Challenge Walk Calendar 2023
| CHALLENGE WALKS CALENDAR 2023 | ANY UPDATES RE COVID WILL BE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED |
| KNOWN WALKS DATES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE FORE! | |
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| MAUMTURKS CHALLENGE | |
| 1st April 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 25 km. Total Ascent: 2,300m | |
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The Maumturks Challenge Walk is one the strongest tests of endurance in the years calendar. It is for very experienced walkers only. The walk is organised by the NUIG Mountaineering Club, and takes place each Spring, usually during the month of April. It stretches from the foot of Corcogmore near Maam, all the way to Leenane over the length of the Maumturks. The route is known for rapidly changing weather and poor visibility so good navigation skills and appropriate equipment are absolutely essential. |
| SLIEVENAMUCK MARATHON | |
| 2nd April 2023 | |
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Organised by the Galtee Walking Club A walk that traverses a the beautiful Slievenamuck mountain ridge that wonderously gazes accross to the mighty Galtees. There is both a full and mini marathon on the day which covers road and track. This walk talks place on Palm Sunday each year. |
| KNOCKMEALDOWNS CROSSING | |
| 22nd April 2023 | FULL ROUTE DESCRIPTION |
| Distance: 29km. Total Ascent: 1,250m |
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Organised by the Peaks Mountaineering Club this walk traverses a most beautiful mountain ridge that traces the County boundary of Tipperary and Waterford whilst looking down on "The Vee" and other great vistas. |
| CAUSEWAY COAST CHALLENGE | |
| Sunday 30th April 2023 | |
| Distance : 30km | |
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Organised by The Bannside Rambling Club, the Walk starts and ends at Portballintrae - this walk follows a beautiful coastal route along the North Antrim Coast passing by the world famous Giant's Causeway. |
| BLACKSTAIRS WALK | |
| 20th May 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 31 km. Total Ascent: 1,700m. | GPX TRACK |
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The Blackstairs Walk is organised by the Wayfarers Association and this is their flagship event. It is a mountain walk along the Carlow, Wexford Border following the Blackstairs ridge. The walk begins at Killanure off the R746 from Bunclody to Kiltealy and ends in the village of Glynn. Self Navigating, yet a very well supported Challenge Walk. |
| THE LUG WALK | |
| 17th June 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 52 km. Total Ascent: 2,400m. | GPX TRACK |
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The Lug Walk usually takes place on a date as close to the longest day in the year as possible…. this is a long walk! Whilst the ascent within this walk is usually gradual, this is not the total of all pains as heavy bog, heavy mist and heavy hearts all play their part on a day that will always see some rain. The walk is however nicely divided into three parts, so if all else fails family and friends can help with re-supply. Water is provided at checkpoints which help to keep ones weight down. Held every consecutive year if the weather is good there will be wondrous views all day, if the weather is doubtful however, a long day’s intense navigation is sure to ensue. |
| TOM CREAN ENDURANCE WALK | |
| 17th June 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 31 km. Total Ascent: 1,750m. | GPX TRACK |
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A mighty challenge inspired by the mighty Tom Crean! Hosted by the Annascaul Hill and Roadwalking Club, County Kerry - The Tom Crean Endurance Challenge starts by besting the fantastic Mount Brandon and then on and up, and over, to traverse adjacent to the spectacular Coumanare Lakes before journey's end at Annascaul. |
| GALTEE CHALLENGE | |
| 24th June 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 31 km. Total Ascent: 1,700m. | GPX TRACK |
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Galtee Challenge This year will see the Challenge Walk only (Self Navigation). |
| COMERAGH CHALLENGE | |
| July 2023 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 45 km. Ascent: 2,000m. | GPX TRACK |
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A very popular walk in a lovely part of the country which has a number of variations to cater for walkers of differing abilities. It is organised by the Dungarvan Hillwalking Club. The starts in Clonmel and finishes in Kilgobinet, Dungarvan.
