Embrace what’s on your doorstep
For those who love the outdoors, a new online brochure provides a wealth of inspiration to get people moving outside in Cork!
Keep Moving in Nature is an interactive brochure launched this week by SECAD and provides inspiration to get outdoors with 15 spectacular locations, right on the doorstep of the people of Cork.
The brochure includes walkways and cycleways to explore along coastal, river and wood trails in the Ring of Cork.
Located across the East Cork and Cork Harbour region, the locations have been handpicked so there is something to suit everyone. From morning hikes to Sunday strolls, family picnic spots to fishing areas, the list has been carefully curated.
The brochure includes well known locations such as the Youghal Boardwalk and Ballincollig Regional Park, it also includes lesser-known gems such as the Knockadoon Cliff walk and Ballyannon Woods, and explorers can stumble upon historical features along the way.
Elga Ryan from SECAD Partnership CLG said: “Getting outside and staying active has never been more important. We are so lucky to have such incredible amenities right here on our doorstep, but sometimes, with so much choice, we don’t know where to start.
“We wanted to create something for people who might think ‘where will I go today?’ and can simply choose one of the 15 fantastic locations in the Ring of Cork. Funding from the Department of Community & Rural Development through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme made this project possible.
“The brochure means you can pick what’s right for you, for the time you have, or your mood on the day - or start at the top and tick off each activity, week by week.”
The past few years have shown an increased demand for outdoor recreational spaces, SECAD said.
Findings from a survey from the Central Statistics Office last year showed 55% more people spent more time outdoors than they did prior to the pandemic, with 97% of those who spent time in natural spaces felt healthier, and 93% felt happier afterwards. The most popular activities taken up were hill walking (26%), hiking (24%), running (24%), cycling (22%) and sea swimming (21%).
The Keep Moving in Nature is available for download on Ringofcork.ie.