)404 45152.

PROGRAMME

SPECIAL PACKAGES

You can choose from one of our special packages to arrange your whole walking weekend in one easy step.

2 Night Package
2 Nights B&B, 2 walks of your choice and entrance to the Ceili
Cost: €135 pps
Or book an hotel upgrade for €15 extra pps and stay in the Glendalough Hotel.
(only available for Saturday and Sunday night)

3 Night Package
3 Nights B&B, 3 walks of your choice and entrance to the Ceili
Cost: €195pps

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A SPECIAL PACKAGE



MULTIPLE DAY PASSES

You can also choose to get a multiple day pass.

2 Day Pass
2 Walks of your choice and entrance to the Ceili
Cost: €45 pp

3 Day Pass
3 Walks of your choice and entrance to the Ceili
Cost: €60 pp

4 Day Pass
4 Walks of your choice and entrance to the Ceili
Cost: €80 pp

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A MULTIPLE DAY PASS

DETAILED PROGRAMME


Friday


Night Hike B: Glendalough & the Spinc

Level: Moderate (12km - 500m ascent)
Registration: Glendalough Hotel at 7.30pm, departing at 8.00pm sharp.
Route: Leaving from the hotel the walk takes us into the valley of Glendalough, following part of the Wicklow Way. This passes the Lower Lake, rising upwards by Pollanass Waterfall into Lug Duff Forest. From here, we leave the Wicklow Way and join another trail that leads us onto the Spinc, from where we ascend onto Lugduff Mountain.
Our return journey back to Glendalough is again via the Wicklow Way.   
Important: All who partake in this walk must carry a torch/flashlight; failing to do so will eliminate you from participating in the walk.
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day


Night Hike C: Glendalough & Green Road

Level: Easy (8.5km - 330m ascent)
Registration: Glendalough Hotel at 8.00pm, depart 8.30pm sharp.
Route: Leaving from the hotel, the walk takes us into the valley of Glendasan and over the side of Camaderry Mountain towards the Upper Lake in Glendalough. From here we continue past Pollanass Waterfall, through Derrybawn Forest and down to join what is known locally as, the Green Road, which we will follow back to the hotel.
Important: All who partake in this walk must carry a torch/flashlight; failing to do so will eliminate you from participating in the walk.
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day


Saturday


Walk A: Lugnaquillia

Level: Strenuous (20km – 810m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 08.45am, depart centre at 09.15am.
From the Resource Centre you will be bussed to the beginning of your walk, which is in the valley of Glenmalure (Baravore Carpark).
Route: The walk follows an old military road up through the valley to Table Mountain. Turning left here the trail crosses Camenabologue (750m) and Cannow Mountain (712m) and onto Lugnaquillia (925m), the highest mountain in Leinster. The descent route takes us down via Carrigasleggaun Mountain (795m) to Kelly’s Lough. From here we join a trail that takes us into Clohernagh Forest, where we link up with the Wicklow Way trail to finish the day at the lively Glenmalure Lodge.
Cost:
€20 pp if you book online
€22 pp on the day  

Walk B: St. Kevin’s Way & Camaderry Mountain Area

Level: Moderate (18km – 620m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 09. 30am, depart centre at 10am.
Route: Commencing at the Brockagh Resource Centre, the walk follows part of the Wicklow Way, through Brockagh Forest and down into the valley of Glendalough. From here, we continue into the valley of Glendasan, where we join the St. Kevin’s Way trail that will guide us steadily up the valley to come out at the Wicklow Gap. Along the way, we will walk through some old disused led mines that operated until 1957. Past Lough Nahanagan, that supplies water to the hydro - electric power station of Turlough Hill.
Our trail takes us left from the Wicklow Gap on a surfaced road to Turlough Hill. Here we join the open mountainside and head east to the summit of Camaderry (698m). This will be our high point of the day and if the weather permits we will have panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Our home-ward journey takes us down the spur of Camaderry into the Vale of Glendalough and back to the centre in Laragh.     
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day

Walk C: Monastic Settlement & The Glendalough Lakes Area

Level: Easy to moderate (12.5km – 400m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 10am, depart centre at 10.30am.
Route: From the Centre at Laragh, we follow the Wicklow Way into the valley of Glendalough, where we will do a short tour of the 6th Century Monastic Settlement. From there, we continue into the valley of Glendasan, over the side of Camaderry Mountain and make a short descent to the lakes in Glendalough for lunch.
After lunch we continue our walk up by Pollanass Waterfall and into Lugduff and Derrybawn Forest, where we will follow a forest trail that will give us some spectacular views back over the valley, its two lakes, Monastic City and imposing Round Tower. We return via the Green Road to Glendalough and back to the Brockagh Resource Centre.
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day


