Meet the Expert
For 14 years, I've been designing accessible hiking experiences for older adults across the Slieve Bloom Mountains and beyond.
The Story
It started with a simple observation. Back in 2010, I was managing a leisure centre in Laois, and I noticed something that bothered me — older adults weren't using our outdoor facilities. Not because they didn't want to. They just didn't know where to start, and frankly, the options weren't designed with them in mind.
That gap sparked something. I'd already completed my degree in Sports Science and Recreation Management at University College Dublin, but I realised theory wasn't enough. I needed to understand what actually worked for people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond — the real challenges, the confidence barriers, the physical considerations.
So I spent five years coordinating community recreation programmes, getting my hands dirty with trail assessments, talking to participants, learning from physiotherapists. The Slieve Bloom Mountains became my classroom. I'd walk those trails in every season, mapping gradients, identifying hazards, understanding sight lines. Every detail matters when safety is non-negotiable.
Today — after 14 years and helping over 2,000 seniors discover trails that work for them — I've developed a clear philosophy: accessibility isn't about limiting adventure. It's about removing unnecessary barriers so people can enjoy genuine outdoor experiences on their own terms.
Years of experience
Seniors guided safely
Accessible trails assessed
What I Do
My work combines field expertise, research, and genuine understanding of what makes outdoor activities work for older adults.
I conduct detailed field evaluations of walking routes, analysing gradient, surface conditions, and safety factors. This isn't theoretical — I walk every trail myself, noting what works and what doesn't for different ability levels.
Creating accessible leisure programmes means understanding physical capabilities, confidence levels, and social needs. I've developed frameworks that prioritise safety without sacrificing genuine enjoyment or challenge.
I know these mountains — their topography, seasonal patterns, weather behaviour, and hidden gems. This deep local knowledge shapes every recommendation I make about where and how to explore safely.
I've completed specialist training in gerontology and outdoor activity facilitation. This means understanding age-related changes, physical limitations, and how to adapt activities so everyone can participate meaningfully.
Safety isn't a checklist — it's about understanding real risks and designing them out. I work closely with physiotherapists and medical professionals to ensure recommendations are evidence-informed and genuinely protective.
Everything I write is rooted in both practical field experience and research. I translate complex information into clear, actionable guidance that helps seniors and their families make confident decisions.
Background
University College Dublin (UCD)
Laois Community Services
Coordinated community recreation programmes and identified gaps in outdoor provision for older adults.
thetakeoverpodcast Ltd
Lead development of accessible hiking programmes, trail assessment, and evidence-based content for older adult recreation.
Featured Work
Practical, evidence-informed guidance for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
What you wear and carry makes the difference between a comfortable walk and a frustrating one. I've broken down the essentials — from footwear to layers to hydration — with specific recommendations for different seasons and trail conditions.
Read the guide →A good plan isn't about being rigid — it's about removing uncertainty. I've shared how I approach distance selection, realistic pacing, and building rest stops into walks so you're not caught guessing.
Read the guide →Safety isn't paranoia — it's awareness. This guide covers the real hazards you'll encounter on easy trails, how to assess conditions, and practical strategies that don't require you to become an expert risk analyst.
Read the guide →Walking with others changes everything — confidence, enjoyment, motivation. I've outlined how to find the right groups, what to expect, and why community matters for sustained outdoor engagement.
Read the guide →Whether you're planning your first walk, looking for specific recommendations, or want to discuss accessible trail design, I'm here to help. Get in touch — I respond to all inquiries.
Send a Messagethetakeoverpodcast Ltd
Senior recreation, accessible trails, Slieve Bloom Mountains, evidence-based outdoor programming
Trail consultations, programme development, speaking, written content, research collaboration
