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The West Wicklow Walking Festival
"Keep close to Nature's heart… and break
clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week
in the woods". Wash your spirit clean.
John Muir, Naturalist, Writer, Conservationist.
For information on future walking festivals please visit www.visitwicklow.ie.
 Do
you want something active, a memorable experience, leaving you invigorated
and excited by the natural world we live in? Escape to the serenity
and wilderness beauty of 'Wild Wicklow', surround yourself with
tranquil forests, have fun and meet people, gather your thoughts,
or just pinecones. Spring wildflowers, walking and wildlife, the
spirit of the hills and wild places.
The festival provides a range of guided trail, nature, special
interests and mountain walks as well as fun for the whole family
and even a chance to sample a new and exciting adventure activity.
In the evening join fellow walkers as they take to the dance
floor to enjoy a traditional Irish Ceili or listen to Irish music
and song. Based upon the fact that "Bealtaine" (Irish
for the month of May and meaning "The Fire of the God"
Baal) is traditionally the season of fertility, with the rising
of sap in trees and specially marked by the druids, priests and
priestesses of Celtic lore, we will open the walking festival on
the Friday night with a spectacular Celtic ceremony.
 Join
us to share the experience of walking in nature, to return home
feeling alive, alert and an enhanced connection with the natural
world.
The walking festival will be hosted by Kippure Walking Centre,
which is part of Kippure Estate. Kippure is a very special place,
perfectly located in an area of wild, natural beauty in the northwest
of County Wicklow. Hidden away in a magnificent valley, surrounded
by unspoilt mountain, moorland and forest scenery, it adjoins the
Wicklow Mountains National Park. Yet, despite its rural setting,
it is less than an hour from Dublin City, Dublin Airport and major
ferry ports.
Equipment
It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that they
are suitably equipped for all walks. As the weather in Ireland can
be very changeable, we strongly suggest that you bring the following
essential items:
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Rule No.
1: Wear sturdy walking boots with good ankle support! The
risks associated with hillwalking are increased significantly
if you don't have proper walking boots, so our policy is to
insist that walkers have boots. Anyone wearing runners/trainers
will not be allowed to participate on any walk. |
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Wind
and waterproof breathable jacket and trousers. Gaiters may be
useful too. |
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A rucksack
with the following content: hat and gloves, spare clothes (fleece
or sweater, socks, hat, gloves etc.), a lunch pack, hot and
cold drink, a whistle, personal items and, if required, medication.
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A torch
incl. spare batteries is required for all taking part in the
night walk on Friday night as well as the 'West Wicklow Challenge'
walk on Saturday. |
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Onsite Services
Facilities and services provided by Kippure Estate throughout
the festival include:
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Packed lunches and refreshments
for sale. |
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Bar will be open from 5.00
p.m. |
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Meals for sale after
the walks. |
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Secure off-road car parking. |
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For further information on County Wicklow and
its many attractions,
please visit: www.visitwicklow.ie.
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