“The first step is always the hardest”

Aonach ar Siul (Nenagh walking group) was set up in 2000 when an ad was put into the local paper, drumming up interest from some like-minded people. Secretary of the club, Caitriona Gleeson, says the ad was to attract people “who would be interested in walking or hiking.”

“There wasn’t social media or anything back in those days. They got a great turnout [on the first walk] and the club set up from then,”she explains.

Now the group, which is affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland, has over 120 members who participate in multiple walks and hikes each week.

Finding the time

Being “a townie” herself, Caitriona married a farmer and developed a strong love for walking and the countryside. After seeing the articles in the Nenagh Guardian, she thought she might give the club a try.

Catriona joined the club just over 10 years ago when her children became a bit older and more independent. Having previously played sports in school, she always remained active by swimming, cycling and walking.

Having been low-key involved in the group for a few years, she decided it was time to get involved in the running of the club, taking on the role of public relations officer first and then secretary for the last two years. As another member put it to Caitriona: “We get so much back from the club that we are delighted to give back to it.”

Joining the group has given Caitriona the opportunity to discover walks and hikes in her locality that she didn’t know existed.

“I was never aware of the hills in my area. I wouldn’t have known they were there at all. Beautiful forests and mountains all in the locality that I wouldn’t have known anything about. Once you join, you are hooked after that,” she explains.

Taking the first step

Caitriona encourages anyone looking to get more active in their local area, “not to be afraid to make that first step; to make the move.”

In the Aonach ar Siul club and other groups affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland, people are invited to take part in three free “taster” walks.

“You don’t have to join the club, you can do three walks first to try it out. It’s just turning up that first day and not to be relying on someone to come with you, because if you do that you’re never going to go anywhere,” says Caitriona. The group looks out for new people straight away and makes them feel included.

“Everyone says making the first step is the hardest,” she adds. “It’s beautiful how there could be 20 out walking and you’re never talking to the same person twice.”

Those thinking of joining the club or going on a trial walk are encouraged to contact the leader of the walk and talk about any concerns they have. Each walk will have information on the fitness level required and the length of the hike or walk.

It is important to have a look at the level of the walk or hike before you go on it.

“Everyone would want a good level of fitness. Our chair introduced social scenic walks every second Sunday, it is for two hours and suits beginners looking to get to the club,” explains Caitriona.

Fitness is far from the only benefit, however.

“For both men and women in the club, the most important factor for them is the social aspect. I do it to meet up with all these people. More problems have been discussed and solved on the hills.”

For more information on ‘Aonach ar Siul’ visit: facebook.com/Aonacharsuil.ie/