How long is the BSC in time and distance?

As this is a group walk you can expect to be out for 7 to 8 hours – expect the route to be 25 to 30K,

What level of hiker is required ?
This is a moderate level hill walk, anyone with a moderate fitness level should manage it without too much difficulty. There is some time left for someone who has not trained in a while to get their fitness level up, and they should find it challenging but not impossible.

Safety for participants?
This will be the 10th Bluestack Challenge. The safety record for the event is excellent. Nevertheless, there will be medics on the walk, Civil Defence on hand and Mountain Rescue on standby. Each group of walkers will be lead and marshalled (as usual) by local hill-walking group The Bluestack Ramblers, who know the hills here very well.

Do I need a packed lunch?
Everyone will be advised to bring a packed lunch and a small bottle of water. There will also be food provided, first by the army around two hours into the walk, and by local chef Enda O’Rourke at the end of the walk. There will be toilet facilities at various points and water provided to fill water bottles.

More information on: Important Information for Participants

How much do I have to raise in sponsorship?
Check out the About page. There you will get an idea of the kinds of services Special Needs organisations need to fund. It will help you set a goal for your own fundraising.