Upperchurch - Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The scenic upland village of Upperchurch, near Thurles, Co Tipperary will celebrate their sixth successful annual ‘Walking Weekend,’ this Saturday and Sunday, with a variety of walks to suit all levels of physical fitness, and for the first time this event will feature a leisurely family cycle over 25 km.
Other social event will take place over the weekend also, including traditional music sessions and set dancing lessons, not to mention good old sing alongs and a chance to meet old friends and make new ones.
A reception tonight (Friday) will feature interesting and entertaining speakers, covering a variety of topics. Gearóid Fitzgibbon will give an account of his humanitarian work in Palestine working for the U.N., while Thurles man, Tom Carey, will discuss and demonstrate essential cycle maintenance. Other speakers will discuss and show photographic slides related to their varied mountain walking experiences on Kilimanjaro, Ben Nevis, the Atlas Mountains and Mont Blanc.
Many successful entries from the primary and post primary school’s poster competition will also be on display over this weekend with winners being announced tonight.
This year the longest and most difficult walk will be the 18km “Hills of Upperchurch Route,” taking place on Saturday morning, beginning at 10.00 am sharp. This walk is only suitable for very fit experienced walkers and features several steep climbs and a rope assisted descent. But of course there are also eight other less difficult walks which can also be enjoyed, by the less “fleet of foot,”as part of this most enjoyable of upland weekends.
If you like good company, chat, an event which can be shared by all the family, easy exercise, great entertainment and a personal challenge, then Upperchurch is the place to be this weekend.
Weekend Events Program in Upperchurch
Friday Nov. 11th. 8.30 pm: Reception and official opening in Upperchurch Hall. Guest Speakers. Poster competition entries winners announced.
Sat. Nov. 12th. 10.00 am: Hills of Upperchurch Walk. (18 km -Time approx 6 hrs.) 12.00 noon. Red Hugh and Knockalough Walks – 6 km and 10 km – Time approx 2hrs and 3 hrs. 12.30 pm. Eamon an Chnoic Loop. (8 km – Time approx 2 ½ hrs.) Entertainment: 5.00 pm. Set dancing lessons. 9.30 pm. Traditional music session.
Sun. Nov 13th. 11.00 am: Lowland Mystery Tour. Starting Rosmult on the Thurles-Upperchurch road. (14 km – Time Approx 4½ hrs.)
12.00 noon: Red Hugh and Knockalough Walks. 12.30 pm: Eamon an Chnoic Loop. 12.30 pm: Birchill Nature Trail. Start Rosmult.
1.00 pm: Begins the 25 km Leisurely Family Cycle. Starting in Upperchurch. Note: Cycling Helmets compulsory and all children must be accompanied by adult.
Registration Fees: All walks and the Family Cycle are:- Adults €10, Children €5 euro. Costs include complimentary refreshments at all events.
Enjoy your visit, but remember, as in all walking adventures, do bring stout walking shoes, a camera, suitable rain wear, a snack and fluid.
