SLIGO WALKS TO SUIT EVERYONE
WITH last week’s Operation Transformation walk at Doorly Park, and ahead of next weekend’s Sligo Walking Festival, it’s great that so many people are getting out and about despite the harshness of the weather.
Snow can create problems, not just because of the cold and damp conditions, but also in relation to visibility, so exercise a degree of caution if you are heading out during the cold spell.
January can be a difficult month for people to get motivated, but with February just around the corner, there are several events coming up which should enable you to get out walking and to meet up with fellow walkers.
First up, a note about the upcoming Spring Walking Series, which is being organised and promoted by the excellent team at Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, in conjunction with some of the experienced walking community locally. In the coming weeks, a series of walks will be organised to suit all levels along Sligo’s waymarked routes.
While details are being sorted out in relation to the walks, times, etc., make a mental note that these walks are coming up, and we’ ll post the itinerary of each of the walks as they come to us.
There are a good number of Couch to 5K events taking place around the county. Aimed both at runners and walkers, these are great initiatives run by community groups with the aim to get people active, no matter what their levels of fitness.
Taking the first steps to becoming active are often the toughest ones, and for different reasons, these events might be the starting point for a new healthier you.
Because these events are community-driven, this means that you’ ll most likely end up in the company of friends and neighbours.
Already we have had several of these events being run, with more planned for the coming week. Tonight (Tuesday) 7.30pm at Ballinalack Community Park in Bunnanadden, a Ladies’ Couch to 5K will take place, and tomorrow there’s one in Skreen. Next Sunday South Sligo Athletic Club will organise one, and details on these and other locations can be found on the Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership website. You’ ll also find some contact details on their Facebook page, and because of the threat of inclement weather it’s advised you contact the local team before setting out, in case of cancellation.
In other news, local walking clubs have continued to head for the hills over the Winter.
The clubs have fostered a great sense of community, and for anyone looking to get involved with a group and to meet more friends, not to mention test yourself on longer walks, what better way than to become a member. I should mention that not all walks are long, there’s plenty to suit all levels of fitness.
Sligo Walking Club will take on the Sramore Loop next Saturday, and the East City Walking Club will also be out this week, you’ ll find the details on their Facebook page.
On Saturday too, Enniscrone Walking Club will do a hike up Devil’s Mother mountain, a demanding 5 hour walk near Leenane in Co. Mayo.
Some of the scenes from Jim Sheridan’s film ‘ The Field’ were shot here back in 1990, so if the weather lifts, the walkers should be able to enjoy some spectacular scenery.
And closer to home, the Sligo Walking Festival has plenty to attract the local and visitor over the coming weekend, including walks at Gleniff Horseshoe, Knocknarea and Queen Méabh’s Trail, also along the Sligo Way, and a night walk through Slish Wood.
Something for everyone, details on the website, and remember that registration is required to participate in the walks.