Hill/Mountain Walking Beginner

Ziycon

Myself and my girlfriend are interested in starting hill/mountain walking but I'm unsure how to go about it, is there groups/clubs that regualerly organise them or is there a beginners course you can do?

Appericate any help.

Get boots, get a map of the area around Glendalough or some other place within driving distance of Dublin, and start walking!

It is that easy. I was thinking about it for ages, wondering would I join a club, what would I need, should I be fit etc. etc. and one day I just went for it and haven't looked back. Think boots, a compass and map (and some basic knowledge of how to use them, there are many tutorials online), a whistle/torch just in case, raingear, a change of clothes in the car and go for it. As you see what you like, you can acquire more and more, weather gear/gaiters, flasks, hydration packs, proper layered clothing, books on good walks etc. But would go in at the shallow end before incurring too much expense - for my first few walks I went in runners before spending any money, but was sticking to tracks then. Even still, lots of my gear is cheap, though have good boots.

Mickeroo

check out www.mountaineering.ie, there should be a list of clubs on there, clubs are a great way to get training and experience, if you find you really like it I would recommend doing a Mountain Skills course

Ziycon

Thanks for all the advice.:)

Alun

Agree 100% with the club idea. You can tap into years of experience of the local area from some of the more experienced members and find areas and routes that you'd never discover yourself just armed with a map or even some of the guide books.

muddy

www.wicklowwalks.com is probably also worth a look.