Challenge Walk Calendar 2024

   
CHALLENGE WALKS CALENDAR 2024        PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY WALKS HAVE A TENDENCY
         TO SELL OUT SERIOUSLY FAST!  KEEP A CHECK HERE!  
  • Welcome to the MountainViews Challenge Walks Calendar 2024
  • NB Information on walks are updated on an ongoing basis as they are received - otherwise the previous years details are given.

 

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SLIEVENAMUCK MARATHON  
24th March 2024  
   

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.

    MAUMTURKS CHALLENGE  
    6th April 2024 ROUTECARD
    Distance: 25 km. Total Ascent: 2,300m

    GPX  TRACK

    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.

      KNOCKMEALDOWNS CROSSING  
      27th April 2024 FULL ROUTE DESCRIPTION
      Distance: 29km. Total Ascent: 1,250m

       

      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  
      5th May 2024  
      Distance : 30km  

      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  
      18th May 2024 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 33 km. Total Ascent: 1,700m. GPX  TRACK
      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.
      TOM CREAN ENDURANCE WALK  
      22nd June 2024 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 31 km. Total Ascent: 1,750m. GPX  TRACK

      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  
      29th June 2024 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 31 km. Total Ascent: 1,700m. GPX  TRACK

      Galtee Challenge

      This year will see the Challenge Walk celebrate its 20th Anniversar!

      A shorter Challenge Walk is available on the day.

      Organised by the Galtee Walking Club, the day's walk which flows over the lovely Galty Mountain tops which gaze down on wonderous corries and sweeping vistas.

      COMERAGH CHALLENGE  
      July 2024 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 45 km. Ascent: 2,000m. GPX  TRACK

      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.

       

      JOYCE COUNTRY CHALLENGE  
      20th July 2024 ROUTE DESCRIPTION
      Distance: 30 km. Total Ascent: 1,750m.  

      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  
      3rd August 2024  
      Distance: 29 km. Total Ascent: 2,495m.  

      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  
      9th, 10th, 11th August 2024  
      Distance: 95 km. Total Ascent: 4,200m.  

       

      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  
      10th August 2024  

      Distance: 42 km. Total Ascent: 550m.

      (Half-marathon option available)

       

      Organising Club : Galway Walking Club
      This delightful walk journeys along the Western Way on both road and track taking in the beautiful Killary Harbour and Máuméan Pass.

      A full day but with a gentle incline.

      BURREN PEAKS WALKING FESTIVAL  
      September 2024  
      WALKS FROM 4 - 8 hrs DURATION  

      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..

      THE LUG WALK  
      June 2025 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 52 km. Total Ascent: 2,400m. GPX  TRACK

      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.

      GLOVER WALK  
      September 2025? ROUTECARD
      Distance: 21 km. Total Ascent: 2,100m. GPX  TRACK

      The very popular Glover Highlander!

      Forever hopeful of the return of this great Challenge! 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 2023  
         

      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

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      THE HIARDY ANNUALS CHALLENGE  
      Last Held 2019  
      Distances: 10 - 22km. Total Ascent: 300 - 1000m  

      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.

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      THE HIGHWAYMAN CHALLENGE  
      Last Held 2018  
      Distance: 30km. Total Ascent: 715m  

      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.

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      RING OF IMAAL MARATHON WALK  
      Last held June 2016 ROUTECARD
      Distance: 38 km. Total Ascent: 1,800m. GPX  TRACK

      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  

      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.  

      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.  

      Organised by The Mid-Ulster Walking Club.

      This Challenge Walk encompasses thirteen of the Sperrin's highest summits!

      TWELVE BENS  

      LAST HELD  June 2007

      ROUTECARD
      Distance: 30 km. Total Ascent: 2,530m.  

      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 Twelve Bens 2007 

      THE HART WALK  
      Last Held 2007  
      Distance: 115 km. Total Ascent: 3,215m. GPX  TRACK

      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 . . ?