Everything
You Need to Know Before You Hit the Trails
Everything
You Need to Know Before You Hit the Trails
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE
YOU HIT THE TRAILS WITH US
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
FAQ
I recognise 4 grades based on the Mountaineering Ireland grading system: Easy, Moderate, Difficult & Strenuous EASY Hiking / Hillwalking (for EVERY BODY) Mainly on easily identifiable paths, with mostly good underfoot conditions. Can include some open countryside with some rough ground and moderate ascents. The hiking pace is rather slow to let everyone having enjoyable hike. Time: 2-5 hours Height gain: 250-500m Distance: 5-12km MODERATE Hiking / Hillwalking Can include more informal paths, rougher, boggy and more uneven terrain with the possibility of rocky, moderately steep ground. Time: 5-7 hours Height gain: 500-800m Distance: 10-15km DIFFICULT Hiking / Hillwalking Underfoot conditions could be rough and uneven with the possibility of prolonged rocky or/and steep sections and mountain terrain without clear paths. An ability to deal with mountain hazards, steep ground and scree is essential. Time: 6-8 hours Height gain: 800-1000m Distance: 12-20km STRENUOUS Hiking / Hillwalking Complex mountain terrain including open moorland, mountain plateau, rocks and cliffs without clear paths. There may be some exposure and a need for some basic scrambling skills. Time: 8-10 hours Height gain: 1000-1500m Distance: 12-25km
What is the difference between hillwalking and walking?
The primary differences between Hillwalking and Walking are the terrain and difficulty level. Hillwalking involves walking in hilly or mountainous areas. It includes navigating through uneven, often steep, and sometimes rugged terrain. Generally, it is more physically demanding due to the ascent and descent of hills. It requires more stamina, balance, and sometimes technical skills. Walking typically takes place on flat, even surfaces such as pavements, parks, or trails without significant elevation changes. Generally walks are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. It is a low-impact activity but with high recommendations to everyone.
What Clothes and Equipment do I need ?
MANDATORY KIT: - Walking boots (with ankle support, not trail shoes or trainers) - Waterproof jacket and trousers - Spare mid-layer (e.g. fleece) - Backpack (approx. 20-30 litre size) - Water container (bottle or Camelback, 1-1.5 litres or more depending on chosen hike ) - Food & hill snacks (sandwich, pasta, cereal and oat bars, dried fruit, nuts) - Rubbish bag - Gloves - Hat (covering ears) - Your personal, basic first aid and toilet kit - Headtorch (for sunrise and sunset) OPTIONAL and RECOMMENDED KIT: - Walking poles - Gaiters - Sunglasses & SPF Cream 30 / suncream - Small flask with a hot drink - Backpack rain cover or Rucksack liner / Dry bags - SPF even on an overcast weather RECOMMENDED GEAR: - Hiking socks (wearing a single pair is recommended, rather than using a liner sock) - Base layer / Sports top (not cotton) - Thermal underwear in the colder season - Walking trousers (lightweight hiking trousers, preferably not jeans / not tracksuit trousers) - Warm outer layer (eg Softshell) - Outer layer as an additional to mid layer (e.g. light windproof jacket or softshell)
Other important points
I focus on smaller groups (max 12 participants) to: - ensure the safety - promote sustainability by reducing environmental impact. - prevent overtourism - allow you to have a better social and nature connections - give you better hike personalization - provide you with a better opportunity to learn along the way. Please note that a minimum of 4 persons booking is required for a hike to go ahead. I oparate based on the policies: - NO Boots - NO Hike - Leave No Trace policy To find more about M-HIKE principles please read the section: About Please read also our Terms & Conditions policy.
What is the booking procedure?
Please note that a minimum of 4 persons booking is required for a hike to go ahead. Bookings can be made online or on the phone / WhatsApp. Payments can be made online by Revolut or by cash in person. Booking Procedures: 1.Your booking will be confirmed via email. 2.Shortly after, your contact will be added to the WhatsApp group. 3.All information on meeting points, meeting time, gear required and weather will be provided in the group chat. 4.Carpooling will also be arranged through the chat. We recommend contributing €5-€10 (depending on the distance) to the driver for fuel, etc. If you do not have access to WhatsApp all information will be sent via email. Please note: you agree to the terms & conditions, so please read them carefully.
