Newport Wilderness Challenge

THE third annual Newport Wilderness Challenge will take place on Sunday, March 4.

This event is not a race but a personal challenge for all to enjoy, endure, and relish in the sense of achievement on its completion.

The day will start with registration in Brannen's Bar from 8 to 8.30 a.m., and then it's down to Noel and Ed to pick up your bike and assemble at Newport National School for the start.

You will cycle from Newport to Teevaloughan - 9km – before swapping the bikes for the boots and sticks to climb to the summit of Buckagh Mountain, at 588m, and down the other side to Furnace. At Furnace you can kayak (10km), jog, run or walk (9km) back to Newport. Those not kayaking will take the wire hills road as far as the greenway and then the greenway back to Brannen's where you check in to register for your completion cert.

At Brannen's there will be changing facilities and some hot food and later the presentation of completion certs.

As the number of kayaks is limited if you intend to kayak please contact the organisers to let them know. Accommodation can also be arranged - Brannen's have a number of guest rooms available that can be booked direct.

The cost of the challenge is €55 if kayaking and €50 if not.

This is a very unique event, with a local historian, Michael Chambers, accompanying the group on the trek.

For more, get in touch via Facebook or by phone or message on (087) 6391777.