He says he is in his 75th year and his limbs are "complaining strongly about the misuse they have received for the last 60 years on the mountains all over the world". But south Dublin and Wicklow have taken a most enjoyable toll also on Joss Lynam's physique. Rather than suffer alone, he is determined to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share the experience. Easy Walks near Dublin is his umpteenth guide book, and the author places great emphasis on "easy". With true precision, the veteran mountaineer includes estimated walking times - ranging from half-an-hour to three hours. That doesn't include the travel, of course, which is now the one big drawback for city-dwellers. The mountains may be a halfhour away, but only if you have wings. The 40 routes include a fair share north of the Liffey - as a southsider, he confesses, he hasn't ventured across the river as often as he should. Ranging from the Boyne towpath to the Ben of Howth to Maulin, the little Sugar Loaf and the Vale of Clara, the routes are circular, where possible, and most are accessible by public transport. There are few steep ascents or demanding terrain, he promises. And wouldn't we believe him?
