Bog Safari Hike

An excellent walk with Sharon as part of Inishowen Walking Festival. A very wet day when we could only imagine the panaramic views turned into a Bog Safari on the Bulaba Way to Foxes Rock as Sharon shared her extensive knowledge of all things bog related including flowers, fauna and local history - I can highly recommend Sharon as a Guide if you are the person who likes to get the local flavour when you are travelling. 10/10.

Sharon at Solas Ireland Walks is a steadfast supporter of the social outreach and impact that we at Positive Steps Outdoors strive to deliver through our Healthy Hikes – connecting people with each other and the natural environment to promote positive mental wellbeing. She is a relaxed yet highly competent walk leader, with an impressive depth and breadth of knowledge of flora, fauna, local history and the landscape. She has a real ability to bring the outdoors to life, enthralling and entertaining participants while encouraging them to look, listen and engage with their surroundings. Sharon works hard to connect with everyone on our events, from young people to adults, and is particularly skilled at making those who are new to exploring the natural environment feel welcome, comfortable and at ease. Her impact speaks for itself. When we run repeat events for clients where Sharon has been involved, we consistently see increased attendance. That says a great deal about the positive experience she creates and the connection she builds with participants. We are delighted to have Sharon and Solas Ireland Walks as a valued supporter of Positive Steps Outdoors.

Sharon is just the sort of guide you want to meet on a hike: congenial, knowledgeable, patient, kind and thoughtful. We felt very safe with her at the helm and her appreciation and love of this extraordinary landscape is remarkable. Scenery like Donegal deserves to be savoured and with Sharon doing the showcasing, you can do so high up and with great memories to follow.

I had no idea that bogs could be so fascinating! Sharon shared so many interesting facts and has so much knowledge - I wouldn't hesitate to repeat the experience!

This was a fabulous experience. Sharon is very knowledgeable about the history of the area and the formation, development, importance, and ecology of bogs. Learned so much and also enjoyed stunning views of the mountains and Lough Swilly. Highly recommended.

Sharon was the perfect guide. She shared her expertise in botany, ecology and history, helping us learn about the magic of sphagnum moss and other plants that we saw on the way. It was her deep personal connection to the bogland and her anecdotes about her own family that made the hike so special. We were very fortunate to have spectacular weather during the hike, and she gave us ample time to take our holiday snaps. The route is a pleasant mountain walk through miles of bog wilderness, which you often have entirely to yourselves. Thank you for an unforgettable afternoon, Sharon. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys hill walking.

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I highly recommend taking the Bog Tour. Sharon shares wisdom, information and lore in a chatty and approachable manner. Plus you get to hike in a BOG! I was lucky to have Sharon to myself and relatively good weather. We met up with one of her neighbors out working in the big so got to see how the bog places a role in the daily lives of people still. It is a unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed!

My husband and I recently did the Bog Safari hike with Sharon. It was a great mix of walking (in a part of Donegal we didn't know, so that was a novelty) and conversation. Sharon is really knowledgeable about the bog, giving us information about the landscape, turf, plants growing up in the area and still living nearby. We thoroughly enjoyed the hike; aided by a warm May afternoon, it was a lovely experience.

Sharon was a fantastic guide making this an extraordinary hike . I learned so much. The landscape is beautiful wild and empty, a stunning remoteness in every direction. Learning about the different mosses , sponges and lichen of the bog was amazing. In the strangest way looking and learning about the Micro -topography reminded me of diving the Great Barrier Reef ! To learn of the bogs role in sustainability and carbon sequestering was truly fascinating. We studied ancient pieces of bog oak up to 8000 years old. I can highly recommend the Bog Safari, for adults & children alike. So informative and extremely interesting. A must do on any trip to Inishowen. Thank you Sharon for a truly rewarding adventure.

The bog safari was the perfect blend of walk and talk. Sharon Porter has a deep knowledge and deep passion for this landscape. Her desire to care for and respect Ireland's bogs is inspiring. She is such a delight to be around and she cares about teaching others how precious this landscape is. I would highly recommend Sharon and her bog safari!