Just under an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Dublin lies the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park. The range covers much of the picturesque County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast, altogether totalling an area of just under 50,000 acres. Among the vast area are a number of locations worth visiting including the Lugnaquilla, Liffet Head Bog complexes as well as the historic Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve. Visitors will be sure to experience a variety of Irish wildlife, from deer to Peregrine Falcons.

The long winding mountainous roads prove a treat for any driver heading to Wicklow. Fast flowing streams zig-zag throughout the landscape, providing a number of opportunities for keen fishermen. The lakes at the bottom of the beautifully wooded valleys welcome the speeding steams and are an ideal place to crack open the picnic hamper.

With over one million visitors travelling from the Dublin to the National Park each year, there could be a worry for some about possible overcrowding but the vast open vistas in Wicklow make it seem as though there is nobody else there. There is an array of accommodation available Dublin Hotels are just over an hour away, many visitors to the Irish capital are tempted to spend some of their time in Wicklow’s magnificent scenery.

The Glendalough Valley has always been a must-see for people visiting the area, with the ancient monastic settlement of St. Kevin. While there are usually a fair number of tourists around in the summer, visiting out of season is often an option for those seeking some quality Irish tranquillity away from the coach-load of our American brethren. Even when the National Park is at its busiest, it is still just a short walk into the mountains for a seemingly different world altogether.

Those wanting to enjoy some activities for their groups or individually will be spoilt for choice with the complimentary services available, from field trips, nature walks, lectures as well as a number of worthwhile workshops. With these options available, it makes Wicklow a great resort for the whole family as well as being ideal for just Mum and Dad.

Glendalough: - The wicklow Way

What to Do on a Hill Adventure Holiday in Ireland
The hills of Ireland offer an exciting array of outdoor activities for people with all levels of experience from the enthusiastic amateur to the veteran extreme sports participant. Pastimes that are amply provided for in this area include:

• Hill Walking – hiking the slopes of Ireland’s hills offer visitors a unique perspective on a stunning landscape that is often said to come in “40 shades of green” The beauty of a hiking holiday in Ireland’s hills is that routes can be tailored to the skill level and stamina of a group meaning everyone can face their own personal challenge along the way, without fear of being left behind.
• Cycling – Many tours would include days with other activities and cycling is a very popular choice as it is a great way to get about in Ireland and suitable to most people. We also provide some mountain biking, horse riding.
• Rock Climbing – Ireland’s craggy mountain peaks and stony hill faces provide plenty of places to indulge in a spot of scaling – with instructors on offer in many areas to offer safe introductions to the sport for the as yet uninitiated.
• Abseiling – as the saying goes “what goes up must come down” so those trying their hand at mountaineering disciplines may wish to add a couple of descents to their itinerary as well.
• Canoeing and Kayaking – the rivers that cut through Irelands hill ranges offer a great environment for those who want to take to the water, see the spectacular surroundings in a whole new light as you glide along Eire’s waters under your own power.
• White Water Rafting – for those that prefer their on the water experience to come a little more adrenaline fuelled, the hills of Ireland offer a chance to try this more extreme way of navigating the waterways.

Best Hill Walking Holiday Destinations in Ireland
With so many hill-based holidays to choose from visitors may find it hard to pick a destination. Popular choices include Connemara, Wicklow, The West of Ireland, The sunny South East and Kerry. HilltopTreks are on offer in these areas offering instruction to groups, individuals and families to help them get the most out of their holiday.

Hill Adventures Great for Families
For those looking for an exciting experience to share with their family, the hills of Ireland really do have it all. Gentle walking trails offer a great opportunity to spend uninterrupted time with loved ones, while youngsters often show a great deal of enthusiasm for the sorts of activities on offer in the area. With accommodation options ranging from the family favourite of camping in the great outdoors to hostels or hotels, families travelling for a hill adventure holiday will be able to create a break their really suits their own tastes.

You can visit our Website http://www.hilltoptreks.ie to see what we have on offer for you.

