Reaching Higher Heights 

Many books are available that include walks for County Clare.

There are many things to do in , but certainly one of the most popular is walking.  In this beautiful part of the world, you will have many options from which to choose.  Walks range from a simple hour stroll to a traditional Clare pub to a longer, more challenging hike lasting all day.

There are several important things to remember before setting out for a walk in Clare.  First, make sure you have the right kit.  Wear sturdy shoes with good soles and bring a raincoat, even if the sun is shining.  The weather can change quickly and nothing ruins a good walk more than arriving at your destination cold and wet.  Secondly, do not overestimate your ability.  If it has been a while since you have been on a ramble, start with an easy walk and build up from there.  Finally, and most importantly, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.  Mobile phone coverage can be spotty the higher up or further away from a town you go.

Now that you are all ready to walk, it’s time to choose which walk you wish to follow. Although it is certainly possible to buy a local map and plan your own walk, there are many options if you prefer someone else do the work for you.

Many books are available that include walks for County Clare. Most of them include walks through all of Ireland, so be aware before you buy one that the book may only include a few walks in this area. Additionally, many of the books are slanted to particular interests, especially plants or birds. If these are not the primary purpose for your walk, you may find the detailed descriptions of such things a bit tedious.

Your best bet is to go online and see what is available. There are dozens of sites that include walks throughout County Clare, but one excellent site is Shannon Region Trails. On this site, it is possible to do a very detailed search based on combinations of locations, category and difficulty. The walks are well described and each includes a detailed map that can be printed out or downloaded onto your smartphone.

Another good site is EveryTrail. Individuals log on and post walks they have completed. The walks range from half a mile to ninety, so you are sure to find one that suits. This site also sponsors a free app that you can download to your smartphone which covers the walks and the maps.

You may decide that you prefer to join a group of others or to have a guide lead you on a walk. Walking in a group or with a guide has several advantages. Besides being an excellent way to meet people, a walking club or guide will have planned the route for you and someone else will be reading the map. This gives you the opportunity to just follow the leader and enjoy the scenery. For a list of clubs and guides for County Clare walks, click onto the County Clare Travel Guide.

However you decide to walk, be safe and don’t forget your camera. At the end, be sure to top off some of those calories you have burned with a pint at a County Clare pub. You’ve earned it!