Kilmacthomas Walking Club, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford was founded in November 2004. Jim Bowdren is the only founder member still active with the club.
The club prides itself on its friendliness and accommodates walkers at all levels. Our mantra is: “it’s not a competition” and we walk at a pace that suits our participants. Generally there is a flat or low walk and a hill/mountain or high walk every week. Most walks take between 2 and 4 hours.
Upcoming walks are posted on this website.
We normally walk on Sunday mornings. Information on the time and the location of the meeting point for each individual walk is given in the week before the walk using the club’s WhatsApp group. Members may, subject to Covid restrictions, car pool from there to the walk location.
Since Irish weather is not dependable, walks may be cancelled or changed at the discretion of the leader. If a walk is cancelled, a WhatsApp group message will be sent to all members as early as possible on the morning of the walk.
We walk primarily in the Comeragh/Monavullagh Mountains but we also go regularly to the Knockmealdowns, Galtees and elsewhere, as well as flat walks along river banks, beaches e.g. Tramore, the Suir, the Barrow etc.
It should be noted that dogs are not permitted on club walks. This is primarily due to the need to protect livestock, particularly sheep in mountainous areas. In addition, some members may be fearful of dogs and nobody wants to see dogs fighting. In certain circumstances guide dogs may be permitted.
We have a few “away” weekends each year and celebrate Christmas and the Summer with nights out. In addition, most years the club plans a walking trip abroad. Previous trips have included: sections of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, Snowdonia, the Italian Alps and Nepal.
In October 2019, the club hosted the Mountaineering Ireland Autumn Gathering.
Night walks
Very occasionally night walks are arranged. These are dependent on the conditions being right: full moon, clear skies etc. Walks can take place within a day or two of the full moon itself. Walking is by moon light only so no torches are needed (except for emergencies and looking for items accidentally dropped on the ground).
The time and date of night walks will be notified to club members using the club’s WhatsApp group, a day or two in advance of such a walk taking place. The short notice is given when the conditions for a night walk are likely to be assured.