Decathlon's mission is to make sport accessible. We're making hiking accessible with guided hiking trips, including bus transfers in 2023! Our Deca Hikes are back by very popular demand after last year's successful Climb with Charlie hike in Howth, followed by fully booked hikes in both Glendalough & Bray, with bus transfers.
For 2023 we are bringing back Deca Hikes with one hike per month, from March to August. That’s 6 different hikes in Leinster for you to come and meet the team and like-minded people who love hiking or are trying something new.
Each hike is limited, to allow each hiker to get the best experience and even have the opportunity to chat 1-to-1 with our hiking experts for any questions you might have.
This is the perfect way to try hiking and discover more of Ireland, as not only will we be leading these guided hikes, but there will also be a bus transfer option available for 5 out of the 6 hikes in Leinster this Summer.
So, without further ado...
Here’s our Hiking Calendar for 2023:
March 4th - Glendalough Spinc trail white
April 1st - Howth Cliff Loop
May 13th - Ballinastoe Wood
June 3rd - Scarr Mountain Loop
July -1st Cruagh Forest - Tibradden Mountain Trail
August 5th - Kilmashogue and Fairy Castle Loop
1. Glendalough Spinc Trail
On March 4th, we are repeating a very popular DecaHike from last year as we return to Glendalough, Co. Wicklow for their famous Spinc Trail. A fabulously scenic hiking route in Ireland that is engulfed in history and of course, nature.
The hike is roughly 9km in length and is of moderate difficulty, requiring a moderate level of fitness to complete. Although the route itself is challenging, the views are most definitely rewarding as you climb the path up by Poulanass Waterfall and continue along the boardwalk which leads you to the amazing viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake of Glendalough, before descending through a rocky trail to the historical Miners Village and returning back to the Upper Lake shore.
We know that Glendalough can be difficult to access for hikers in Dublin that don’t have access to a car as transport options are limited, which is why we will once again be offering a return transfer via coach from Decathlon Ballymun to Glendalough for just €10, leaving from the store at 9:30 am. Bus tickets are limited so do not delay and book your seat today!
There are also a limited number of tickets available for those who wish to make their own way to our Glendalough guided hike, with the "Hike only" ticket, we will meet in the Upper Lake Car Park in Glendalough at 10:30 am to begin the hike. To park your car at Glendalough, it is €4 in the Upper Lake Car Park.
Recommendations:
For this hike, although it is Spring Time, we recommend being prepared for all weather conditions, rain jackets and SPF are always a good idea for any hike, to ensure you are prepared. But, of course, we will be hoping for another wonderful day’s weather for a fantastic hike.
Although this route has a boardwalk which is great for grip as you advance through the trail, there are areas that can be steep and slippery when wet. Hiking boots are not essential but we do recommend them.
Finally, lunch will not be provided, so do bring a packed lunch as we will take an interim break during the hike, light snacks and water for during the hike would also be a good idea.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on social media or simply ask any of our teammates in-store if you happen to visit us beforehand for your hiking essentials.
Tickets:
Tickets will be available on Eventbrite from the 21st of February for both the free (hike only) & hike & bus transfer option.
Click here to book your ticket
2. Howth Cliff Loop
This is no April Fools Prank, on Saturday, April 1st we will return to Howth, Co. Dublin to go back where it all began, our first community Deca Hike successfully took place in collaboration with Climb for Charlie in 2022 and due to the popularity we are returning to Howth, rain, hail or shine (but hopefully shine) for our second DecaHike of 2023.
Howth Cliffs are worth a visit no matter the weather. Even on a wet day, this trail offers spectacular views of the ocean and the land's lovely meadows. The pathways are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels. The are plenty of places to stop for a breather or a picnic, so be sure to bring a light lunch. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, with many opportunities to interact with local fauna and flora, enjoying the benefits of reconnecting with nature.
The hike is roughly 8km in length, making it the perfect hike for a first-time hiker or beginner hikers, even some children joined us on our last Howth Hike!
This hike will be a guided hike only, with no transfer option from our Ballymun store. However, Howth is widely accessible by bus and train, with free parking options.
Tickets:
We will launch ticket sales for this hike very soon, to be first to find out when tickets are released simply:
Add “Hiking” as your favourite sport
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3. Balilinastoe Wood
May 13th - Details coming soon
4. Scarr Mountain Loop
June 3rd - Details coming soon
5.Cruagh Forest - Tibradden Mountain Trail
July 1st - Details coming soon
6. Kilmashogue and Fairy Castle Loop
August 5th - Details coming soon
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Hiking Essentials - Top picks & advice from our hiking experts
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