The Cork Backpackers Club promotes hill walking. The Club had its foundation back in late 1982 when, after a notice appeared in "The Cork Examiner", a small group met and arranged to go on a walk in October. From this small beginning the Club has grown to where it is today.
The early walks were documented in "The Echo". The walk was described, who took part was noted. At this stage there was no meeting place, and walks took place every three weeks. As numbers grew, friendships developed and the desire to meet socially between walks grew. From this, people started meeting on the Wednesday before walks.
As the numbers continued to increase on walks, the Club moved from one walk for everyone, to graded walks and to taking names beforehand. From "The Abbey Tavern", to "The Ovens", to "The Office", to "The Grand Circle", to "The Vinyard" the club move before currently arriving in "Counihan's" of Pembroke street. The Club generally organises weekends away on all major Bank Holidays and has a Sunday walk every two weeks.
Very often members meet to go out independently between walks, especially during the Winter. As one would expect with hill walkers, many members are involved in other sports such as orienteering, cycling, rock climbing, water sports etc., and from time to time drag their fellow club members along to some events.
Socially the club is also quite active and holds a Christmas party and Summer barbecue. There is an Annual General Meeting in September where a committee is elected to run the club during the year. Members are encouraged to assist the club whenever possible and to volunteer to join the committee.
In summary, there is friendship, beautiful countryside, exercise, socialising and a host of other benefits.