t is essential that all participants on a club walk have suitable clothing, footwear and equipment to wear on the walk and equally important a change of clothing, shoes and a towel stored in another bag at the car for the return. In order to save costs and minimize the number of cars parked on confined country roads the club normally car pool with 4 people per car. Therefore it’s advisable to bring along some money to share costs with the driver and to cover your meals/drinks at the dinner stop on the way home. A walk is normally a full day activity and so expect that it’s often 9pm before you arrive back to Ennis.

As the walks can be up to 5-7 hours in duration a sandwich or similar is essential for the main lunch stop. This can be supplemented by snacks such as bananas or apples, dried fruit and nut mixtures, chocolate raisins or peanuts, sweets etc. during short stops. Fruitcake is another handy alternative to sweets, which can tend to make one thirsty. This is very much a personal choice but plenty of fluids are essential at all times of the year and preferably some hot drink in the winter. A good volume to bring is around 1.5 liters total including water. On very hot or long days this can be increased to 3 l. or more. Some form of energy-rich (juice) or isotonic drink together with water is recommended. Little and often is a good maxim for both drinking and eating. It is advisable to start hydrating the body the day before and to keep sipping drinks frequently on the day of the walk.