Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
janaline's world journey

Why I Walk to Explore places like Rathmullan in Ireland

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland is the perfect location to ‘get away from it all’. While driving along the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland we spent the night in Rathmullan and the next morning walked along the Milford Sli na Slainte (path to health). With it’s wonderful beach and wooded hillsides we could relax and enjoy the quieter pace of life that is characteristic of smaller Irish villages.

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
The beautiful Beach of Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Untouched beach….
The perfect day for a walk along the beach
So peacefull
The view we woke up to…busy making a cup of coffee before we start exploring

The Milford Sli na Slainte is a path that started at the pier and took us all along the beautiful beach to a rocky outcrop at the mouth of a small river. After crossing the bridge over Maggie’s Burn we turned left onto the Fanad by-pass road. This road took us through the countryside, along pastures and woodland until we once again got back to the town centre.

Exploring the rocky outcrops
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Love the rocky outcrop
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

Here are ten reasons why you should sling on your best walking shoes and explore the countryside:

  1. Walking is free exercise. Walking is as close to free as it gets. You don’t need fancy shoes, or clothes, or equipment. If you head straight out your front door, a walk will only cost you some time and a little rubber off the bottom of your shoes. Many people are surprised to learn that walking is actually a serious form of exercise. Although you may not feel like you are working too hard, in just one mile you can burn off over 100 calories.

    Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
    Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
    Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
    The weather started to turn a bit
    A shell filled beach
  2. Walking connects me with my surroundings. One can’t possibly notice the many small details of buildings and woodlands while driving. When you’re on foot, you notice all kinds of things you’d never notice in a car. I always thing of a walk as an opportunity to explore the area and to admire the scenery. I usually try to do some research beforehand and find out a bit about the area and always take my camera with.
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Leaving the beach
  1. Walking changes your perspective. You start to see where the environment is built for people, and where it’s built for cars. Cosy shops lining the street become more inviting. It’s while I’m walking that I notice the frost on the grass, or a rabbit hiding behind a tree, or the moon peeking out from behind the clouds.
Remember t stop and smell the flowers
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. Walking inspires curiosity. Who built that building? What was it like then? Who uses it now? What is over that hill? Are those berries edible? Wouldn’t it be cool to have a coffee shop on that corner? You might not know where you’re headed, and that’s ok. Getting lost in nature is the bes thing ever!
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. Reduce your carbon footprint. Many of us would like to make a personal contribution to climate change, and here is a simple way that you can… ditch those car keys in favour of walking shoes and avoid carbon emissions completely. Every trip (however short) you take on foot is one you aren’t taking in your car. That’s good for you, and it’s good for the environment.
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. Free your brain. Anxiety, stress, and mental health issues are common issues that people face in today’s society. Walking is a perfect way to zone-out, de-stress and rid yourself of all the negative thoughts in your mind from the day. A brief walk can melt mental fatigue, improve memory, and even help stave off the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Taking a walk is a great way to leave all the worry of the day behind.
The Irish countryside
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. It’s a Great Way to Enjoy the Weather. Summers are short and oh so sweet. I just can’t wait to get outside, and while I haven’t figured out how to be able to spend all day on a blanket at the park, walking somewhere gives me a great excuse to savor a few sweet moments of sunshine. I have nothing against the other seasons. I love rainy spring walks, and crisp fall walks. I even love bundling up for an icy winter walk, especially late at night. Every season (and day, for that matter) has its moments. Walking gives you a chance to soak them up.
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Ruins found in the countryside
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. Its Great for Your Creativity. English wordsmith William Wordsworth is said to have spent much of his life on foot, walking. Henry David Thoreau often walked up to 20 miles at a time before he put pen to paper. Virginia Woolf was a regular walker. In fact, there’s a very long list of writers who considered walking part of their craft. If you’re a creative type, the walking path might just lead to enlightenment.
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Irish sheep!!
The Irish countryside
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

 

  1. It’s an Excuse to Get Some Ice Coffee. Walking is a great excuse to pick up a cup of ice coffee to enjoy along the way. At least you’re burning some of those calories, right?

 

Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland
  1. It’s the Perfect Time do do Some Reflecting. We often think of meditation as something that happens when you’re sitting still, but in reality, that’s very hard to do. The washing machine will chime. The phone will ring. Your neighbours will make noise. If you walk, your brain will be able to do its quiet wandering with less distraction.
Hot chocolate to end the day!!
Watching the sun set!
Rathmullan, situated in County Donegal, Ireland

 

What are your reasons for walking?

32 comments

  1. We enjoy walking … and it must show, because we’ve done 2 Camino’s 😉. The wonderful thing of walking is when you reach that point when your mind is clear and you think of nothing … and just enjoy the moment.
    Oh yes, and helps when you are walking and you’re surrounded by beauty – like your walk in this post!

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  7. My wife and I try to walk for an hour every morning for our health! We intersperse 20 minutes of exercises at three intervals! We have also enjoyed hiking in Switzerland, Nepal, Bali, India, and three times the Grand Canyon! Last summer we also hiked in Jasper, Banff, and Waterton National Parks in Alberta, Canada, followed by hiking in Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S.A.

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  8. I love walking, too! All the reasons you mentioned are true – walking is relaxing, it allows you to observe more, and makes you think… Travellers know that some places can be reached just by foot, and most of the time it’s well worth it!

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  13. Lovely photos Janaline, it looks like a quiet place and you have obviously enjoyed your Irish adventures. I like walking up to the hill nearby to get a 360 degree view over the sea and countryside, it’s a place to charge the batteries. Coastal walks are nice too and there is often lots to see in the hedgerows and the cliff tops. But giving up the car in a rural location is impossible unless you are lucky enough to be on a decent bus route.

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  14. Never heard of Rathmullan but looks nice. My reasons for walking; I enjoy hiking for the reward at the end of it all, usually a 360 degree view. It’s great to pause and take it all in, and it really is so therapeutic.

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