The spiritofChristmaswalking

Fit

The

Walking

indoor & outdoor activities supplement

Edited by Conor O’Hagan

The Spirit of Christmas Walking

It’s customary these days – almost obligatory in some circles – to see Christmas in the negative, lamenting vulgar excess and over-indulgence, urging moderation followed by atonement in the New Year.

I once heard a radio healthy eating guru estimating a typical Christmas Day calorie intake. The figure was somewhere over 5,000 – which I thought sounded on the abstemious side. I think I’m there before the bird’s dead most years. Anyway, the general idea was that this is a Bad Thing and to be mitigated with a few tips, duly provided.

But if there’s a Lite way of doing Christmas, I’ve never found it. Anyway, who’s looking? It’s traditional; we eat, drink, sleep it off, start again, put on weight.

In this, the last Senior Times before Christmas, it’s something of a no-brainer that I’m going to exhort you to step outside the yuletide comfort zone and do some walking over the next fortnight. But not as an antidote to Christmas - as the perfect compliment.

This Christmas, walk for the pure pleasure of stirring the blood; to brace yourself for the inevitably disappointing TV, to make room for more food.

Conor O’Hagan exhorts us all to get up and get out there over the festive season

Christmas Day transforms the experience of walking, while the pleasure of greeting total strangers is one of those feelgood details that make Christmas what it is.

Do it socially; aside from food, drink and presents, Christmas is about being with people, talking with them, sharing time. Other than the next frenzied bout of self-indulgence, there’s probably not much to hurry for.

But my big idea for Christmas is this; walk with your family. If there’s one time of year that’s right for it, it’s now. No other time is as unhurried, as open to novelty and as powerful in forming positive associations. That’s especially valuable with (grand)kids, for whom the memory of a walk enjoyed could be formative.

One more thing. It’s not to late to invoke the real Spirit of Christmas and make a pitch for a seriously worthwhile stocking filler. Because somewhere out there (and this has been statistically proven by freelance scientists) someone still hasn’t decided what to get you. The answer, which they’ll be almost pathetically grateful for, is walking gear. A pair of walking shoes or boots, a good set of waterproofs, not forgetting a subscription to Senior Times – they all make handsome gifts, and they’re investments in your future. Because however Hallmark it may sound, the best gift you can give friends and family is a healthy you.

National Walks Scheme expands – more to come!

Earlier this month Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, announced the addition of 10 new trails to the Walks Scheme operated by his Department – the first trails to be added as part of a phased expansion that will see the Walks Scheme doubling in size to 80 trails when all phases of the expansion are complete.

There are currently 39 trails covered by the Walks Scheme, involving 1,962 participant landowners and farmers. The Scheme contracts them, or their nominees, to undertake maintenance work on sections of National Waymarked Ways and other priority walks that traverse their lands. The Scheme is administered at a local level by Local Development Companies.

“This expansion reflects the success of the Walks Scheme to-date in delivering high quality walking trails, and will help realise the Government’s commitment to double the number of trails in the scheme over time. Up to

Gathabawn Loop Co Kilkenny

Trailhead: Gathabawn village Services: Shop/pub in village Distance/Time: Long Loop – 11.5km/2.5-3hrs Short Loop – 6.5Km/1.5hrs Difficulty: Moderate Terrain: Open fields, forest tracks, minor roads To Suit: Average levels of fitness Grid Ref: OS Sheet 60 S358 686

Directions to Trailhead Gathabawn Village is located on the L1804 between Freshford and Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny. Watch out for turn on the R693, 0.5 miles on Johnstown side of Freshford. Gathabawn can also be accessed from the R639 (old N8) at crossroads half way between Cullahill and Johnstown (see sign for Gathabawn). Note: Follow ‘Gathabawn Loop’ signs only.

The Route A-B Starting from the Trailhead, walk downhill with the Church on your left. Pass through the Millennium Park continuing uphill along the road to where the Long and Short Loops separate.

Long Loop B-C Turn right onto lane and follow the signs, there is a sharp turn uphill, carry on along the lane over stile up to the woods. 40 new trails will be added when all phases of the expansion are complete.

This first phase of the expansion will see an additional 283 participants receive payments for maintaining 10 separate trails located across 8 counties. These trails run for a combined length of approximately 500km, with 174 km of this going through private lands. I want to acknowledge the work of all the landowners involved in the scheme, some for many years, who help to maintain the trails to a high standard for the benefit of the huge number of locals and visitors who use these trails. Gathabawn Village Gathabawn Loop

