Key Considerations in Upland Path Management
This course introduces participants to best practice principles, language and the decision-making framework that underpins good upland path management.
Paths in our uplands are very often little more than visible lines on the ground, in most cases, evolving through repeated footfall. In some cases, some work has been carried out to define or construct a surface. Many paths cross vulnerable habitats including peat, upland heath and grassland and through repeated use and the impacts of weather, vegetation has been stripped, leaving areas of severe erosion.
Helping the Hills stemmed from a conference in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow in 2012 which brought together experts in upland path management from across Ireland and Britain to address upland path erosion and best practice in path maintenance and construction. Since 2012, the initiative has grown, emcompassing a network of individuals and organisations involved in upland path management across the island of Ireland.
The initiative, which is hosted by Mountaineering Ireland, received funding from the Department of Rural Community Development and the Gaeltacht in 2026 to build capacity in the sector through a progressive training programme covering various key areas of upland path management.
The aim of Helping the Hills is primarily to protect the upland landscape and environment by promoting best practice in upland path management, following the Helping the Hills guiding Principles.
The Helping the Hills Team
Matt McConway
Originally from Scotland, Matt ran his own upland path management company there for 25 years. After securing the contract as path manager for the Croagh Patrick path project in 2020, Matt moved to Westport, Co. Mayo and continues to work part-time on Croagh Patrick, maintaining the completed path. Matt has worked on several other upland path projects across the Island of Ireland including sites in Donegal, Kerry and The Mournes. Matt joined Helping the Hills as Trainer and Technical Advisor in May 2026 and will deliver Helping the Hills training courses as well as consulting on specific cases. Matt brings a wealth of experience in path construction and maintenance in the upland environment as well as managing volunteer and non-volunteer path teams.
matt@mountaineering.ie
085 8709254
Rozanne Bell
Rozanne worked in the training department of Mountaineering Ireland from 2012 to 2017 and was involved in the Helping the Hills conference in 2012. Since then, she has worked in the area of training and development for other sporting bodies as well as in the field of ecology. Being a keen trail runner in her home county of Wicklow, she has a good understanding of the balance between outdoor recreation and the natural environment, especially that of the uplands.
rozanne@mountaineering.ie
087 1952850
Helping the Hills Steering Group
Helen Lawless (Chair)
Helen is Chairperson of the Helping the Hills Steering Group and has driven the initiative since it's inception in 2012. As Mountaineering Ireland's Access and Environment Manager, Helen is passionate about the conservation of the Irish uplands and balancing protection of the environment with recreation. Her job is focused on maintaining and improving our ability to get access to the places where we walk and climb, and helping to protect the mountains we all enjoy. Outside of work, she is an active hillwalker, with a passion for wild and rugged landscapes, and a curiosity about all aspects of the mountain environment.
Aine McGirl
Aine loves a good long day out in the hills, enjoying the variety of terrains and different habitats available to us across Ireland. As a result of her Mountain Leader training her interest and curiosity about the natural world grew. This has led her to undertake an M.Sc. in Environmental Sustainability, to better understand our uplands and the actions required to conserve these sensitive and wonderful areas. Aine represents the Irish Upland Forum on the Steering Group
Hugh McLindon
Hugh has worked in the National parks and Wildlife Service in Ireland since 1996. Throughout that time he has been a part of many teams and assisted in a wide range of projects. Starting in the Wicklow Mountains National Park with the Education team. Hugh created programmes that include evening lectures, active retirement events, volunteer events, outreach to schools, Forest School programmes, ecology and geography programmes and the list goes on. In 2017, he became a Conservation Ranger and applied his energy to habitat restoration, species protection, volunteer programmes and enforcement of the Wildlife Act and Habitat Regulations. Stepping up to District Conservation Officer in 2023 meant a change in role with more planning and administration to ensure a greater number of projects (tackling recreational issues and habitat restoration) are coordinated and brought to completion. In his latest role Hugh is now the Regional Manager for the Louth, Meath and Dublin Region.
Inga Bock
Inga is the Rural Recreation Officer with Donegal Local Development, where she works with landowners, communities and agencies to develop, maintain and promote outdoor recreation across County Donegal. She has managed the Walks Scheme since its inception in 2008, contributed to the European Ramblers Association's 'Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe' evaluation system and helped shape national and regional outdoor recreation strategies. Inga was instrumental in bringing the International Appalachian Trail to Ireland and works with Failte Ireland and the Mountain Access Project on Errigal Mountain to support sustainable access, recreation and rural development.
Martin Keating
Mike McClure
Mike Mc Clure is the Landscape NI Lead on Landscapes. Landscapes NI is a collaborative landscape network in Northern Ireland, made up of 16 organisations that seeks to support the members for an integrated approach to landscape promotion and management. Mike's background was in outdoor and environmental education and outdoor sports development having worked for over 35 years in the sector. Prior to working for Landscapes NI, he was based at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and was the Outdoor Recreation Development Officer for Sport NI. He remains passionate about our natural and cultural heritage and the importance of landscapes in connecting people to wildlife and their heritage. Mike is also involved in the European Network of Outdoor Sports and is co-lead of the European Commission Share 2.0 initiative on Green and sustainable sports. He has been involved with pan European developments in outdoor sport and recreation since 2011 and his involvement with European Projects has provided him with a broad vision for what can be achieved through collaborative partnership working. He is still active in the outdoors and is a proponent of daily exercise in natural spaces as the only way to start the day!
Stewart Stephens
Trish Walsh
Trish recently retired as Director of Petersburg Outdoor Education and Training Centre, a post she held for over 30 years, building the centre up to a thriving hub for outdoor education. The landscape around Petersburg captured Trish's heart and through her work at Petersburg, and her various voluntary activities, including the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, Trish has championed interest in and care for the environment, engagement with farmers and support for the local community. In her spare time, Trish enjoys hiking, cycling and exploring rocky landscapes.
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Conducting a Walk Over Survey of an Upland Path
The walkover survey is the first step in understanding path condition and necessary actions. This course equips participants to walk a path end-to-end, record observations and produce a short report to inform monitoring, maintenance or repair.
Upland Path Condition Survey Training
Building on the walkover survey, this training course develops the skills and methodology needed to produce a detailed condition survey.
What is Upland Path Monitoring and Maintenance?
A short, accessible online course covering these two key areas of upland path maintenance
Basic Path Maintenance in Upland Areas
A practical, hands-on field day with a focus on the small, regular tasks that keep upland paths functioning. This course is suitable for those without prior path-work training.
Upland Path Monitoring and Maintenance
Building on ‘What is Upland Path Monitoring and Maintenance’, this course is an in-depth practical course, building competence across the full monitoring and maintenance cycle. Areas covered include safety factors and how to plan, deliver and report on maintenance work to industry standards.
Procurement and Tendering of Upland Path Work
This course gives people who commission path work the tools to write good tenders, evaluate bid fairly, and set projects up for success. It also gives an insight into what a good contractor expects to see. Includes input from a procurement specialist.
Industry CPD – Upland Path Repair and Construction
Relevant to professional upland path workers, the CPD provides the opportunity to share new techniques and emerging approaches to specific challenges. The format is deliberately peer-to-peer with talks, site walks, workshops and structured discussion.
Technical Advisor to facilitate and input on current best practices.
Industry CPD – Managing Upland Path Projects
The companion CPD to ‘Upland Path Repair and Construction’, this course focuses on the management of an upland path project — from scoping and pricing through mobilisation, programme management, people, money, reporting and hand-over.
Technical Advisor to facilitate and input on current best practices.
