Walking Stories: The Wicklow Way in Ireland

```html

Angelo was 52 years old and Anna was 50 when they embarked on this walking journey. They covered 65 km over 8 intense days through Ireland's stunning landscapes, and today on A piedi per il mondo we'll be chatting with them as part of our interview series with clients to discover what that experience was like.

First of all, how are you both? You look great!

Angelo and Anna laugh in unison.

Anna: Well, the truth is we're doing wonderfully. I'm on holiday for a few days, so things couldn't be better.

Do you remember the Wicklow Way in Ireland?

Angelo: Of course! Every single day!

Anna: Our children say we should go somewhere else – it seems we can't talk about anything else, even though it's been a few years now (they both laugh).

What motivated you to undertake this trail?

Angelo: You see, it was 2022, I was 52 and she had just turned 50. We really enjoyed walking – in fact, we had done the Camino de Santiago back in 2018, so we thought: "Why not?"

Anna: The desire was always there, but we never quite made the decision. There was always something holding us back, but really, they were just excuses.

Excuses?

Anna: Yes, you know, sometimes you tell yourself you don't have the time, or the money, or the energy, or all three combined, and really they're just excuses you use to avoid facing your fears – the possibility of not being up to a challenge or goal.

Why Ireland?

Angelo: We knew Dublin from a previous trip and loved the city very much. We were following you on Facebook, and I think you infected us with your passion for walking holidays (they both laugh), and one day you posted a route in Ireland, and we took it as a sign!

Anna: Yes, we always wanted to return to Dublin, and the Wicklow Way starts from there. A different way to experience Ireland.

I remember you called us with quite a few concerns about physical fitness… What do you remember about that experience?

Anna: Well, look, I had fewer doubts than him (laughs), not that we were athletes or anything like that, but we maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. As we said before, we'd already done the Camino de Santiago and we occasionally went trekking and mountain hiking, so we were familiar with long walks. The truth is I didn't think about it much – he did (laughs).

Angelo: But that's normal! It's not the same thing doing a day hike as covering 65 km in the mountains of a foreign country, but you gave us such good advice on how to prepare and what to expect that, as Anna says, I let go of my worries and embraced the challenge!

Any memorable anecdotes?

(They both laugh)

Angelo: Actually, there were quite a few. Especially with the sheep we encountered, who for some reason kept giving us the strangest looks (laughs), and there was one time we stopped to chat with a shepherd and the man wouldn't stop flirting with Anna as if I wasn't even there…

Anna: He was actually very charming and had a beautiful home (laughs). We also remember that on the third day I twisted my ankle, and even though we were really close to the hotel, we called you feeling a bit embarrassed. Not only did you arrange a taxi to pick us up, but you also organised an extra night at the hotel for rest.

Thank you again for that.

That's what we're here for, Anna! You mentioned feeling embarrassed – why was that?

Anna: Well, I know it sounds silly, but we didn't want to let you down. We thought you might think: "Other clients who think they can walk more than they should – look, she's twisted her ankle." I know it sounds ridiculous! But at the time, that's really what I thought. Thank goodness we called you!

What would you say to those who haven't yet ventured into this type of walking holidays?

Angelo: I'd tell them to come with you to the ends of the earth (laughs), and speaking seriously, I'd tell them not to be afraid to push a little beyond their limits – life is meant to be lived and filled with stories to tell. The Wicklow Way in Ireland changed our lives.

Anna: And that travelling as a couple at this stage of life is absolutely wonderful. Well, let's say you either strengthen your bonds or you end up divorced when you return (laughs), but that's true for any marriage that's lasted 20 years, isn't it?

Do you have any other walking trips in mind?

Anna: Well, the truth is we're seriously considering Normandy – it seems like a really interesting route. We need to check the dates.

Angelo: Yes, Normandy really appeals to us, and France in general. I've always wanted to see the Mont Saint-Michel in person!

We need to think about it, but you'll probably hear from us again soon.

Angelo and Anna are just one example of the over 20,000 clients we've had the pleasure of working with, organising custom walking holidays for them.

At A piedi per il mondo, we care about every detail to ensure your walking holiday is a truly unique experience in every way.

You can walk the Wicklow Way in Ireland or choose from the many destinations we offer.

Travel solo, as a couple, or with friends – we'll take care of everything.

Consult with our experts to answer any questions – we're always here for you.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

```