WALK THE GLENS
Winter/Spring Walks 06/07
Walking
Weekend Friday 8th June – Sunday 10th June 2007
The ‘Walk
the Glens’ group was initiated by Cushendall Development Group
in early 2002.
We have
a team of local people trained as volunteer walk leaders from Glenariffe,
Cushendall & Cushendun.
We hope
you take in a few of our walks and if there is any further information
you require please contact us. Otherwise we welcome feedback on the
walks and would appreciate any comments or suggestions you may have
on our programme.
There
are led walks on one Sunday in the month in and around Cushendun,
Cushendall & Glenariffe. The walks have been graded for
your convenience so it is easy to find the right walks for your level
of fitness.
GRADED
WALKS
LEVEL
1 WALKS The routes are mainly flat with some inclines.
There may be 2 or 3 steps or a short slope but no steep hills.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (ie 18 or over)
LEVEL
2 WALKS (Orra, Parkmore, Dieskirt/Grenaghan, Slieveanee, Parkmore/Cushendall.
These walks have moderate inclines and declines. Walking
boots are advisable as ground can be quite wet in places. Children
must be aged 16 or over.
BENEFITS
OF WALKING
Most of
us walk on a daily basis - but we don't normally think of it as exercise.
Current
research shows that if the amount walked is increased, and the walking
pace is fast enough for each individual to raise their heart rate,
but still be comfortable and allow conversation while walking, there
can be very positive gains. These could be in fitness, stamina, suppleness
of movement and sometimes weight loss.
The time
involved in walking to gain health benefits need not be great. Just
thirty minutes a day, on a regular basis, can have very noticeable
effects
WHY
WALK?
-You
will feel good for doing it
-Protection
from Coronary Heart Disease & Stroke
-Reduces
blood pressure & heart rate
-Reduces
effects of Osteoporosis
-Reduces
risk of Bowel Cancer
-Helps
prevent Diabetes
-Increase
stamina, strength, flexibility & mobility
-Decreases
fatigue, mild anxiety, depression & stress related conditions
-Relaxation
-Fun
& Enjoyment
This programme of led walks will hopefully encourage
individuals to take up walking given the obvious benefits that it
can bring.
All the Leaders have been undergone a Walk Leader
Training course. They are all also local volunteers who live in the
area.
INFORMATION
ABOUT THE WALKS
FOOTWEAR
For each
walk we recommend either dry, wet or walking boots:
Dry
shoes are flat lace ups.
Wet
shoes are sturdy, water resistant lace-ups shoes or walking boots.
Even gravel
paths can have puddles or muddy patches in winter so, if the weather
has been wet, please upgrade your shoes to the next level. For
example, if the route recommends dry shoes but it has been
raining recently, please wear wet shoes.
Please
do not wear slip-ons, open-toed shoes, sandals or shoes with heels.
Please note we may not let you take part in a walk if we feel your
shoes are unsuitable.
PATH
SURFACES
Surfaces
may be tarmac, gravel, stoney, sand or grass. Grass paths will
be muddy and possibly slippery after rain. Please don't choose
walks that are mostly on grass or sand if you have any problems with
your ankles knees, hips or back or are generally a bit unsteady on
your feet.
WEATHER
The walks
will take place (even in the rain) unless it is exceptionally wet
and icy.
Age
Limit
Level
3 walks are not suitable for children under 16 unless they
are experienced walkers. All children under 16 must be
accompanied by an adult.
No
Dogs Permitted On Any of the Walks
Follow
The Northern Ireland Country Code
- Respect the people who live And work in the
countryside
- Know where you are allowed to go
- Keep to paths across farmland
- Use gates and stiles to cross fences,hedges
and walls
- Leave gates as you find them
- Do not interfere with livestock, Machinery and
crops
- Keep dogs under control
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees
- Keep all water sources clean
- Take your litter home
- Guard against all risk of fire
- Make no unnecessary noise
- Respect other recreational users
- Take special care on country roads
- Consider your personal safety
LEVEL 2 WALK ROUTES
All
Walks start at 12.30pm
Sunday
19th November 06
| 3 hrs approx |
Orra |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Old
School, Mill Street, Cushendall
Track
and heather
Walk
boots
Moderate
inclines and declines |
Sunday
10th December 06
| 2.5 hrs
approx |
Parkmore |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Top
entrance to Glenariff Forest Park
Tarmac,
Grass and gravel
Wet
Shoes
Gentle
inclines and declines on some of the unfamiliar tracks in
the forest. |
Sunday
28th January 07
3 hrs approx |
Dieskirt to
Grenaghan |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Manor
Lodge Car Park, Glen Road, Glenariff
Rough
heather and boggy ground
Walking
Boots
Steep Inclines and
Declines |
Sunday
25th February 07
3
hrs approx |
Slieveanee |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Top
entrance to Glenariff Forest Park
Rough
heather and boggy ground
Walking
Boots
Moderate inclines
and declines |
Sunday
18 March 07
3 hrs approx |
Parkmore to Cushendall (without the
climb) Excellent views of Glenariffe & Red Bay |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Top Entrance
to Glenariff Forest Park
Rough heather and
boggy ground
Walking boots
Gentle
inclines and steep declines |
LEVEL 1WALK ROUTES
Monday
1st January 07
| 2
hrs approx |
Mystery
Walk
Make it your New
Year's Resolution to get out walking |
| Meet
at
Surface
Footwear
Gradient |
Old
School, Mill Street, Cushendall
Rough
heather and boggy ground
Walking
boots
Steep inclines and
declines |
MEETING
PLACES
OLD
SCHOOL HOUSE - CUSHENDALL
25 Mill
Street, Cushendall. This is the blue building opposite the library
in the centre of Cushendall. Meet at the Information board.
If there is any change to the walk there will be a notice on this
board. There is a free car park opposite and public toilets are located
in the car park.
MANOR
LODGE CAR PARK
Take turn
off on the Glenariffe Road which is signposted to Manor Lodge
TOP
ENTRANCE TO FOREST PARK -GLENARIFFE
Located
on the Glenariffe Road. Meet outside the top entrance. There
is a car park inside the entrance but there will be charge for parking
(there is also a lay-by on road). Toilets are available within the
Forest Park.
VILLAGE
CAR PARK - CUSHENDUN
This car
park is situated in the centre of Cushendun village beside the Village
Tea Room. There is no charge for parking. Public toilets are located
within walking distance from the car park. Meet at the Information
Board.
FOR
MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Orla Black
Health Walks Co-ordinator
Walk the Glens
C/o Old School House
25 Mill Street
Cushendall
BT44 0RR
Tel/Fax +44 (0)28 2177 1378