Digital Photography Walk: Brockagh Forest & the Glendalough Valley Area

Level: Easy (5 Km - 150m)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre starts at 11.30 am
Details: Have you ever taken that magical picture and gone home only to find you have destroyed the whole moment by having the wrong setting on your camera, or only capturing half the picture, sure we have all done it!
Today is your chance to rectify and develop your photography skills by taking a walk with professional photographer, Tim Thornton.
Tim is a native of Co. Wicklow and has being a professional photographer for most of his working life; he is also a member SWPP “Society of Wedding and Portrait Photography“. Tim’s style of working with his clients is in a relaxed and friendly manner, to help you capture that magical image.  
“Helping you capture the memories of life”
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day

Walk C: Night Walk:

Level: Easy (8km – 150m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 7.30pm, depart centre at 7.45 pm.
Route: This is a very easy walk where we will hopefully get very close to some of Glendalough’s wild deer and goats, using our head torches and a poachers approach.
This will be rutting (mating) season, so we will be able to listen to the roar or the stags as they patrol there territorial boundaries, in an attempt to ward off marauding young stags.    
We will also visit the Glendalough Monastic City, some of the old churches and graveyard, scary ah!       
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day 


Other events for Saturday

My Rhythms Dance with Sherron St Clair

I have been dancing as a way to express myself, to work out issues that may be wrecking my head, (once I ground myself in my body, I can usually work the issue out through my movements), to keep fit, energize and of course have fun. Now I want to share this experience with you.
My rhythms dance, invites you to use the space as a way to allow your body to relax and unwind. To notice how well you breathe. You can use this space for your own movement, or to tap into your own creativity and spirit. Whatever you choose, this session is all about you and your dance. You may choose to use the time to be totally with your dance or you may wish to share your dance with others.
Details: Starts at the Brockagh Resource Centre at 11.45 am for 2.5 hours, followed by a short walk through Brockagh Forest (Optional). No walking boots required, just a light waterproof jacket and some water.
Cost: €15 pp book online now.


Saturday Night Ceili: Charity Night

Saturday night sees the Brockagh Resource Centre come alive, this time not with the sound of walking boots but with the beat of dancers as they move to the sounds of traditional Irish set dancing music.
Details: Dancing starts at 9.30pm, but for those of you who would like to have a few lessons before hand, come along at 8.30 pm and some of the dancing experts will endeavour to turn you into an expert before the main event!
The night is dedicated to the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team to help them raise badly need funds to go towards building a new base in the area for the team.
Cost: €10 pp. All money raised goes directly to the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team!


Sunday


Walk A: Wicklow Way

Level: Moderate to Strenuous (26km – 950m ascent)
You have the option to retire at 18Km point on this walk and be transported back to the Brockagh Resource Centre.
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 08.30 am, depart centre at 09.00am.
Route: Depart the Brockagh Centre by bus for Crone Forest Carpark, which is the starting point for our walk along the Wicklow Way. This was Ireland’s first way marked trail, pioneered by J.B. Malone back in the 1960s.
The way takes you through Crone Woods where you will have aerial views of the Powerscourt Waterfall and Estate. Onto the side of Djouce Mountain, here you will have the option to take a short diversion from the trail and climb to the summit of Djouce (725m).
Crossing Black Hill and down over Lough Tay, where you will have outstanding views over the Guinness Estate and adjacent countryside.
The final part of the trail takes you down to Oldbridge and across the side of Scarr Mountain, into the Glenmacnass Valley and back to the centre.
Cost:
€20 pp if you book online
€22 pp on the day

Walk B: Wicklow Way & Scarr Mountain

Level:  Moderate (16.5km – 690m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 09. 30am, depart centre at 10.00am.
Route: Depart the centre to follow the Wicklow Way through Brockagh Forest, over the Glenmacnass River, onto Paddock Hill and down to Oldbridge. From here we leave the Wicklow Way and follow an old country laneway that leads us onto the side of Scarr Mountain and eventually to the summit (641m). On a clear day the views from this point are simply breath-taking. You can enjoy views towards the Irish Sea, and back inland to our highest mountain, Lugnaquillia.
The return journey back home takes us down the spur to Paddock Hill, where we will re-join the Wicklow Way and follow it back to the centre.
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day

