Hikers and families invited to walk the Sheep's Head for charity Christian Aid

THE organisers of the annual Christian Aid Ireland Sheep's Head Hike on Saturday September 2nd are looking forward to welcoming as many hikers and walkers to participate in the popular now-annual event. 

This is the largest hill-hiking event on the peninsula and is a popular charity event. 

Speaking about the hike, Andrew Coleman of Christian Aid Cork said: ‘The hike captures all the beauty of West Cork's scenic Sheep's Head Way and the adjoining countryside, bays and hills. We hope more walkers will participate this year again to raise vital funds to support the work of Christian Aid Ireland.'

He said the donations made from the hike go on to provide support to their partners assisting  refugees in both Greece and Serbia. 

‘For example, in Greece, our partners provide stoves and cooking facilities for families stranded in refugee camps. For families far from home, cooking their own meals is an important shred of normality in an otherwise uncertain world,' he added.

The event caters for all level of walkers. There are two routes on offer with a local guide on hand to describe the unique history and features of the area. Route 1 (a 14km 4 our walk) is for experienced walkers and Route 2  is a 6km 2 our walk which is the new family-friendly route. 

Registration for all walkers is from 10am on the day of the hike in Kilcrohane Community Hall in Kilcrohane village. Registration fee is a donation, with the organisers hoping people will be as generous as possible on the day in supporting the event and the hikers themselves. 

Last year one participant alone raised over €300 in sponsorship, which helped to buy refrigerators for a community kitchen in the refugee camps in Serbia and Greece. 

The Sheep's Head Hike is organised by a local committee and would not be possible without the support of many volunteers and supporters, from group leaders, bus drivers and catering, with help from the Red Cross, Rural Transport, and The Gourmet Grill.