Spring Hiking Safety in Tipperary
Ahead of the Irish Red Cross Sunrise Summit Challenge in Tipperary, on Sunday April 30th, charity challenge guide Ronan Mullen from Adventure.ie offers five key tips for spring hiking safety.
With the long evenings and better weather now is the perfect time to get your walking boots on. Ireland boasts hundreds of tracks and trails suitable for all levels of fitness. Be sure to take necessary precautions before heading out to the hills this spring.
Check the forecast
Don’t be fooled by good weather in your locality. Always check a reliable weather source for the full day forecast in the area you plan to hike before you leave. Given the changeability of Irish weather, take a lightweight waterproof jacket even if sun is forecast for the day.
Know your limits
Start with shorter hikes if you are getting fit or new to hiking. There are countless health benefits to be gained from hitting the trail, but hitting it too hard can result in injury and ruin the enjoyment for you.
Research your planned routes
Consult a good old fashioned map or a reliable online source to check the distance and difficulty of your planned route. Planning ahead is important as you may come across an unexpected climb or river that you are not prepared or experienced for. Also, check if your planned route is a loop back to your starting point or does it end somewhere else. Remember to check if there is public transport available to get back to your car if your route is not a loop.
Bring your phone
Always carry a fully charged mobile phone, but keep it turned off to preserve battery. If something goes wrong you’ll need maximum battery. Pop it into a ziplock bag to keep it dry and carry it on you so it’s near to hand.
Bring a buddy
Hiking in groups is a fun way to explore Ireland’s mountain tracks and trails. It can also be safer than hiking alone. Organise to go with a group of friends or join up with a social group. Whether you hike alone or in a group, tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. If something goes wrong and they can’t contact you, they will know to send help.
The Irish Red Cross 2017 Sunrise Summit Challenge will take place on Sunday, 30th April at a choice of six mountain locations around Ireland. The charity night hike raises funds for communities affected by natural disasters and conflict worldwide and has routes available for most levels of fitness and experience.
For more information and to register for the Sunrise Summit Challenge visit www.redcross.ie/sunrisesummit
The six different Sunrise Summit Challenge mountain locations for participants to choose from are:
Carrauntoohil – Co. Kerry
Lugnaquilla – Co. Wicklow
Djouce – Co. Wicklow
Galtymore – Co. Tipperary
Mweelrea – Co. Mayo
Errigal – Co. Donegal