Walk C: Trooperstown Hill and the Two Glens

Level: Easy to moderate (12km – 490m ascent)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre at 10.00am, departing at 10.30am.
Route: From the Resource Centre, our walk takes us through the village of Laragh and into Ballard Forest and onto the town land of Ballard (Baile-ard), translated into English as 'High Town or Village'. This area was once densely populated prior to the Great Famine of 1845-1849 and clear evidence of the small fields and potato furrows can still be seen to this day. From here, our walk takes us onto Trooperstown Hill, where on a clear day it is possible to see almost all the peaks in the Wicklow Mountain range. And if luck is on our side, we can see as far away as the Snowdonia Mountains National Park in Wales.
Our way travels down through Trooperstown Forest, over the Avonmore River and onto the side of Paddock Hill, where we will join the Wicklow Way. This scenic trail will lead us to the valley of Glenmacnass and back to the Brockagh Centre.
Cost:
€18 pp if you book online
€20 pp on the day


Nordic Walk: Brockagh Forest & the Glendalough Valley Area

Level: Easy (Distance: 7 Km-150m ascents)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre starts at 11.30 am.
Details: Nordic Walking is one of the most sociable and effective exercise techniques around. From the social walker enjoying the outdoors with others, to the elite athlete needing sports specific cross training, Nordic Walking (or Nordic Running) is suitable for everyone.
Nordic Walking works your upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening your back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension - all this while improving the health of your heart and lungs. And you can gain all these health benefits and more, while Nordic Walking with your friends; exercise intensity is determined by upper body effort so people of differing fitness levels can walk and talk together, while working to their own level with Nordic Walking.
Trainer and guide for the day will be Michele Jameson from Roundwood.
Cost: €15 pp book online now.


Yoga Walk: the Glendalough Valley & Two Lakes

Level: Easy (Distance: 8 Km-150m ascents)
Registration: Brockagh Resource Centre starts at 11.30 am,
Details: Yoga asanas or postures, when practised with care and attention, exercise all the muscles, lubricate the joints, strengthen the bones and massage the tissues of the body. No other exercise routine is so comprehensive and therefore so beneficial to our overall well-being.
Everyone can do Yoga. Small children quite naturally adopt the postures, but we lose the ability to move freely as we grow up and spend long periods of time sitting behind desks, in cars and on sofas. Our ancestors worked with their bodies, we work with our minds which means that the intellectual centre becomes overactive while the physical body can be quite neglected. Sound familiar? Bad posture and/or slumping over work can cause pressure on the inner organs, causing sluggishness, congestion and malfunctioning.
When mind and body move out of balance, we start to suffer from stress. An over-active (racing) mind is one of the main causes of fatigue and illness. So many of us lack energy; Yoga can restore vital energy and leave one feeling calm, yet at the same time strong. One can take up Yoga at any age. Anyone from trendy teens to sprightly seniors benefit. Yoga is non-competitive -- all that is necessary is to work wholeheartedly to the best of one's ability.
Trainer and guide for the day will be, Hilde Eiselen from Yoga Tree Ireland.  
Cost: €15 pp book online now.


Other events for Sunday


Reflexology Workshop
Registration: Brokagh Resource Centre starts at 12.00 noon.
Details: It is said that every organ of the body is reflected in the feet and hands. By working these areas it is possible to promote greater health and well-being.  This workshop will explore the health benefits of Reflexology, a natural healing therapy. Reflexology relives tension and directs the free flow of energy throughout the body, activating the natural healing powers of recovery and promoting self healing. Reflexology can be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions eg. Stress, Sinus problems, Digestive problems and can bring about great relief to many painful conditions, such as arthritis.  Participants in this workshop will learn an effective stress-relieving and reviving foot or hand massage -especially important after a day in the hills.
Trainer for the workshop will be Wendy Clarke.
Cost: €15 pp book online now.



Indian Head Massage (10 minutes)
Registration: From 1pm onwards.
We will let you know your time slot. Please register 15 minutes before you appointment.
Details: Indian Head Massage a deeply relaxing shoulder, neck and head massage, is based on the ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) healing system.  It can prove to be a powerful preventive medicine and can help relieve the physical side-effects of stress, such as tension headaches, sinusitis, eye strain and stiff muscles. You can relax while you receive a massage for ten minutes.
Masseuse will be Martina O'Connell.
Cost: €10 pp book online now.



Aromatherapy Workshop
Registration: Brokagh Resource Centre starts at 1.30pm.
Details: Essential oils which are extracts from plants and herbs are used through massage to alleviate a wide variety of conditions. Especially effective for stress-related conditions.  This workshop will cover some of the most commonly used oils, and their practial application and usage in todays world.  Participants will learn how to blend their own oils, and apply through a wonderfully relaxing hand and arm (to elbow) massage. 
Trainer for the workshop will be Wendy Clarke.
Cost: €15 pp book online now.

MAKING A BOOKING

To book a special package, one or more walks or a workshop, please fill in our booking form.
Click here to go to the booking form.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Telephone: +353 (0)404 45152
E-mail: info@walkinghikingireland.com