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| JOYCE COUNTRY CHALLENGE | |
| July 2023 | ROUTE DESCRIPTION |
| Distance: 30 km. Total Ascent: 1,936m. | |
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Organising Club : Lake District Hillwalking Club. A beautiful walk which takes the walker on a wondrous, delightful day consisting of mountain plateaus, arêtes, incredible views and a lovely “Lake Loop” and of course all the enchantment of Maumtrasna. The day has an "A", "B", "C" and "D" walk |
| MOURNE SEVEN SEVENS | |
| 12thugust 2023 | |
| Distance: 29 km. Total Ascent: 2,495m. | |
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A very popular Walk as proudly hosted by Lagan Valley Orienteers. The Mourne Seven Sevens Walk takes in, amongst others, the seven higher mountains of the Mourne Mountains. A route that consists of summiting Slieve Donard 850m first and then a route that heads towards The Silent Valley before its return to Newcastle. An “unsupported” walk but definitely a nice clean walk which for the most part follows well worn trails and stone tracks that in places trace the incredible Mourne Wall. |
| FEI SHEEHY CHALLENGE | |
| 11th, 12th and 13th August 2023 | |
| Distance: 95 km. Total Ascent: 4,200m. | |
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN A mighty Challenge over three days to cross the Galty, Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains. Organised by Na Sléibhte Hillwalking Club - There are three variations of walks over three great mountain ranges! . |
| MARATHON WALK WESTERN WAY | |
| August 2023 | |
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Distance: 42 km. Total Ascent: 258m. (Half-marathon option available) |
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Organising Club : Galway Walking Club A full day but with a gentle incline. |
| BURREN PEAKS WALKING FESTIVAL | |
| September 2023 | |
| WALKS FROM 4 - 8 hrs DURATION | |
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Organised by The Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club There is a choice of Grade A, B & C Guided walks which can enjoy this wonderfully rich limestone pavement...the land of the fertile rock with its precious and delicate terrain.. |
| GLOVER WALK | |
| September 2025? | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 21 km. Total Ascent: 2,100m. | GPX TRACK |
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The very popular Glover Highlander! Starting at Muckish Mountain and ending at Errigal Mountain, traversing eight peaks, this is always a tough day out - but wondrous vistas are to be had if the Hillwalker is fortunate enough. This walk is proudly hosted by the North West Mountaineering Club. |
| WALK NORTHERN IRELAND | |
| Throughout 2022 | |
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Multiple and varied range of walks for all levels of fitness. Enjoy spectacular scenery and views over unspoiled landscapes, open hillsides, marshy uplands, forest tracks and coastal paths in Northern Ireland. |
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............................................... ............................................... PREVIOUS CHALLENGE WALKS OF INTEREST ............................................... ............................................... |
| THE HIARDY ANNUALS CHALLENGE | |
| Last Held 2019 | |
| Distances: 10 - 22km. Total Ascent: 300 - 1000m | |
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Taking place in the beautiful vale of Glendalough, The Hardy Annuals is a sponsored Challenge Walk that aims to encourage present older walkers to continue walking and invite the new Walker . . . . no matter what your age!! On the Day there will be four options of Walk to choose from. . |
| THE HIGHWAYMAN CHALLENGE | |
| Last Held 2018 | |
| Distance: 30km. Total Ascent: 715m | |
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The Highwayman Challenge is a one day guided Hillwalking event and Half Marathon, following in the footsteps of the infamous Highwayman Willy "Brennan on the Moor" over the Knockmealdown Bandit Trails. This Walk is the perfect introduction to Challenge Walks in Ireland - The Highwayman Challenge is a guided Walk of 30km with an ascent of 715m. On the day there are "B" and "C" Walk options aswell. . |
| RING OF IMAAL MARATHON WALK | |
| Last held June 2016 | ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 38 km. Total Ascent: 1,800m. | GPX TRACK |
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Held every second year - the Ring of Imaal Marathon Walk is organised by An Óige Youth Hostelling Association and is 38kms long with a total ascent of 1800 metres approx. Taking an average of 10 - 12 hours to complete the walk starts at the National School in Donard. The walk requires a good level of fitness, although there are a number of possible “drop out” points. Walkers are required to lead themselves. |
| GALTYS 7 PEAKS CHALLENGE | |
| Last Held May 2015 | |
| Distances up to 42 km | |
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This walk is organised as part of the annual walking festival. A challenging walk,taking in Far Breaga, Greenane, Galtybeag, Galty Mor, Slievecusnabinnia, Carrignabinnia & Lyracappul. The Festival includes half marathon options and special interest walks throughout the Ballyhoura and Galtee ranges. |
| THE GALTYS WALK (GUS TOBIN MEMORIAL WALK) | |
| Last Held in 2014 | |
| Distance: 26 km. Total Ascent: 1,400m. | |
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Presented by the Tyndall MC and the Tullow MC - this is a fine walk traversing the Galtys and requiring a good level of fitness and navigational skills.Travelling from West to East, this is a substantial route on high ground so you should be adequately prepared and equipped. With six manned checkpoints, four of which are on hills, windy Galtymore will remove all cobwebs! |
| SPERRIN'S CHALLENGE WALK | |
| LAST HELD May 2011 | |
| Distance: 33km. Total Ascent: 1685m. | |
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Organised by The Mid-Ulster Walking Club. This Challenge Walk encompasses thirteen of the Sperrin's highest summits! |
| TWELVE BENS | |
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LAST HELD June 2007 |
ROUTECARD |
| Distance: 30 km. Total Ascent: 2,530m. | |
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A mighty walk hosted by Na Beanna Beola Walking Club. Last held in 2007 - starting in the Inagh Valley and traversing the The Twelve Pins all the way back to Letterfrack. |
| THE HART WALK | |
| Last Held 2007 | |
| Distance: 115 km. Total Ascent: 3,215m. | GPX TRACK |
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The origin of the Hart Walk was a fifty-guinea wager allegedly made in 1886 by the naturalist R. M. Barrington, that his good friend and fellow naturalist H. C. Hart could not walk from Terenure tram terminus to the summit of Lugnaquilla and back in under 24 hours. Lots of walking on hard road, lots of walking up steep hills, lots and lots and lots of mileage . . . What's not to love . . ? |
