Clare Summit Steps Hillwalking Programme – Empowering Beginners to Conquer New Heights!
Overview:
In early 2025, Clare Sports Partnership (CSP), in collaboration with Clare Outdoor Club and Mountaineering Ireland, launched the Clare Summit Steps Hillwalking Programme—an eight-week initiative aimed at supporting individuals to improve their fitness, build mountain navigation skills, and connect with nature through guided hillwalking.
Programme Objectives
- Introduce participants to hillwalking in a safe and supportive environment
- Develop basic mountain navigation and safety awareness
- Improve physical fitness and mental well-being
- Build community and encourage long-term participation in outdoor activity
Programme Structure
- Start Date: Saturday, January 4th, 2025
- Duration: 8 consecutive weekends
- Participants: 13 individuals from diverse backgrounds and fitness levels
- Walk Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours per session
- Key Locations Hiked: Moylussa, Keeper Hill, and Galtee Mountains
- Support: Delivered by experienced leaders from Clare Outdoor Club, with excellent training and guidance and support from Mountaineering Ireland & Clare Sports Partnership.
Key Milestone
On Saturday, February 22nd, participants joined a larger group from Clare Outdoor Club and Mountaineering Ireland for a capstone hike in the Galtee Mountains, Co. Tipperary. Blessed with fine weather, the final session provided a celebratory and unifying experience, affirming the group’s growth and achievements.
Impact and Outcomes
- Physical Progress: Participants advanced from little or no physical activity to comfortably completing 10–15 km hikes
- Skill Development: Gained confidence in navigation and hiking on varied terrain
- Social Connection: Built friendships and integrated into a supportive hiking community
- Sustained Engagement: Several participants committed to continuing with Clare Outdoor Club and even planned future hikes, including a trip to Killarney
Participant Testimonials
Everything about this programme was well organised—from Clare Sports Partnership to the volunteers from Clare Outdoor Club and trainer Jim McHale. It couldn’t have been better. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will continue to hike with Clare Outdoor Club and I’m heading out with them in Killarney next weekend.
It was a brilliant programme. Would highly recommend it to someone. Thanks CSP for running this programme. I was very lucky to join it. I went from not walking or not being physically active to being able to hike 10 to 15km in eight weeks. It was great to meet new friends too. Thanks to Eilish, Brian, Connie and Jim.
Conclusion
The Clare Summit Steps Programme demonstrated the power of inclusive, well-supported outdoor initiatives to improve health, wellbeing, and social connection. By combining expert guidance with community support, the programme successfully transformed first-time hillwalkers into confident, motivated outdoor enthusiasts. It stands as a strong model for future initiatives aiming to promote physical activity and social engagement in the natural environment.