This is good news for landowners and for the ever increasing number of people who want to get out and experience the beautiful outdoor areas that we have in such abundance. Investing in our trails also pays economic dividends. Thousands of tourists make walking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits an important part of their stay in Ireland.” Last year alone, almost 2.7 million overseas visitors engaged in some form of cross country walking or hiking. In addition, one in four of us included walking or hiking as part of our domestic holidays last year. Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development Trailhead Gathabawn village Services Shop/pub in village Distance/Time Long Loop: 11.5km/2.5-3hrs Short Loop: 6.5Km/1.5hrs High/Ascent 40m Difculty Moderate Terrain Open felds, forest tracks, minor roads To Suit Average levels of ftness Minimum Gear Walking boots, rain gear, fuids and mobile phone Grid Ref. OS Sheet 60 S358 686 Additional info To protect farm animals, no dogs allowed

Gathabawn Loop

Short Loop

F

Church/Abbey

Trailhead start/end point

G

to Cullahill E

to Cullahill

D

Gathabawn Loop

C

to Urlingford to Urlingford

B

START FINISH

A

to Freshfordto Freshford 1km 1mile1km 1mile

C-D Just inside the wood, follow the narrow path (possibly wet) uphill to the felled wood. 200 metres into the felled wood, see left turn sign, down to the green fields. Take care here. Across the bridge, follow along the fence on the right, to the stile to Shirley’s Lane into Co. Laois. 8

D-E Follow Shirley’s Lane down to the road and the Famine Village then cross the stile in the stone wall on the right.

E-F Pay close attention to Gathabawn Loop signs across open farmland with several green stiles across Cullohill Mountain. Step over a timber stile to Point F ‘The Gooseneck’. The Short Loop rejoins here. F-G The signs will bring you down to some old houses, cross back into County Kilkenny at the next ditch.

This final stretch through open farmland to Ballygooney Lane, takes you back uphill and then back down to the Trailhead in Gathabawn. Short Loop

B-F Continue straight along the road for 2.6km to the bottom of the Gooseneck. See the sign to turn Right, uphill along the steep winding road for 100 metres to Point F and rejoin the Long Loop. Take track on right at Point F and follow directions F–G above.

This map is made available from the National Trails Office / Irish Sports Council, produced by EastWest mapping. The map is intended for personal use only and should not be modified, republished or transmitted in any form without the permission of the Irish Sports Council’s National Trails Office. The representation of a track or path on this map does not indicate a right of way. The map includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data made available for display under Permit No. 8658. (c) Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland.

Keash Hill Trail Co Sligo

Length (Kms): 3.4 Climb: 70m Estimated time: 1hr 30min Start/end point: Centre of Kesh Village Start point grid ref: G 708 113 Trailhead: Keash Church Car-park Waymarking: Red Arrows Nearest town to start: Ballymote Ordnance survey map: OSI Discovery Sheet 25

Head east from Ballymote on the R295 Keash Road. Continue for 6.6km, turn left up past the school. The trail head car-park is on the right beside the church.

Keshcorran Mountain is capped by a large un-opened cairn, known as the pinnacle, which can be seen from many parts of Co. Sligo. Seventeen caves are located on the western side of the mountain. The hill and it’s surroundings feature in a number of legendary tales including a story that tells of the birth of Cormac Mac Art. Cormac Mac Art was the most famous of the legendary kings of Ireland and was born at a well beneath the caves. His mother had given birth to him while trying to escape from

Lughaidh Mac Conn who had killed her husband. While they lay sleeping baby Cormac was carried off by a wolf whose den was in a cave now known as Cormac’s cave. Cormac was discovered years later playing on all fours outside the caves with wolf cubs. Cormac went on to become a famous High King of Ireland.

The Route The route begins from the car-park beside the RC Church in the village of Keash (just off the R295). Follow the way-marked route from the Church car-park along the narrow road beneath Keshcorran. After passng a left turn, continue a further 250 metres up the road to a stile on the right side of the road. Follow the way-marked route to the right along the field boundary. Cross a stone stile and continue along the route to the left up the hillside. Turn right and make your way carefully up the hill following the waymarkers along the sheep path to a viewing point just before the caves. Return along the same route back down to the car-park.

Take care when walking along the brow of the hill as this is a steep incline and the grass can sometimes be slippery underfoot, particularly after rainfall. Walking boots are recomended.

A true friend, leaves paw prints on your heart.

The Irish Blue Cross is an animal welfare charity well known for providing charitable veterinary services in the greater Dublin area. The charity operates from its small animal clinic in Inchicore, Dublin 8 and this is complemented by mobile veterinary clinics operating in Cabra, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Crumlin, Ballyfermot, Ballybrack, Smithfield, Walkinstown, Finglas and Whitehall. Out on the road each week-day evening, these mobile clinics provide essential frontline services and treatments for thousands of pets every year. Where pets require more comprehensive clinical examinations and treatments, they are referred to the Inchicore clinic veterinary team.

