Tips for Walkers

The trails in our network have been devised with a view to making them accessible, easy to walk and an enjoyable experience. All trails have been assessed by Irish Sports Council – National Trails Office against the Management Standards for Recreational Trails.

We offer a variety of walks from coastal to mountain which should suit all walking abilities. Whether you are interested in a bracing hill walk or a leisurely stroll by the coast, there is something to suit all interests. Walking is a very sociable activity for the individual or family and we would encourage all to participate.

The majority of our trails are maintained on a voluntary basis so we would ask walkers to ensure that they leave the trails as they would like to find them, and if there is anything you would like to suggest by way of improvement or something which needs to be addressed, please let us know: [email protected]

Wexford Walking Trail wish you a very pleasant experience.

New To Walking?

Take note of the information on the walk you are about to follow. Click on the link of your chosen walk. Check on the duration of the walk and the grade. Check where the start location and end point are to ensure you arrive back where your transport is. Each trail is way marked, but some locations have a number of trails on offer. Therefore, when you arrive at the start of your chosen trail, make sure you take note which colour way mark you are following. Remember this as you go, as you could be given other options as you progress. Start with an easy grade walk and build up from there.

Thanks to www.irishtrails.ie for the following tips and advice:

Before you Go

Some pre-walk planning is always required to ensure an enjoyable and safe day out.
Choose a walk that is suitable for you. Allow plenty of time – at least 1 hour for every 4km, and add extra time for any uphill sections, rests, eating, taking photos, etc
Find out as much as you can about the walk and how to get there in advance by referring to member trails featured on this website??
Print off a downloadable map available study it and bring it or a hard copy map with you
Check the daily weather forecast, and be aware of dusk times as you should plan to finish the walk before then.
Plan and pack whatever you need for your walk in advance, including all necessary clothing, a snack, drink and camera.
If venturing on a moderate or higher grade walk, in addition to the above also bring a torch, whistle and extra clothing.

Footwear and Clothing Tips

Comfortable footwear and clothing is essential for walking:

Normal outdoor footwear, such as regular runners, are suitable for most multi-access and easy or short walks, and also walks in Coillte Forests. For moderate walks, strong walking shoes or walking boots should be worn. Essential for higher grade walks are strong walking boots that give your ankles support and keep your feet dry for at least most of the day.
In terms of clothing, loose light layers are recommended for walking.
A wicker layer is the layer worn close to your skin and is designed to take perspiration away from the skin to the outside of the garment, keeping you warm.
A light fleece and a waterproof jacket are also good items to have, and on wet days a waterproof over-pants is also useful. On colder days a warm hat and gloves help to keep you warm. In hot weather bring sunscreen and a sun-hat.
It can be useful to have a comfortable backpack to hold your gear when out walking.

Safety Advice

For your safety it is recommended that you never walk alone in isolated areas, and that you always let someone know where you are going and when you should be expected back.
Bring a mobile phone and make sure it is fully charged.
If you get lost, stay calm, look at what’s around you, think where you have walked and the last place you saw a waymarker or signpost. Study the map and try to work out your location. Look for alternative routes such as tracks or roads to get you back onto the correct trail and be prepared to retrace your steps.
If it is an emergency or accident assess the situation and work out a plan of action. If there is a casualty make him/her as warm and comfortable as possible. If the accident is serious, telephone the Mountain Rescue Service on 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue – (but only in a genuine emergency!)

A Walk Safely leaflet is available on www.irishtrails.ie or from Mountaineering Ireland at www.mountaineering.ie

Tips Re-printed by kind permission of the Irish Sports Council – National Trails Office

To Contact Mountain Rescue or the Coastguard telephone 999 or 112

Foraging Code

Basic common sense code can be applied to foraging and the collecting of wild food:

Only pick where specimens are abundant – If you can only find one or two specimens, leave them where they are.
Do not strip a site bare – Even where there is an abundance, make sure you only pick enough for your needs and leave more than you take.
Use a knife – Using a knife to cut specimens avoids excess damage to plants and inadvertent uprooting, increasing the likelihood that the plant will continue to grow and thrive after a little judicious pruning.
Grow it yourself – Most wild food plants, and even some fungi, are actually very easy to grow at home – in the allotment, garden or window box.
If you find a particular wild food that you like, learn how to cultivate it on your own bit of ‘land’ and leave the wild ones for the birds and bees.
Leave 1/3 for sustainability. 1/3 for wild life. 1/3 for foraging.
Warning ! Always make sure that you can identify the plant, mushroom, leaves etc., accurately. When in doubt Leave it out!
Seek expert advice if you are unsure.
Buy a good Field Guide to Wild Plants and Fungi.

Download: Benefits of Walking and Being Outdoors