The Trekkers are a walking club founded in the 1980s. We are based in the Glenageary area of Dublin and draw our membership mostly (but not exclusively) from the Blackrock to Bray area. We have approximately 100 members and welcome new people who love the outdoors and seek healthy exercise in the open air.
We walk every Saturday throughout the year. Walks are organised at A, B and C levels reflecting level of ability and difficulty of terrain and vary in duration from 4 to 8 hours. In addition we organise midweek walks, which are generally at an easier grade. Most of our walking is in the Dublin/Wicklow area but we also organise several trips per year to other walking areas of Ireland and abroad.
We hire a bus to bring us to our starting point for each walk and this leaves from Glenageary DART station every Saturday morning. The walk ends at a suitable hostelry where the bus collects us again. The use of a bus is sociable and also removes the worry of vandalism to cars which unfortunately has become a problem in mountain areas in recent years. (The current charge for the bus is €15).
The social aspect is very important to the Club and is a very popular feature for our members. We have a lively social programme with a number of events taking place throughout the year.
We have an active training regime and organise regular training courses in first aid and navigation. We also encourage members to participate in mountain skills and leadership programmes. We share walk leadership and encourage members to take on this responsibility.
In general we encourage new walkers to come on a number of preliminary hikes to assess their capabilities and equipment. Our walks are always conducted by an experienced leader.
To join us as a guest contact our secretary : Myles Duffy (087 906 43 91; trekkersecretary@gmail.com)
Membership is ultimately decided by the Committee, after a guest has been out on two or three walks and has shown a willingness to participate in the spirit of the club and follow the guidance of the leader on each walk.
The annual membership fee is €50.
Walks
We hold organised walks on Saturdays of each month, throughout the year. The schedule is published on this site under walks programme. Each walk is planned, organised and led by a team of three people.
Our walks are graded as follows, from the most difficult to the easiest:
- Grade A :- "Covers steep gradients, mountain tops and open hillside. The emphasis is on length and elevation. Normal time is six to eight hours, the distance 18 to 20 kms with a total climb of >800 mts."
- Grade B :- "This covers forest tracks, some open hillside but less mountain tops. The elevation in general would be less that "A" walks. Normal time is five to six hours with a distance of 15 to 18 kms. Total climb,500 to 800 mts."
- Grade C :- "This is confined to forest tracks and quiet roads. Gradients relatively gentle. Normal time is four to five hours with total climb up to 400 mts.
The club introduced a new walk recently called the Wednesday Walk. The walk is generally similar to the B or C walks as outlined earlier. Buses are not normally used.
Essential Equipment.
Guests who have not gone hill walking before, or who have not walked in the recent past, always commence with either a B or C grade walk. It is essential for each walker to ensure that they have the following as a minimum:
- Suitable boots. (Preferably leather with good ankle support)
- Warm Jacket and trousers (Not denim)
- Rainproof jacket (with hood) and over-trousers.
- Gloves and hat.
- Extra layer of clothing.
- Food and hot drink. (We generally have a break for lunch around 1pm and a 'banana' break at 11 on A and B walks)
- 1 Lt of water
- Head torch, walking poles and map.
- Suitable Rucksack to carry above (35 Lt min)
| Chairperson: | Shay Murran |
|---|---|
| Secretary: | Myles Duffy |
| Treasurer: | Jane Cochrane |
| Walks Co-ordinator: | Ita Lawton |
| Publicity Officer: | Emmet Oliver |