Yes, I can arrange a day of private guiding for you and your group. Please contact me and I will do my best to tailor a hike around your requirements, and at a date that suits you.
None of the dates suit my needs. Can I arrange another date?
Do I need to disclose my medical conditions?
It is important that you let me know of any medical condition you may have when making a booking. That information is essential to allow us to ensure your and other participants' safety. I would like to assure you that this information will remain completely confidential. If you answer YES to any of the below questions please get in touch with me before making the booking. 1. Has your doctor ever said you have heart trouble? 2. Do you frequently have pains in your heart and chest? 3. Do you sometimes feel faint or have spells of severe dizziness? 4. Has your doctor ever said your blood pressure is too high? 5. Has your Doctor ever told you, you have a bone or joint problem, such as arthritis, that has been aggravated by exercise or might be made worse by exercise? 6. Is there a good physical reason not mentioned above here why you should not follow an activity program even if you wanted to? 7. Are you over the age of 65 and not accustomed to vigorous exercise?
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that plans and circumstances may change, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs in that case. However, please also consider that the cancellation may happen due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. CANCELATION POLICY on PAYMENT MADE via ONLINE BOOKING In the event of cancellations made by You on a half-day and day-hike the cancellation policy will apply: -I would be very happy to offer you to book another hike and then the paid amount will be applied accordingly to the new adventure day. -In case the re-schedule is not an option for you, the minimum €10 fee for admin will be deducted from the refunded amount. I would like to kindly ask you to understand my involvement and preparation time. -No refund or transfer will be given if You cancel your participation within 48 hours of the date of the event booked. -There will be no refunds or transfers for no-shows on the day. -The deposit on a weekend trip is not refundable in the event of cancellation by the participants. In the event of a hike being cancelled by M-Hike a full refund will be given or we can offer you a reschedule to a future scheduled event or special scheduled day. No refund will be given in case of a change to be made on the itinerary or altered on safety or welfare grounds. Please note we operate on a policy of NO BOOTS - NO HIKE and no refunds will be given for Your safety if you will arrive unprepared. Please note that a minimum of 4 persons booking is required for a hike to go ahead.
What happens if the weather is very bad on the day of the hike?
I will assess the weather before the hike and on the day of the hike. Whenever possible, I will continue with the itinerary, but I may have to alter it before or during the hike if I consider the weather too inclement or dangerous to continue. In all cases, safety is my priority. In extreme circumstances, I may have to cancel a hike. Should this be necessary, a full refund will be given.
Do you have any age limits on your trips?
If any clients are under 18 they must normally be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For safety reasons, I am unable to take anyone under the age of 16 on our day hikes and age of 14 on Easy Hikes = for EVERY BODY If you have small children and wish to book a walk then please contact us to arrange a private guiding day tailored around your needs. There is no upper age limit for the hikes. But please note that a good standard of fitness and mobility is required for some of our hikes.
How will I get to the start point if I do not have a car?
Most of the time the meeting locations for guided hikes are in rural locations. The location is given with directions on each walk via WhatsApp group message or email. I encourage all clients to arrange the car-pooling if possible, which might suit you. So, if you have no transport please let me know, depending on your location I might be in a position to arrange the pick-up ( additional cost depending on distance apply 5-10€ ) or help you to arrange the transport. It is a good manner to pay 5 -10€ (depending on distance) to a driver for his/her good gesture. The additional option is hiring a taxi from the nearest public transport place.
Can I bring my dog on the hike?
No pets are permitted on any of our hikes or weekend trips. We love dogs but to protect the upland fauna and farm animals, they need to stay at home at that time.
Do I need travel insurance when travelling to Irleand?
I would advise all clients to get suitable travel insurance before taking one of our hikes. It is worth checking with your current insurance provider if you are covered during hiking.