Ireland say's......hello.

[Alan Kilroy]

New to the forum. Haven't really hiked but am planning to walk the Grand Canal from Dunlin to the Shannon in August.
Have tent, bag and mat already from cycle touring, weighing 3.6kg.
Almost committed to a Deuter ACT lite 40+10.
Been walking to work 4 times a week to get the pins used to it, 7.2 miles round trip for the last two months.
Play squash regularly.
Wondering what/ how to prepare for a 7/8 day hike or is that too ambitious?


Cheers.

[Islandplodder]

If you walk to work regularly and go cycle touring you are probably quite fit and are doing all the right things.  The only thing I would suggest is a few longer walks at weekends with a pack just to make sure you iron out any feet niggles, and get used to carrying stuff.
However, I speak as one who never does much preparation, just hope that the fact that I do a fair bit of walking will see me through.  I usually find the 3rd day a bit challenging, if you are planning an itinerary, I would make that day a bit shorter.
Enjoy it, it sounds a nice walk.