Learn all the skills you need to enjoy the outdoors safely.This courses is the first part of the mountain skills course and recognised by BOS.(Bord Oiliúint Sléibhe, which is the Irish Mountain Training Board.

This course is designed to give you the skills and confidence to navigate correctly and keep safe in the great outdoors.

Whether you wish to do this course for your own personal enjoyment and knowledge, lead a walking group or a step towards a Walking Guide Qualification this is the course for you..

The Course is run by a qualified and recognised BOS Instructor Emily Mc Cullagh who has also numerous years experience on the hills herself.

This course will take place in the Wicklow Mountains over 2 days. Giving you the chance to put all the theory you will have gained into practice.

More more details visit Hilltoptreks website

The value of teaching map and compass is often overlooked. A common impression held by many is that it is dry and unappealing.
But, in reality, when taught correctly using a combination of exercises indoors and outdoors, map and compass can be one of the most enjoyable of all outdoor activities, generating excitement and enthusiasm.

Moreover, the importance of navigation knowledge can’t be overlooked. It is the most basic of all outdoor skills and has applications which carry over to every day life.

Suited to beginners:

You will be shown how to set a map.
What it is saying about the surrounding area.
Take a bearing from the map.
Practice a three-leg compass walk.

Meet: Powerscourt Arms Country House in Enniskerry 10am.

Room in the Hotel: 1- 2 hrs map reading and compass theory.

12:00 – 17:00: Guided Walk near by to put your theory into practice.
We will break up people into teams to assist each other.

N.B. It can get very cold when standing about reading a compass so wrap up well.

What extra you will need to bring.
OSI Map 56 Scale 1:50000
Compass (Silva Type 4 is best)
Map Case (Keep map dry)
Watch
Head Torch

Click here to book your place

Getting to Enniskerry from Dublin:

Transport is available from Dublin at no extra cost.

Drive: Take the N11 from Dublin going south and take the turn off after Bray for Enniskerry. (30 mins drive from city center)

Public Bus from Dublin: You can get to Enniskerry The 44 Public Bus which operates regularly from Dublin city center. – Cost €2.20

The walks are organised for like minded single people who enjoy the great outdoors and some fresh air. They also provide the ideal event for them to meet someone new, as walking can be an excellent, fun and informal way to meet new people.

About the Day:
Meeting @ 2pm in Fitzgerald’s Pub Avoca
The walk will be an easy type of 2 -3 hrs in length with a break for lunch that’s provided as we stop along the way. There will be plenty of stops and chances to take in the incredible scenery along the walk.

Afterwards we will return for an evening meal in Mickey Finns in Red Cross Co. Wicklow
with some live music and Irish dancing.

No previous walking experience is required.
All welcome.

Tickets cost: €65

Price Includes:

• Guided walk Avoca with qualified guide.
• Packed Lunch for walk.
• Evening Meal and some music in Mickey Finns.

Places are limited so book now to secure your place.

You can ring Terry on 087-7849599, e-mail: info@hilltoptreks.ie or visit http://www.hilltoptreks.ie/walk_dinner.htm for more information and booking

Although membership is not necessary for any of our walks, there are great benefits!

We at Hilltoptreks have just setup our new Hill Walking Club that you can join.

The group is about enjoying the outdoors, having fun, discovering new areas to walk in and meeting like minded people.

Annual Subscription: €60 or €45: For the over 50s, students or the unemployed.
There is a Special Rate for Groups of 4 or more.

Members get
• 12 monthly Guided Walks for members during the year.
• Free on other day walks organised by Hilltoptreks including Full Moon and Sunrise Walks.
• Insurance for the walks under our group policy.
• 10% discount on all walking events during the year including weekends away, our walking holidays, Photography walks and Yoga Walks.
• Transport from Dublin is available for most of the walks.
• You will also learn about skills for Hill Walking, map and compass reading, equipment and mountain safety.
• Great Discounts on equipment in Outdoor Retails Stores including Millets and the Great Outdoors.
• A Monthly Newsletter about upcoming walks and events.

