Kerry Way Cancer Walk

Anyone setting out to walk a long distance trail such as The Kerry Way is embarking on a serious test of physical endurance. Each stage involves a period of several hours spent outdoors, frequently in isolated and remote locations and from time to time at altitudes above 325 metres. Various factors must therefore be taken into account before embarking.

Weather Conditions

It is essential to be aware of the unexpected weather conditions each day. Please bear in mind the likelihood of unfavourable weather, which can include high winds or heavy rain. In the unlikely event of extreme weather conditions, which may result in a compromise of walkers’ safety, any decisions to curtail or postpone the walk will be directed by the walk organisers on the day.

Clothing & Equipment

Important: Do not make any allowances for the fact that the event takes place in the summer! Hopefully the weather will be good, but conditions may well be cold and wet in the mountains. It is important to make sure that you are properly equipped.

Footwear: Good boots are essential. If you plan to buy new ones, make sure they are well worked in before the event as blisters could be a disaster. It is always better if boots are slightly larger; having them slightly too small can have miserable consequences. Boots with a Goretex upper are flexible and waterproof.  There will be some road walking over the three days and in which case runners might more suitable for some people, so we would suggest bringing a pair with you also.  Please be advised trainers will only be suitable for the road walking only.

Waterproofs: You must have waterproofs with you during the event. It is essential to have a wind and waterproof outershell garment whilst on the mountains: Goretex or an equivalent fabric is ideal. These will need to be carried in your rucksack together with some spare warm clothes. Wet weather can lead to a high chill factor, even at this time of year, so overtrousers are also recommended.

Hats & Gloves: Hats and gloves are essential equipment if the weather is cold or wet. Alternatively, the sun can be strong, so include a sun hat when you are packing.

General: Layers of clothing are better than very heavy single layers; a series of lighter mid and under-layers of clothing are recommended and it would be worthwhile bringing spare socks.

Personal Equipment: A medium size rucksack (25L or 30L) will be adequate to carry all your daily needs of clothing, food and liquids. A basic first aid kit including provisions such as blister plasters, blister cream and insect repellent is recommended. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, as well as some lip balm and sunscreen (high SPF due to wind), as well as your mobile phone and a camera.

Guide Books & Maps: As this event is a guided walk, all navigation and co-ordination of communication will be directed by the walk organisers and leaders on the day. The entire route of The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk is signposted by marker posts.

Each group will have a leader and sweeper to guide the group. All guides carry contact radios and communicate regularly throughout the day.  Civil Defence will also assist throughout the event.

Fitness Levels

Walkers do not have to be mountaineers, but a good level of fitness is required. For more information on how to strengthen your fitness level, tips and a sample training guide for challenge events can be found on the Training section. All walkers will be put into groups, which will be lead by experienced walkers.

Refreshments

We make every effort to source refreshments for walker including water, isotonic drinks, fruit and energy bars. In addition, we would also ask each walker to bring a packed lunch each day as well as plenty of water / liquids and snacks such as fruit / chocolate.

The most important piece of advice on the day is that you keep taking on fluids at regular intervals. We also recommend that you eat plenty of energy snacks, e.g. nuts, biscuits and fruit in order to maintain those vital energy levels throughout the day as well as adjusting your clothing appropriately.

Safety & Walk Groups

Hill walking is an adventure sport and not devoid of an element of risk. Those taking part in any of the walks do so at their own risk. Information about training, equipment and safety is available on this site. Please ensure that you take time to review this information. The event is supported by volunteer Walk Leaders who will be available to provide guidance, monitor your progress and assist with any first aid.

Participants will be divided into walking groups with one guide leading and one guide at the rear. No one should pass the lead or fall behind the last guide and any instructions given by the Walk Leaders must be followed at all times for safety reasons.

Please remember this event is not a race. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and the level of fitness will naturally vary throughout the group. Every group finishes each day’s walk together, as a group, however this may depend on the pace of the slowest person.

Please note that the pace set by the Walk Leaders provides the event organisers enough time to get everyone to the finish line before it gets dark and also allows participants to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie.

The decision and authority of the Walk Leaders on all walks is final and at all times to be accepted by the participants.

• All walkers must be aged 18 years or over.
• The Kerry Way is not suitable for buggies or bikes.
• No dogs will be allowed to walk in the event.
• Please make sure you check in at the end of each walk.
• To help identify participants, please wear your Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk event t-shirt each day.

Social Meeting Points

Registered walkers will be sent further information regarding meeting points to our social night event by email and text message once all details have been finalised.

Transport

Each walker is expected to provide their own transportation to the registration points for each day of the walk. For 3 day walkers a bus will be provided at the registration point each morning and will transport walkers to the start of the routes where they will walk back to the finish towns.

It is essential that all walkers arrive in plenty of time for registration in order to be ready for bus departure times.

There will be no bus transportation provided at the end of the walking day. It is the walker’s own responsibility to get back to their cars or accommodation.

Irish Countryside Code for Walkers

• Respect all people who live and work in the countryside.
• Respect private property, farmland and all rural environments.
• Respect, and where possible protect, all wildlife, plants and trees.
• Do not interfere with livestock, machinery or crops.
• When walking, use approved routes and keep as closely to them as possible.
• Take special care when walking on country roads - walk in single file, on the right hand side.
• Leave all gates as you find them and do not interfere with or damage any gates, fences, walls or hedges.
• Guard against all risks of fire, especially near forests.
• Take all litter home; leave no trace of your presence, request that others do likewise.
• Always use gates and stiles in preference to fences, hedges or walls.
• Keep the number of cars used to the minimum and park thoughtfully.
• Take heed of warning signs – they are there for your protection.

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