TENS OF thousands of people are expected to take part in National Trails Day events on Sunday, October 3rd.
More than 60 woodland, lakeshore, hillside and mountain walks have been arranged as part of the programme to increase public awareness of the recreational facilities in their areas.
In addition, there will be 15 cycling events, 12 canoeing and kayaking meetings and 16 equestrian events.
Also among the 150 organised listings across the 32 counties will be heritage and nature walks, family orienteering and cycling, and walks themed around plant life and animals such as bats, fungi and fruit.
National Trails Day is organised by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Coillte, the National Trails office of the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Countryside Access and Activities Network in Northern Ireland.
Minister for Community Affairs Pat Carey said the purpose of the event was to get people to go out and see what was in their own areas.
He said Ireland had some of the best tracks and trails in the European countryside.
The Minister, who said he climbed Carrauntoohil mountain three times in one week in his youth, said Ireland was one of the best places in the world to go out for a walk or cycle in the countryside.
“We are blessed in this country and my department has carried out major walk schemes over the last few years, and the sports council and Coillte and Fáilte Ireland have put in place an impressive network of high-quality trails.”
At the launch of the event, Olive Loughnane, who won a silver medal in the 20km walk at the 2009 World Championships, said people did not have to be as fit as she was to take part in the events.
A listing can be obtained on www.nationaltrailsday.ie