I discovered this map while browsing on Facebook one evening at a time when it was still “in research”. The idea behind it sounded great – to list all the walks, trails, tracks throughout Ireland and put them on a map making them easily visible by location. I couldn’t wait to get a copy of it!
So, what did I think of it. Ok, truthfully (because any reviews I put up here are 100% my own uninfluenced opinion), my first reaction when I opened it out at first – I wasn’t getting too excited. The map was plain white, with trails and mountains marked on it here and there. I was disappointed to see St. Declan’s Way wasn’t marked on it. However….there was an explanatory note on the map that St. Declan’s Way is still in development, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the case. Many moons ago I walked St. Declan’s Way with a group of walkers and we had to beat our way through overgrown ditches, and trudge along muddy laneways in some places to get to Ardmore. By the time I did it a second time, the route had changed slightly due to access issues. I’m sure COVID probably threw a spanner in the works too, but, hopefully, by next year, the route will be sorted.
But, back to the map. I opened it out, fully, on my kitchen table. And, as I did so, I saw the reverse side, and I have to tell you, the reverse side is AMAZING!! If the map, itself, didn’t do anything for me, the lists and lists of long distance walks, short walks, mountains, cycle tracks, blueways, etc. did completely the opposite. I felt like I’d won the lottery of tracks and trails. Honestly, it is the best thing ever to have them all laid out on one sheet and visible at a glance.
Seeing those lists made me see the possibilities with the map itself. Because it’s on a white background, trails can be marked off on it with a highlighter. Or dates/notes can be written in. Photographs could be pinned to it, or around it. New trails can be marked in. The white background was striking me as an excellent idea.
So, this adventure map gets the thumbs up from me. A friend has bought me a second one as I plan to hang them up beside each other on a wall and mark all the trails off. And she has gotten one for herself too because I told her of my vision for the future!
So, if lists that you can tick off and a map that you can fill in floats your boat, then this is the map for you.
N.B. This post is not sponsored and I didn’t get any freebies. It’s just a 100% honest review.