Challenge hikes have been growing in popularity over the last few years with participant numbers, and the scramble for limited places, being on the increase every year. Most avid hikers, us included, have their favourite challenge hikes penned in on their calendar from the start of the year and are eagerly waiting for challenge season to begin.
So if you’ve thought about giving a challenge hike a go but need a little encouragement, then check out these 6 great reasons why you absolutely should try a challenge hike.
1. Amazing Scenery
Challenge hikes are based in some of Ireland’s most beautiful mountain regions. From the majestic Mourne Mountains to the Kerry Reeks, Waterford Comeraghs and Connemara Maamturks; the Irish challenge hike calendar will give you a great reason to explore all corners of this beautiful country.
Challenge routes will take you along some areas of well-known and popular trails but they will also take you to some lesser known areas of the mountains where you may not think of hiking to as part of a weekend hike with friends. Some of the best views that we have had the privilege of seeing have been on days out on a challenge hike. The views along the route of the Mourne Seven Sevens and the Galtee Challenge are hard to beat on a clear day, not to mention the Tom Crean Challenge finishing in the picturesque town of Annascaul, Co. Kerry
If you have a love of the great outdoors then a challenge hike is a must do.
2. You Will Test Yourself
For many of us, when planning our weekend hike, it is easy to map out a route that falls into our comfort zone when it comes to elevation and distance. Challenge hikes are as the name suggests… a challenge. Distances can vary from 20km to over 50km and elevation gain can vary from 1000m to over 2500m.
As the route, check-points and finish line are all set for you as part of the challenge, taking the easy way out is not an option (unless you need to drop out for health or safety reasons of course).
With cut off times at certain check-points and the friendly rivalry of other hikers along the route, you have all the encouragement you need to tackle those hills head on and take yourself out of your comfort zone.
3. Delicious Food
Challenge hike organisers are notoriously generous when it comes to feeding participants. Some challenges include a mid-route food station which could have anything on offer from fresh fruit and chocolate bars to flapjacks, cake and sandwiches.
Once you cross the finish line, the post-challenge meal can range from anything to warm soup and tasty sandwiches to a hot curry or a full on delicious BBQ.
One thing is for certain, you won’t be short on delicious food to help you refuel after a tough day on the hills.
4. You Will Learn About New Routes
Over the course of a few hours hiking, there will be plenty of time to strike up conversation with other hikers along the way. This is a great opportunity to pick peoples brains about other hiking routes they are familiar with that you may not be. Recommendations from fellow hiking enthusiasts are not just a great way of getting some new route ideas but are also an invaluable source of information when it comes to starting points, parking arrangements, hazards or alterations to routes.
You may even find out about a little known detour to a hidden gem of a vantage point for that view that makes all that effort worthwhile. Most of our favourite routes have come from recommendations from other hikers so take advantage of the situation and get chatting.
5. You Will Make New Friends
Similar to the last point, over the course of the day you will have ample time to make conversation with some fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Although participants will vary from walking-club members to groups of friends or even solo-hikers, everyone is there for the same reason, to challenge themselves while enjoying the great outdoors.
Hikers and hill-walkers are a friendly bunch and eager to socialise. If you regularly take part in challenge hikes then you are sure to see the same core group of people at most events so making connections is inevitable. For those who may not have friends at home who share the same interest in the sport, challenge hikes are a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people.
6. You Can Support A Good Cause
Most challenge hiking events are run by hill-walking clubs who are local to the area and are usually in aid of a local charity or to raise funds for the club itself. The organisers and stewards are volunteers, giving up their time for free to put on a top class event for participants while creating a warm and friendly atmosphere from start to finish.
Challenge hikes are relatively inexpensive compared to other large sporting events and usually include plenty of free food, access to local facilities and even a bus transfer to the starting point if required. They are great value for money and you can rest assured the proceeds are going to a great cause.
Top Tip…
Places on these challenge hikes are restricted to limited numbers in order to protect the trails from damage and these numbers can be quite low. Keep an eye on organiser’s websites and social media channels to find out when online registration is open.
Places can sell out very fast with some events selling out within hours of registration launching, so if you have a challenge hike in mind then you will need to be quick to sign up.
Most events will have a waiting list for potential participants to take the place of others who may not be able to attend so all is not lost if an event you want is sold out. Just drop the organisers a quick message and request that you be added to the waiting list.
To Sum It All Up…
Challenge Hikes are to hill walkers what cycle sportives and road races are to cyclists and runners. They are a great opportunity to test your progress in your chosen sport.
For those of you who are more interested in the casual aspect as opposed to the competitive aspect, challenges are also very social events and a fantastic opportunity to meet other like-minded folk with your registration fee money going to a good cause.
And if all these reasons aren’t good enough encouragement for you to try one, the stunning views should be!
You can keep an eye out for upcoming Challenge Hikes here
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