Columban Way Walkers Guidelines

During August and September 2024, a long-distance walk will take place between St. Mullins in County Carlow and Bangor in County Down. This all-island walk is 356 miles long with the route forming part of the European Columban Way which passes through England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Italy. The Columban Way retraces the journey of the sixth century Saint Columbanus who travelled from his home at the foothills of Mount Leinster in County Carlow, to Bangor in County Down. There he founded a famous monastery and resided for ten years before departing for Europe where he founded many other monasteries including those at Luxeuil in France and Bobbio in Italy where he died in 615 AD.

The Carlow stretch of this walk takes place from Saturday 17th August to Wednesday 21st August 2024 and is being held as part of Heritage Week. This Walker Guideline has been prepared for the purpose of assisting with the safe and efficient management of the Columban Way to be held from Saturday 17th August – Wednesday 21st August 2024 in various locations throughout County Carlow.

The Carlow event is being organised by various parties and agencies: Carlow Sports Partnership, Carlow County Council, Friends of Columbanus Republic of Ireland, Myshall Muintir na Tíre and Carlow Tourism.

Hill walking, climbing and rambling are activities that can be dangerous and may result in personal injury or death. The Organisers will accept and show a duty of care for the safety of all participants with all necessary precautions taken to ensure the safety of attendees, volunteers and staff who will be working at the event. Carlow Sports Partnership undertakes to co-ordinate and manage all activities taking place over the duration of the walk. In the event of first aid/medical emergencies the services of Carlow Civil Defence and South-East Mountain Rescue Services will be deployed. All walkers have been issued with the rules of participation and are asked to inform the Organisers of any medical condition, injury or medication needed. Clear guidelines are issued to advise walkers that they have the required level of fitness to complete the different walks.

The Organisers have identified a number of potential incidents that may occur throughout the course of the walk and have completed a risk assessment. All relevant organisations have been informed of the Columban Way Walk.

The full ‘Schedule of Walks’ and ‘Guidelines for Walkers’ are available here.

The Organisers confirm they have taken recommendations from all Codes of Practice that might be deemed relevant to this event including:

  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
  • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 to 2021.
  • Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003
  • Occupiers Liability Act 1995
  • Code of Practice for Management of Fire Safety in Places of Assembly – issued by the Department of the Environment
  • HSE Guidance Document 154 (2000) Managing Safety at Outdoor Events

General Points

  • The terrain will be rough in parts and surefootedness will be required.
  • Ground conditions may be wet in parts and your feet may get wet.
  • Weather conditions can change and can be more severe on mountainous areas than in the lowlands.
  • Routes will be changed if circumstances, such as a change in weather, require it.

Details relating to walk leaders and guides in respect of the guided walk option

  1. For the guided walk option there will be a leader for each walk with a number of assistants. They are experienced hill walkers.
  2. The leaders’ decisions are to be respected.
  3. Participants must remain with the leaders.
  4. Anyone who wishes to leave the walk must inform the leader beforehand. Mountain Rescue will be called out for walkers who are missing without explanation.
  5. Anyone who wishes to stop temporarily or take a break should inform the leaders first.
  6. The walk will proceed at the pace of the slowest.
  7. Participants with a medical condition that is relevant should inform the leader in confidence.
  8. Participants will receive the mobile number of the walk leader in the bus on the way to the start of the walk each morning
  9. If a problem arises and participants are separated from their leaders they should phone them or the organisers. Texting often works in areas with poor reception.
  10. In case of serious problem or injury in the absence of the leaders and where they are not contactable ring 999/112 and ask for Mountain Rescue.

Recommended Food and Drink required on the walk

  • Water
  • Hot drink
  • Sandwiches for lunch
  • Energy bars etc.

Please note that at the end of each walk, soup, sandwiches and tea/coffee will be provided for all walkers.