The Park has a number of trails, including a nature trail, children’s sticker trail and trim trail. Pick up a free trail leaflet in the visitor centre and look out for more information along the way.
The Trim Trail brings you 5 pieces of fitness equipment, each with a nod to the Park’s rich history:
Step-Ups
Stepping onto the posts engages glutes and quads.
A guard in 1350 would have taken 195 steps from the bailey up to the castle keep.
Chin-Ups
Activates back and bicep muscles.
A ‘navvy’ digging the railway in the Park during the 1860s would have moved 20-24 tonnes of soil per day, lifting it 8 feet (2.4 metres) from under his feet to above his head.
Straddle & Vault
These pieces of equipment are designed to engage quads and hamstrings.
A medieval peasant’s 12 hour day of labour would burn off about 3,500-4,000 calories, and all on a diet dominated by bread and weak beer.
Ladder
This exercise will engage shoulder and back muscles.
A bale of wool traded in medieval Clare would have weighed a standard 364 pounds (165kg). Large hooks with handles were used to grip them and move them by hand – medieval peasants must have been extremely strong, despite their poor diet.
Why not challenge yourself with the trim trail and walk or run between each piece of equipment as you make your way around the route? Choose how many exercises you wish to do and which direction to follow according to your own fitness goals.
For those using the Trim Trail please remember:
- The trail is unlit and so best used during daylight hours.
- The equipment is made of wood which can become slippery when wet or muddy.
- Appropriate footwear should be worn.
- Being scattered through a wooded area of the Park we recommend walking the route before running, to ensure you’re aware of any obstructions.
Clare Castle Country Park Trust cannot be held responsible for any injury should you choose to use the Trim Trail.
Should you wish to report any damage to our fitness equipment you can do so by emailing info@clarecastlecountrypark.co.uk or, if the situation is urgent, by calling the Duty Trustee on 07861 361066.