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
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.
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 These are challenging hikes and very good fitness is required. The hikes involve reaching a few summits with significant ups and downs. 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 These are very challenging routes and very good fitness is required. The hikes involve reaching a few summits with significant ups and downs, steep and very steep ascent/ descent. Complex mountain terrain including open moorland, mountain plateau, rocks, boulders, cliffs and gullies without clear paths. There will be some exposure and there is a need for some basic scrambling skills. Time: 7-10 hours Height gain: 1000-1500m Distance: 12-25km
What is Scrambling?
Scrambling is a style of hiking where you also use your hands to move over steep, rocky terrain. It sits between regular hiking and technical rock climbing: there are no ropes or specialised climbing gear involved, but balance, careful movement, and basic climbing skills are often needed. Scrambling routes may include exposed sections where a slip could be dangerous, so experience and good judgment are important.
How are scrambling levels defined?
To help you understand a hike’s technical difficulty, scrambling is divided into three levels. The descriptions below follow a general grading scale and are intended to give a clearer idea of the technical challenges you may encounter on a route. Level 1 (Easy Scrambling) Mostly hiking with occasional use of hands for balance. The terrain is rocky but not very steep, the exposure is minimal, and the route is usually clear. Prime examples include: Devil’s Ladder (MacGillycuddy’s Reeks) and Devil’s Coach Gully (Mourne Mountains). Level 2 (Moderate Scrambling) Hands are frequently needed to climb short rocky sections. The terrain is steeper, some exposure may be present, and careful movement and route-finding are required. Prime examples include: Beenkeragh Ridge, Hag’s Tooth Ridge, CoimÃn na Péiste Ridge (MacGillycuddy’s Reeks), and Faha Ridge (Dingle Peninsula). Level 3 (Challenging Scrambling) Steep and sustained scrambling with significant exposure. Hands are used constantly for upward progress, and while no technical equipment is used, a slip could have serious consequences. Solid scrambling experience is essential. Prime example include: Howling Ridge (MacGillycuddy’s Reeks)
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 overcast weather EXPLANATION on CLOTHING & LAYERING Layering is essential when hiking. It’s important to stay warm without overheating, as sweating too much can make you cold later. Adjust your layers as you go — remove layers when ascending to stay cool, and add them back on the summit or during descents when your pace slows, and temperatures drop. Sample: - SHORT / LONG SLEEVE TECH SHIRT – Wool or synthetic - BASE LAYER THERMAL TOP – Comfortable fitting, not snug. Wool or synthetic. - MID LAYER TOP– Fit over your base layer. Wool or fleece. - SOFTSHELL JACKET– Light jacket for the summer season - WATERPROOF/BREATHABLE JACKET - DOWN JACKET– Thick & Warm (often stays in back pack for emergencies) - HIKING PANTS – comfortable, synthetic - BASE LAYER THERMAL BOTTOM – for cold season - Hiking SOCKS -wearing a single pair is recommended, rather than using a liner sock - SUN HAT or BALL CAP - BUFF – for windy/cold days - WARM HAT – Wool or synthetic, covering ears - for windy/cold days - MID WEIGHT GLOVES - CHEMICAL HAND WARMERS – Optional
Other important points
I focus on small groups (maximum 12 participants, or 6 participants on hikes with Scrambling Level 3) in order 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 2 participants is required for a hike to go ahead. Bookings can be made online or via phone/WhatsApp. Payments can be made online via Revolut or in cash in person. Please note that PAYMENT MUST be MADE at the latest on the day of the hike, BEFORE the HIKE STARTS.. Booking Procedures: 1.Your booking will be confirmed via email. 2.One week before the hike, 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 can change, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs. Time is valuable for all of us, so PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you need to cancel or reschedule. For PRIVATE individuals: •If you need to cancel a hike, please notify me as soon as possible. I will do my best to accommodate your needs. •If rescheduling is not possible, your payment will be fully refunded. For BUSINESS bookings (pre-payment made): •If you need to cancel, please consider rescheduling. •If rescheduling is not possible, 50% of the deposit will be withheld. •No refund or transfer will be given if you cancel your event within 48 hours of the booked event. CANCELATIONS by M-Hike: •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 day. GENERAL Cancellations: •No refund will be given in case of changes to the itinerary made on safety or welfare grounds. •Please note we operate a NO BOOTS – NO HIKE policy for your safety; no refunds will be given if you arrive unprepared. •There will be no refunds or transfers for no-shows on the day. •A minimum of 2 participants 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 15 on hikes with Scrambling Level 3. If you have small children and wish to book a walk, then please contact me to arrange a private guiding day tailored to 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 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 10-15€ ) or help you to arrange the transport. It is a good gesture to pay 10-15€ (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.