Barnardos Big Hike 2024
Join our Fundraising Team on Friday the 24th of May as we take on The Barnardos Big Hike 2024, across The Slieve Bloom Mountain Way – and you’ll have some serious craic along the way!
All to help vulnerable children and their families throughout Ireland.
If you’d like to join us.
Just Sign up below!
The Barnardos Big Hike 2024 is for companies and their employees who want to join our mission to transform the lives of vulnerable children across Ireland. Will your company create a team and join us to hike over the undulating Slieve Bloom Mountains, experience the benefits that a few hours in the outdoors can bring as well as some of the adversity an uphill struggle brings. All while raising funds for children and families facing their own struggles.
This gentle walk will lead us into the forest and along side the Glenbarrow River as it tumbles down from the Slieve Bloom mountains. We will climb higher and encounter some beautiful waterfalls and cascades, then head to the open mountain. Here we will be rewarded with amazing views over the midlands. We then start our descent and before long we’re back in the car park. The route is slippy in places so good footwear is essential, preferably boots. Dress for the weather and expect it to be colder up top. We also ask all participants to bring their own water in reusable bottles so there is no need for plastic bottles.
Barnardos supports children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, parental mental health, neglect, addiction, separation and bereavement on a daily basis. Barnardos staff will join the teams on the day to tell you all about the vital services provided to children and families that support them through this adversity and the impact your donations have on their lives.
Register at the link below to take part and create your company team fundraising page, to raise funds together to support Barnardos.
If you need any help with registering or setting up your fundraising page, you can contact our Fundraising Team on [email protected] or call us on 01-7080441
Sign Up Here
https://www.idonate.ie/event/barnardosbighike24
FAQ’s
What date and time is the event? Friday the 24th of May 2024. Starting time is 10am (so feel free to be there from 9.30)
Where is the Barnardos Big Hike? Starting point is Glenbarrow Cark Park, Boleybeg, Co. Laois. Google link for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/78czBdSk89UfhQ7N7
Is there public transport available? No, the best way to get there is by car. We ask that you car pool where you can to reduce impact to the environment.
Is there parking? Yes, there is room for up to 50 cars in the car park. If the car-park is full, please park with care and do not block the access to local homes and farms.
What to wear? The route is slippy in places, so good footwear is essential, preferably boots if you have them to protect your ankles and keep your feet dry. Dress to expect rain and sun (as we are in Ireland!) but expect it to be colder in the shade or as we go higher up. Pack a rain jacket & a warm layer in your daypack. Maximum height is approx. 350m.
What age must I be to take part? You must be over 18 to take part in this event.
Will there be food and water provided? No, you should bring a packed lunch and snacks for energy. We also ask all participants to bring their own water in reusable bottles so there is no need for lot’s of plastic bottles. We will bring additional water to refill your bottles.
Can I see the full route? No, but the route will take 3 to 4 hours along the Glenbarrow area of the Slieve Bloom Way. Click here to see the area https://slievebloom.ie/walking/glenbarrow
Can I take photos? You can, but Barnardos will take photos of the group on the day, so there is no need for you to. Take the opportunity to switch off from your phone and enjoy the outdoors and scenery around you.
Are there changing facilities or toilets? There are no changing facilities or toilets in the car park or on the walking route, as we will be out in nature. So please use facilities at home or in local petrol stations before you arrive to the event.
Can I get a refund if I don’t do the event? No unfortunately we cannot refund registration payments, however you can allocate the place to someone else. Just get in touch with us to let us know and we can transfer the name over.
More information:
The closest towns are Clonaslee & Mountmellick in Laois. There is a Texaco petrol station with a Deli in Clonaslee & a Texaco & Applegreen in Mountmellick for fuel and food supplies.
Barnardos supports the Leave No Trace programme for responsible outdoor recreation, so we ask you to follow the principles on this hike https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/about/why-leave-no-trace/
Also, please note that May is the start of midge (or midgies) season in Ireland, so bring insect repellent if they usually like you!
Contact information: [email protected] or phone 01 – 7080441
We can’t wait to see you for this year’s Barnardos Big Hike