Knowledge, Independence & Development of Skills

After a break of two months, the KIDS walking group reunited for their second walk of 2011 / 2012 training program.  Our group met in Kinnitty and decided to complete the Kinnitty Forest Loop walk, which is part of the many walks around the Slieve Blooms.  There are walks to suit all ages and levels of fitness and full details of the walks can be found at

For a number of the group it was their first walk  since we returned from completing the first part of  KIDS Camino Portugese 4 year challenge back in May.  So the forest look walk was ideal, as the walks give lots of options in terms of terrain and length to suit the different levels of fitness.

It was a lively and chatty group that set off from the centre of Kinnitty and needless to say the laughter and fun soon started.   It was a beautiful morning and the sun beamed down on the group of walkers amid a few black clouds. Undeterred, the group continued out towards Kinnitty Castle before turning off into the forest.  We walked through lovely forest areas which provided breathtaking views of the Offaly countryside.    Incline of the walk was gradual so the impact on the walkers was minimal compared to some of the conditions that we encountered in Portugal in May. It was a nice ramble and as always great discussions fortified by a lovely picnic under a tree from the rain.   Our lovely picnic provided by Pauline and despite the rain the food was tasty and deliceious. Pauline and Cora provided insight to the local history of Kinnitty Castle and its ghosts – if its an Irish castle, there has to be a ghost story!!