Hill walking will improve your overall fitness, whilst getting you away from the hustle and  bustle of your daily life. And you get to take in the views of some of the most beautiful places in this fair Isle, like the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. With the growth in hillwalking groups and clubs, it now also has a great social aspect, especially on some of the more popular routes. Indeed, hillwalking singles activities are on the rise, and are proving a popular place to meet like minded people. So the benefits are immense and include flora and fauna, fresh air, Socialising,  Fitness, Amazing Views, relaxation, health, endurance and natural environment. 

But like any recreational activity, nature trekking has its own risks, and it is important to bring the right equipment and adhere to some basic safety rules. Joseph Quinn, a highly experienced hiking leader, from Walkabout Wicklow advises walkers to carry the following items:

A topographical map of the area - but make sure you can read it correctly before embarking on your walk. If you can't, there are basic trailing courses available. 

A good compass - again make sure you know how to use it. Watching the little arrow point north wont help you unless you know how to orientate a map, march on a bearing and map a route.

A whistle - this can be used during an emergency to alert other walkers that you or someone else in your group is in distress.

A first aid kit, and make sure someone in the group is qualified to use it.

And for walking safety, he states that it is important to adhere to the following:

Never go trailing alone, try to go with a minimum of four other people, but no more than 10.

Check the weather before hand, and be prepared to adjust your walk for local conditions. And make sure you know the time of sunset.

Dress appropriately for your environment and carry the right clothing in case the weather changes suddenly.

So to summarise don't forget the following basic equipment day pack, hill walking footwear, rain gear, hiking poles, hiking boots, rain jacket, map, compass, and back pack.

Walkabout Wicklow (www.walkaboutwicklow.com) offer a variety of products, and these include: social walks, fitness hill walks, multi day hikes, beginner hill walking Courses, Day trips, day tours, night hill Walks, moon light hill walks and hill walking club.

Should you decide to take the day out option you will see some amazing places in the Wicklow and include Loch Dan, Loch Tay, Glencullen Valley, Glencree Valley, Sally Gap, Irish Sea, Sugar Loaf, Feather Beds and Wicklow Gap.

When out in Ireland or the Glendalough you may see some of following wildlife,  400 hundred species of bird life, Mountain Goats, Fox, Deer, Sika Deer, squirrel, rabbits, mountain hares and badgers. You may also see blue berries, fox-glove, Sheeps bit, Oak, Scots pine, many different species of pine, blue bells, gorse and heather.

Lastly, don't be confussed as hillwalking comes under a number of names, including:  hill-walking, trekking, hiking, hill walking, hillwalking, nature trekking, trailing, nature walking and walking.

Always remember, enjoy the hills, and follow the walkers code and leave no trace behind!