Catherine Drea: Just for the sheer pleasure of it

In the transition days after Christmas and in the New Year everything seems to slow down. There were some great days of blue skies and the world and his wife were out walking. There’s no doubt that getting outside in nature is both exhilarating and healing.

When I found myself grieving at Christmas about 12 years ago, it was walking in nature that took my attention away from the brooding. Just walking into the beauty of the landscape where the tiniest details remind us of the mysterious and the magical.

All of the science tells us that walking is great therapy for the body and the mind. But there is no need to hike the entire Greenway, even short local walks are perfect for making us feel better, reducing stress, easing blood pressure and leading to a lovely sense of calm.

The very best reason to do it at all though, is for the sheer pleasure of it.

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to wonderful walks all across the county. As a basic it’s important to have a good surface and now so many of our local walks have paths that are well maintained. 

It sometimes helps to have a destination to encourage the younger ones to leave the devices behind and have a new aim for an hour or two. “First to the waterfall!” is a catch cry to be used at Mahon Falls. They take off like the wind!

The Comeraghs in the early morning are a treat. Until about lunch-time Mahon Falls is bathed in sunlight. 

Driving up through the clouds last week it was hard to know what the weather up there would be like. Lo and behold once we got above the clouds all was clear. Looking back down the mountain it was strange to see the clouds below hanging over the coast. This has to be one of the very best family walks with young ones in tow.

From the beautiful shape of the land up there to the sure-footed sheep making their way higher and higher, the Comeraghs are mesmerising at any time of the year.

Another day, as the sun sparkled on the bay, crowds were congregating along the Prom in Tramore. It was obviously a chance for little ones to try out their new bikes and scooters as they got out of the house at last. Families with energetic children cycling too far and parents finding it hard to keep up were the order of the day. Older people strolled in the sunshine and some in wheelchairs with rugs were carefully guided through the crowds. Coffees were still in demand and all the cafes were packed.

The Prom is an institution. Dating from the early 20th century it features in many families' old photograph albums. In those days the promenaders came into Tramore on a trap or later on the 12-kilometre train from Waterford. I still love to think of my own crowd making tea on a small fire in the Burrows when I see everyone out and about enjoying the Great Beach, An Trá Mhór. There were plenty of photo opportunities that day too with a few brave souls swimming, children paddling and walking on the sand barefoot.

It’s also worthwhile to encourage the kids to take a slightly longer walk to the Eco Park, which overlooks the Back Strand. It’s a place of tranquility with magical views. The whole area is one of the very few places where children can experience the beauty of that kind of wilderness and gain an understanding of birdlife.

There is a hide at the half-way point with a huge chart featuring the variety of birds there. This is also a great place to pause, take in the extraordinary vista and take photos. We saw little egrets, curlews and geese amongst others last week.

Back on the track there were stops and chats to be had about Christmas. Women have generally had enough and are putting their feet up and watching Bad Sisters. Some still have plenty of turkey to use up. Some had no turkey at all and went vegan. Others are off the drink. More are planning to get away abroad.

There were flus and viruses to beat the band. One had the vomiting bug and another ended up in the ED with a broken ankle. There were new grandparents and newly engaged couples. The Prom was the perfect setting for reunions and catch-ups.

When the wind picked up it was harder to go out, but windy days are the time to go forest bathing as they like to call it these days. Simply put, go to the woods or as I did head to Mount Congreve. When it’s very windy it is usually calm amongst the trees. There are huge specimens to enjoy there and always something in leaf or even in flower.

And still there are a variety of walks to explore along the Greenway, out along the Dunmore East cliffs, along the beach at Woodstown, or any beach on the Copper Coast. A little dander along Kilfarrasy last week was glorious in the winter sunshine.

I’m not into New Year resolutions but if I did make one it would be to walk, just for the sheer pleasure of it. Yes join a gym and lift weights, but there’s nothing like a meandering stroll in nature.