14 April 2007

Outdoor Clubs

I am running Outdoor Clubs in association with A Fit Body, Fitness & Sports Therapy Centre. Chose from Kayaking, Rock Climbing & Hill Walking, in the evenings, each week over the summer.

A Fit Body is a new Fitness & Sports Therapy Centre, in Killorglin, Kerry, providing Easy & Fun Fitness Training. Facilities include a fully equipped gym, aerobic room, spin room, sports therapy, fitness testing, revitalising steam room and sauna.

Kayaking Club
Learn how to kayak. Explore hidden inlets, deep lakes & gently flowing rivers.






Rock Climbing Club
Discover the excitement & skills of rock climbing on mountain crags & sea cliffs.






Hill Walking Club
Explore glaciated valleys, gentle hills, high ridges
& enjoy breathtaking views.






The Outdoor Clubs are available to all A Fit Body Members and Non Members. All equipment is provided. FIRST EVENING IS FREE! For details contact Aine on info@afitbody.ie or 066 9790680.

Free Rock Climbing Promotion


Gap of Dunloe, Sat 12th & Sun 13th May

Come and try Rock Climbing FOR FREE, on the cliffs of the deep, glaciated Gap of Dunloe.

Discover the fun and excitement of Rock Climbing. Learn to Tie Knots, Belay and Climb, with a qualified instructor.

Two Hour Sessions, running from 10am to 6pm each day.

Contact me for details and to book your place.



Kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney


The Lakes of Killarney, three lakes, one river and thirty-two islands make up this unique part of Kerry.
Last week we took a kayak trip down through the Lakes. We began on a sunny spring morning on the Upper Lake. A gentle paddle took us to The Long Range. This is the section of river which joins the Upper Lake and Muckross Lake.
As we paddled down the river we rounded a corner to see two small stags swimming across the river. With barely a splash, only their heads and antlers visible, they glided through the water and disappeared into the thick rhododendrons.
Further down the river the roaring of rapids reached our ears. This was the Meeting of the Waters, where all the water is funnelled under an old stone bridge and turns into an exciting white water rapid. We bounced over the waves, down the rapid, and emerged into the sunlight of Muckross Lake. Overlooked by Muckross House, we kayaked through limestone islands, carved with fantastic caves and tunnels.
We passed under Bricin Bridge into Lough Leane, the largest of the lakes. Here thick oak and yew woods grow to the water’s edge. Among the trees are dotted ancient copper mines, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Rounding Governor’s Rock and Mouse Island we passed the ruins of 6th Century Innisfallen Abbey, nestled on the largest of the islands, and landed our kayaks on the stony shore at Ross Castle.
This fantastic trip took us about five hours, including time exploring the islands and inlets and a relaxing picnic lunch on the shores of Muckross Lake.

It is also possible to make this into a two-day camping trip, by continuing across Lough Leane and kayaking down the River Laune, to Killorglin, on the second day.



Focus Ireland's Four Peaks Challenge


Focus Ireland’s Four Peaks Challenge is taking place this June. The Challenge involves climbing the highest mountain in each province in Ireland, for charity. Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, Slieve Donard & Lugnaquilla will be climbed in just three days. Approximately 450 people will be taking part.

Myself and my team of instructors are providing safety cover for the Carrauntoohil stage of the Challenge.

The route for Carrauntoohil begins near Lough Acoose, at the Hydro Track. A steep climb up a track leads to a long spur. A long, gradual climb leads to the summit of Caher, 1001 metres high. The path then runs along the crest of the high, spectacular Caher Ridge, with fantastic views into the Black Valley and Coomloughra Glen. The ridge finishes with a final ascent up the flank of Carrauntoohil, to the summit, 1039 metres high. Return along the same path. The route should take five to seven hours approximately and covers a distance of 12 kilometres.

The aim of the Four Peaks Challenge is to raise money for people who are homeless. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Focus Ireland on www.focusireland.ie or 01 881 5900.