Veterinary care from The Irish Blue Cross is available to pets whose owners are in receipt of certain mean-tested benefits and who live within a defined catchment area of the clinic in Inchicore. Veterinary care is not free but the charity charge more affordable fees which cover the basic cost of treatment. The support provided makes an immeasurable difference to so many communities in Dublin and without the support of The Irish Blue Cross, many families would struggle with accessing necessary veterinary care for their pets.

A practical and caring approach is at the heart of The Irish Blue Cross clinical work and the veterinary team also support pet families by educating them on how to be responsible pet owners, ensuring their precious pet has a happy and healthy life. Since the charity’s foundation in 1945, well over half a million family pets have been treated and demand for affordable veterinary care continues to grow every year. In 2018, the clinical teams had 19,801 pet visits covering all aspects of veterinary care including health-checks, x-rays, blood tests, microchipping, neutering and other surgical procedures. The charity strongly advocates preventative healthcare, in particular parasite treatments and vaccinations. Vaccines can protect our furry friends from contracting a variety of illnesses, some of which can be fatal.

Neutering is another preventative healthcare measure the charity strongly recommends. The Irish Blue Cross has a neutering policy which is not only important for reducing the number of healthy dogs and cats destroyed in Ireland each year - it also provides many health benefits for pets. The charity offers low cost neutering, with generously reduced costs ranging from€35 to €115, depending on the size of the animal.

In addition to their small animal work, the charity operates a horse ambulance service that attends all Irish racecourses, working closely with racecourse veterinary surgeons to assist and save injured racehorses. The Irish Blue Cross rely heavily on donations from the public and the goodwill of supporters to continue its work. With the loyal support of many committed and enthusiastic volunteers, the charity hosts an action-packed calendar of fundraising events each year including the very popular Bark in the Park™ sponsored dog walks, flag days, collections and appeals.

Pets need our help. So we need yours too.

All donations towards The Irish Blue Cross’ on-going work are always welcome. To find out how you can support, call 01-4163032 or email paul.halpin@bluecross.ie

Remembering a charity in your will is a kind and generous gesture that costs you nothing in your lifetime. But your kindness will make a difference forever. Once loved ones are looked after in your will, consider how else you can help. Create your legacy and make your love for pets live on. For more information on how you can make a lasting difference, contact us today. ‘To the small animals in need, I leave..’

Wine World

Pick Portugal

Mairead Robinson suggests something new for the next decade

It is that time of year when we like to celebrate with friends and family and raise a glass to the future. Bubbles are always popular, and with Champagne available from E20 a bottle, and good Cava and Prosecco for even less, there is no reason why everybody should not enjoy the bubbles at this time of year.

But while there is often concern regarding over- consumption of alcohol, it is possible to choose a light drink that will suit the occasion well. In the last issue I talked about alcohol-free wines, and these are certainly gaining in popularity, this time I would like to suggest a wine that is full of character and flavour and while retaining its alcoholic content, it is coming in at just over half the strength of the usual bottle.

I am talking about Vinho Verde from Portugal – which is made from regional traditional grape varieties, Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura and Avesso. I have often extolled the virtues of Portugal’s indigenous grapes, and the wines that people are often afraid to try as they are unfamiliar varieties. However Vinho Verde is a fresh, fruity, light and mineral wine. It can be enjoyed on its own or with fish, seafood and salads. Lovely for an aperitif, and most importantly, it comes at just 8.5% vol. The one I am highlighting this month comes from Escapada, whose wine labels depict the bicycle on the beach – so look out for them!

Staying with Portugal, and with Escapada in particular, this time with a man cycling his bicycle, is their red wine made from Castelao, Touriga national, Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet. This is a fine rich wine with intense aromas of ripe red fruits, concentrated dark cherry and blackcurrant flavours combined with a fresh acidity. It has fine oak notes and firm but smooth tannins. This is a full-on red wine, perfect with cheese, oriental food, barbecues and indeed for you traditional Christmas dinner of duck or turkey. At 13% vol, it is not a light option like the previous wine, but certainly a bottle to enjoy over the season.

As I am once again highlighting Portuguese wines, one I came across recently certainly impressed me. It is a gorgeous white wine from the Douro region, which I have visited in the past and is well known for the quality of its white wines. Porrais is a blend of the native varieties Rabigato, Codega do Larinho, Viosinho and Verdelho. This comes in at 12.5% and for me is a perfectly balanced round white wine which would be welcome at my table at any time. It is a very expressive aromatic wine with floral and citrus notes and is a perfect lunch time wine.

Finally do keep an eye out for special promotions in your local independent off-licence and the multi-nationals. You can often pick up great bargains in both wines and spirits. And for the time of year that is in it, don’t forget to have lots of bubbly, even cheaper bottles, so that you can make cocktails. From the simplest to the most elaborate, a cocktail is a wonderful way to celebrate. Pink Gin and Prosecco for example, is one of my favourites, and so easy to make.

Enjoy your festive celebrations, stay happy and healthy and we look forward to raising a glass or two in the new year!

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