INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

1. Introduction

We have produced this starter pack so that you can get to know our club and our activities a little better.

We are mainly a Dublin based club although we do have members from all corners of the country. We do most of our walking in the Wicklow/Dublin area. Each Sunday we have two hikes, a short hike of 10k to 14k at a moderate pace and a longer hike, usually 15k+ and geared towards those who like a tougher day in the mountains and which requires a higher lever of fitness. Each hike is led by an experienced leader. During the summer months, evening hikes are arranged and these are held on Wednesdays.

During the course of the year we visit other mountain ranges (e.g. Galtees, Blackstairs, Maumturks, Mournes, Reeks). These trips are usually weekend events. The club also organises trips on Bank Holidays and during the Summer.

More often than not, we leave the tracks and trails behind and trek over rough terrain. We have therefore produced this pack with your safety and comfort in mind should you decide to join us for a hike.

We hope you will have many years of pleasurable hiking ahead. Our Constitution is available as a pdf.

2. Essential Items

In order to walk with the Wayfarers it is necessary to have the following items with you no matter which category of hike you decide to do:

1. Hiking Boots Boots with good ankle support
2. Rain Gear Waterproof and windproof jackets and over-trousers
3. Food & Drinks Bring plenty off high energy food and enough drinks to avoid dehydration,a flask of warm beverage for winter walking.
4. Torch A torch is mandatory, so that you can see where you are going if you are out after dark and also so that you can be seen.
5. Survival Bag Survival bags are inexpensive orange plastic bags which can provide shelter in an emergency - you can purchase a single or a double. A double will give you much more comfort.
6. Whistle If you get lost, you can use the whistle to draw attention to yourself.
7. Map & Compass Ordnance Survey Ireland Sheet 56 (1:50,000) covers most of the Dublin/Wicklow uplands region. The map can be purchased from most book stores If you are not familiar with the use of a map and compass, training can be provided. It is important to do this course within the first 3 months of joining the club.
8. First Aid Kit You should carry a personal first aid kit.
9. Spare clothes Change of clothes & footwear for after the hike.

 

The conditions experienced in the uplands dictate that jeans and trainers are not recommended for wear in the hills under any circumstances. For your own comfort we recommend that you carry some spare clothing, an extra fleece or jumper extra gloves and an extra hat and spare socks. It is not unusual to have four seasons in one day in the Irish Mountains.

 

3. Safety

Although you will be in the company of experienced walkers, your safety is ultimately your own responsibility.

Therefore take the following into account before setting out.

  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Be properly equipped
  • Consider your fitness in relation to the hike which you are undertaking.
  • Stay with the group and follow the leader's instructions - remember there is safety in numbers.

4. Training

Each year the club runs a number of courses in basic and advanced navigation. One committee member takes responsibility for training. If you would like guidance in these skills the Training Officer will be pleased to assist you.

5. Membership

The following are the subscription rates for the year ending October 2008

Individual €45.00
Part year (June-Oct) €25.00
Couple €80.00
Student/Unwaged €25.00

Your full year subscription automatically includes membership of the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI). When you receive your club membership card you are entitled to 10% discount in most of the outdoor shops in Dublin. You will also receive a monthly newsletter keeping you up to date on the happenings in the club.

6. Car Pooling

The Club has a policy of car pooling where possible. For the Sunday hikes we have a designated carpool point i.e. Stillorgan Shopping Centre or Terenure Carpark depending on hike location, where we arrange to pool cars. This avoids bringing too many cars into the mountains and travel expenses are shared.

7. Gear

Purchasing outdoor clothing and equipment can be bewildering to even the most experienced hiker. If you are just starting out, get advice from other members - it's one of their favourite topics of conversation and they will be only too willing to advise you.

The Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI) web-site has a list of shops which offer discounts to members on outdoor gear and equipment. Log on to www.mountaineering.ie and click on "Links". Scroll down the page to Irish Commercial Mountain Related Resources. Mountain Yellow Pages

8. Medical

If you have any doubt in relation to your health and fitness we advise you to consult your medical advisor before taking on exercise which you might find strenuous.

9. Committee Members -

Chairperson : Ena Rafferty
Hikes Co-ordinator : Pat Harraghy
Secretary : Roy Madden wayfarersassociation@gmail.com
Treasurer : Adrian Ryan
Editor : Donald Gill
Social Organiser : Mary White
Assistant to Secretary : Ted McGrath
Training Officer : Keith Mooney

11. Social

Throughout the year there are many social outings including trips to the cinema, theatre and other cultural events. There are meals out and the occasional party such as at Christmas or our Summer Barbecue or the members' slide show. These events are published in our monthly newsletter.

12. In conclusion

The mountainous areas of Ireland are very special places. The Wayfarers Association supports the protection of the environment and is very conscious of conservation of the areas in which we spend so much of our leisure time. Remember the saying "leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photographs"

Some interesting facts regarding the time it takes for items to decay in the mountain environment:

  • Apple core 2-4 weeks
  • Banana skin 3-6 months
  • Orange peel 3-6 months
  • Paper tissue 3 months
  • Chewing gum 5 years" Aluminium can 10-100 years
  • Plastic bottle 100-1000 years
  • Plastic bag 1000 years
  • Glass bottle 4000 years