Join Now for 2011 and get 14 months for the Price of 12
Click here to Download a Membership Form.
You can pay securely over the Internet using Paypal from our WebsiteOr send a chq or Postal Order made out to HilltopTreks Ltd
17 Dodder lawn. Dodder Valley park Firhouse D24

We will have an Introductory Walk on December 5th.
I look forward to meeting you out and about on the Hills.

Slan agus Beannacht,

Terry

The Full Moon Walk for Barnardos will be taken place on Saturday Oct 23rd
Each person will need to raise just €175 to participate.

Where: Lugnaquillia 925m (Leinster’s Highest Mountain) Co. Wicklow. (Strenuous, 6hrs, 13Km).
Meeting at: Fenton’s Pub in Donard @ 2:30pm.
We are also planning on having a BBQ before the walk.
All Welcome.
This will be a wonderful evening walk in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains starting at 3:00pm with plenty of light to guide us up. We can then have something to eat while enjoying the sunset from the summit before we make our descent back down under the light of the Full Moon.

What to bring for the walk.
• o Walking boots
• o Water
• o Head torch or handheld.
• o Warm top, gloves, hat.
• o Waterproofs (just in case)
• o Packed lunch, hot drink.
• o Back pack with spare warm top and socks in.

To participate in this Unique Event contact Barnardos:
Christchurch Square-,
Dublin 8.
T: (01) 453 0355
Cheap Call: 1850 222 300
F: (01) 453 0300
E: info@barnardos.ie

http://www.barnardos.ie/

Most of the group met up the night before at the Mountain Ventures Hostel near Donard in West Wicklow. Aaron had the fire lighting in the common room and we had an informal meeting with the group about the walk and what to expect, we also went through what they needed and offered out some spare gloves torches etc.

We then jumped on board the minibus and went down to Fenton’s for pint or two; we had to take it easy due to our very early start. I had the guitar along with me and played a few tunes while I enjoyed my pint. But we were all very good and left the pub at 11:30 to get back to get some sleep.

I felt I had just hit the pillow when my alarm start going off at 3:30am, I immediately hit the snooze button but realised I didn’t really have the time for this little luxury and got up and got my gear to together.

Some of the group were already up and about making some breakfast well tea and toast and packing all there bags, there was a lot of activity for that time of the morning. We left the hostel at 4am and met some more of the group at Fenton’ for 4:15am to begin the walk.

It was pitched dark that hour of the morning and we had our head torches to guide us. We very soon started our ascent of Camara Hill which is the toughest part of this walk and it was soon very clear that a few would be taking there time getting up. The group were in great spirits though and made the walk that much easier.

Aaron led the main group while I took my time with some people encouraging them along. Once they got onto the top of Camara Hill the trail flattens out and they knew that would make it the rest of the way.

It started to get a little brighter now and you could make out the mist sitting over a few of the wooded areas below and the Irish sea out in front of us.

We then came to the summit of Lug just in time for the sunrise, it was a little misty but the sun came up like a giant bright orange ball, which brightened the whole landscape.

We enjoyed some hot drinks and some sunrise cake which Sue from the Mountain Ventures made for us. It wasn’t long before we started to feel the cold of the morning so we took plenty of snaps and then made our return trip.

We came back down the way we came up but now we could see everything in the morning light and were very at just how far we had covered in the dark. The views from Lug are spectacular this hour of the morning and being the highest point in Wicklow we could see for miles about us.

We eventually got down for 9:30 and it was quite an achievement to have the highest mountain in Leinster walked before breakfast.
We returned to the hostel to enjoy a great Irish breakfast and a hot cup of tea.

All in all it was a great adventure and a fantastic group that Im sure won’t forget this walk for a long time.

Terry – HilltopTreks.ie

Web: http://www.Hilltoptreks.ie