MAY 2008

Inishowen's Walking Week

There will be a series of guided walks over the next seven days for Donegal's Annual Walking week, and other events taking place throughout the county, several of which will be held at venues across Inishowen.

Donegal's Walking Officer, Jeremy Smith, suggests that walking, in all its forms, is becoming more and more popular among locals and visitors alike. Jeremy refers to a number of recent surveys which show that we are becoming increasingly inactive, a more and more sedentary society. However, more people are discovering that walking is one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to address this imbalance and keep ourselves healthy. "The World Heath organisation and indeed nationally through the Irish Heart Foundation suggest that we should target at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Regular physical activity is one of the main factors which help reduce your risk of heart attack. Exercise can also improve blood pressure and help reduce cholesterol., Being active is the one factor that you can influence and change yourself without medication or treatment and usually with very little cost."

One of the highlights of the week will be a one day conference in Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, next Tuesday 27th May. Speakers from all over the country will be on hand to share their expertise and tips for developing and promoting waking routes.

On Sunday at 2pm, Dessie McCallion will guide walkers through the wildlife conversation area at Inch level. The four mile walk, which should take about two hours at a gentle pace, is on a flat gravel surface and will be fully signposted along the Trady embankment to Farland point on Inch Island. Please note that no dogs are allowed on this walk. To register, phone 086 108 0095.

Another pleasant, and relatively undemanding walk, takes place on Monday afternoon, 26th May, along Buncrana's shore path, leaving Castle Bridge car park at 2pm. The path offers up some wonderful scenery along Lough Swilly and passes by sites of historic interest. There are good opportunities to view local wildlife. To register phone 087 1215516.

The third, and most challenging walk, is the Inishowen Head Loop, which will leave from Stroove beach car park on Thursday 29th May at 5pm. The 2.5 hour hike passes through some of the remote coastal countryside for which Inishowen is famous. The stunning scenery along the route includes views across the northern coast of Ireland and beyond to Scotland. To register phone 087 1215516.

According to Jeremy, many people take up walking to improve their physical fitness, but often stop when they don't see the results they expect. For this reason, Walking Matters are holding a number of 'Fit Walk' clinics across the country to coincide with walking Week.

Delivered by qualified instructors, the workshops will provide a mix of theory and practical sessions. Places are limited to 16 per clinic, which will be held in the Wesley Hall, Carndonagh on Tuesday 27th May, ring Mary McCallion on 086 3870625.

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