WALK FOR WELL-BEING: Walking groups from all over Kerry pictured in Ballyseedy Woods at the launch of Kerry's Well-being Walks. Front row from left: Eithne Garvey (Dingle Hillwalking Club), Maurice Reen (Sliabh Luachra Hillwalking Club), Mary Pattwell and John Linehan, (Ballymac Glenageenty Ramblers). Back row from left: Mary B. Clifford (Laune Mountaineering Club), Noel O' Neill (Dingle Hillwalking Club), Askea Calnan (Community Walking Programme Facilitator), Mícheál MacGuidhir (Dingle Hillwalking Club), Bridget Moriarty (Laune Mountaineering Club). Photo: Pauline Dennigan

After months of lockdown and with the reopening of the county, Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership is delighted to announce a new walking initiative called 'Kerry’s Well-being Walks', as a continuation of Kerry County Council’s 'In this Together Kerry' campaign.

Previous campaign elements included the 'Kerry Step Challenge', 'In the Bag' and 'Let’s Get Kerry Cycling' initiatives.

Kerry’s Well-being Walks are commencing week beginning July 13 and will continue for six weeks. This is an invitation for people within and beyond the local communities, to join the walking clubs for a series of low-level trail walks, which are suitable for all fitness levels. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who would like to socialise and extend one’s social circle by meeting new people and getting active while being outdoors in nature.

The walks will take place in the Ballymacelligott, Dingle, Killorglin and Sliabh Luachra geographical areas courtesy of the Dingle Hillwalking Club, Ballymac-Glanageenty Ramblers, Laune Mountaineering Club and Sliabh Luachra Hillwalking Club.

“This programme is only possible because of the generous time given by representatives of our local hill walking clubs," Askea Calnan, the Community Walking Programme Facilitator, said. "It is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people in the community and perhaps even begin a new adventure.”
"While walking with the clubs social distancing will always be maintained and need to mindful and respectful of the requests of the walking leaders. We are not quite there yet but in this together we’ll get through."

Anyone interested in joining the walks, all information can be found on our website, www.getkerrywalking.ie; and Facebook page: Get Kerry Walking. The cost is €10 plus a small service fee for all six walks. This programme fee includes a neck buff and will aid in rolling out and expanding this initiative across our county. It’s important that one must pre-register as groups sizes are restricted to 15 participants in each location, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment.