I am starting out training for walking two long distance trails in Ireland. The first is the Wicklow Way which leaves from the outskirts of Dublin. Here is a link to the 7-day-walk: Ireland Walking Tours - Map Wicklow Way - Wicklow Way trail. When I complete that walk, I will do most of the Dingle Way which is on the west side of Ireland and will be a coastal walk (as opposed to an interior, mountainous walk). It is hard to find maps that I can copy, but here is a link to the walking map: http://www.dingleway.com/trail-maps/index.php. I am looking forward to doing this walk solo with my camera and I will be staying in some hostels, but mostly small B&Bs and local hotels. Dingle Town is known for its Irish music, so I will spend an additional day there.
Right now I am trying to walk 20 miles per week with regular increases up to (I hope?) 35+ miles. I will be able to transport part of my luggage, so I will only need to be prepared to carry about 10 pounds (food, water & rain gear). I like to make regular blog postings (primarily for myself) to keep track of my progress & remind myself of the goal on days when walking feels too difficult. I have tried out ELEVEN pairs of boots & have settled on a pair of Keens that are large enough for toes sock liners with thick hiking socks. So that is the biggest decision of the trip: done.
