Hiking clubs - looking for advice

KyussBishop

I'm looking to get out and do hiking/hillwalking frequently over the summer, but my fitness level may not be great, so what is the best way for me to get started on this?

If I want to participate in e.g. 'intermediate' level hikes, without being a burden on others, how much preparation would I need etc. before I can build up to that?

I'll be completely new to this, so appreciate any other starting advice people may have; thanks

Tobias Greeshman

I know the Dublin Mountains Partnership has walks once or twice a month and they're decent walks. You could go on a few of these to build up a bit of walking in the hills experience. Looks like they've one the end of this month: here

I'd imagine most hill-walking clubs would take most people at any level, and even complete beginners. If you have a look on mountaineering ireland's website, it has a list of clubs

Road Bandit

Most Clubs would have some type of tiered / graded walking for sure, but it would be wise to get a few hill walks in yourself before singing up to one. If you are in Dublin try the handy (safe) stuff like three rock, Kilmashogue, Bray head or Glendalough first. It can be very difficult to determine hike fitness without trying yourself first.
Most newcomers to my hiking club have no problem walking along the flat its on a hill that they really struggle. The Dublin Mountains Partnership looks perfect added to that there will be plenty of rangers on hand to assist.
It usually takes about 8 frequent hikes to lift your fitness level up a level/grade.

Daithi2004

Here is a fitness programme that is on our club website that might be useful: http://homepage.eircom.net/~weebinnians/webpages/FitnessIntro.htm