I am wondering from anyone who has recently done the 14 day trip how strenuous it actually is. My parent are considering doing this trip and are in their mid-late 70's and active. My husband and I pretty much did the same trip on our own in March and I don't recall hills and stairs out of the ordinary other than the Giant's Causeway. Any information is appreciated!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I'm in your parents' age and activity ranges and I didn't have trouble with it. The Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, and the climb to Dun Aengus were challenging but perfectly doable. For Dun Aengus, the bigger issue for me was watching my footing and balance on the way down. It's a clear pathway but uneven and could be slippery in spots, especially if it's wet. Dun Aengus is an option on the trip but well worth it to me, and I think all of us did it.
If they're walkers, they might work up to longer walks as the trip approaches, maybe do some stair climbing and descending for general fitness and balance. I've taken three RS tours in my 70s and none seemed as strenuous as described.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, Dick! That is very helpful!
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2547 posts
They always have the option not to do something if it looks like it’s too strenuous or difficult for them. When we were at the temple site at Segesta in Sicily for example, I did everything including the walk back down the hill to the bus area but opted not to get up close and personal with the temple. A lot of others did the same as we had already seen it from the road.