Walking Into The New Year

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

On Saturday 9th of December, the IRD Walking Group once again took to Mount Hillary to enjoy the 8km Father Murphy Loop. Meeting at 11am, we set off along the forestry track with one of our largest groups yet, with a leader in the front and another in the back. Everyone set off at their own pace enjoying the company and the beauty of Mount Hillary.

Following 2 days of rain, we were blessed to have a lovely bright and dry morning. The first bit of this walk is always the hardest; while the ground underfoot is good and firm there is a long incline. Just after the long uphill stretch there is a lovely gap in the trees,

some of us took a breather and admired the view. After this its mostly downhill, and the views get better as the trees clear giving you views towards the Banteer side of the hill.

We arrived back to the carpark just in time, the heavens opened and for the first time that morning it poured. There were a few who stayed sheltering under an open boot to enjoy the well-deserved hot cuppa and chocolate biscuits!

For anyone who is interested in joining future walks keep an eye on the website and for anyone who loves making New Year’s resolutions, maybe you could think about adding one or two walking ones to your list –here are 5 suggestions below:

• Get out! Get out and have a brisk walk for 10 minutes at lunch or after work. Even a short 10 minute walk does wonders for you physical and mental health!

• Join a walking group. There are walking groups popping up all over Cork now, they are a great way to meet new people but also to motivate yourself to actually get out the door during the day.

• Walk a long-distance trail. We have the love Duhallow Way locally, but there are many others around the country, you can find them all on the National Trails Register. While this may seem intimidating, many of these trails can be walked in sections, so take a look and see if you are up for the challenge!

• Clean up. Pick up 1 piece of litter you see on each walk you go on. If one person sees you doing this it can also help start a chain reaction, be the change you want to see.

• Explore somewhere new. You don’t have to go far to explore a new place, around Duhallow we have a variety of trails you may not have walked before - you can find them on our website.