Avid hiker Conor Delaney tells us about his experience along The Wicklow Way.

I had hiked a lot in Wicklow with my father, friends and hiking groups. In addition, having worked as a professional tour guide in Wicklow for many years I had seen the signs in various places for the Wicklow Way. I was curious so I investigated. It took me ten years to find the time to take a few days off and to be able to do the Wicklow Way. I started my investigation online and came across the official website for the Wicklow Way and then I saw the Wicklow Passport.

I did the Camino de Santiago French way this year in April/May and in total it was 780km. I was quite fit afterwards but in the subsequent months I lost my fitness and I needed a challenge. I wanted to get the certificate at the end and I wanted a sense of achievement. I knew the Wicklow Way would be more challenging due to the elevation but what really surprised me was the fact that it was a totally wild experience. I enjoyed the fact that there were very few cafes or services during the day and forward planning for water and food had to be made before setting off each day. It was a totally different experience from the Camino de Santiago. A much more challenging and natural experience. There were far fewer people on the Wicklow Way. Some days I met only four or five people in the whole day. I had time to breathe the fresh air and enjoy nature undisturbed.

By far my favourite moment was taking shelter in a wonderful hidden pub called the Dying Cow. The owner is a gentleman. I sat at the bar with a Slovenian couple and sheltered from the rain outside. It revived the spirits and allowed us to laugh and joke. I did the Wicklow Way in four days unaccompanied, so making new friends and discovering genuine places was much welcomed.

There is very little infrastructure on the route. The places that stamp your passport are off the route (Note: passport stamps are mostly located in close by villages). On the Camino de Santiago, most bars, cafes and attractions have a stamp to share with you. I was surprised how few places there were to have a coffee, buy food or relax on the route. If you come prepared for this mentally you will be more prepared than I was.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in participating in a similar adventure?

Do not do this adventure in four days like I did. Take six or seven days. Take your time and do shorter distances every day. I pushed myself to the limit. Start early in the morning so that you can avoid the darkness closing in. I would recommend people to do this adventure from late April to end of September. Bring hiking poles. I protected my knees this way and they were a great help. Bring many changes of socks in case your walking shoes/boots get wet. Reduce your backpack weight and only bring essentials. Go to a store the night before and bring enough fruit/water/nuts for the following day’s hike. Have a really good breakfast each morning to set you up for the day.

What was your overall impression of the Wicklow Passport challenge?

It was good for me as it showed me how fit I am. My confidence in my own abilities has gone up as I did it solo. I won the mental battle with myself and managed to physically achieve something I was doubtful about. I believe now I can go on to the next challenge and increase the challenge. I met some fantastic people in the hostels and along the path and shared great moments with them. A great wild experience in the mountains where you become one with nature. I was well prepared and the route challenged me, which is what I wanted.

What is your next adventure?

I am thinking of upping the ante and trying Ben Nevis and Kilimanjaro. Having already done the Kerry Camino on the Dingle Peninsula recently I am steadily upping my fitness and the challenge.