Senior Trails & Accessibility Specialist
Deep knowledge developed through 14 years of field work and community engagement
Systematic evaluation of terrain difficulty, elevation gain, surface conditions, and accessibility features across the Comeragh Mountains. We've assessed over 40 distinct routes for suitability with older adults and people with varying mobility levels.
Creation and documentation of gentle lakeside routes throughout Waterford, including Coumshingaun, Mahon Falls, and lesser-known paths. These routes prioritize flat terrain, scenic views, and regular rest areas for comfortable walking.
Evidence-based practices for creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Training in adaptive techniques for people with arthritis, limited mobility, hearing or vision considerations, and cardiovascular conditions.
Comprehensive safety protocols for outdoor walking in variable Irish weather. Route planning that accounts for weather exposure, water hazards, fatigue factors, and emergency access points.
Clear trail documentation with detailed descriptions, elevation profiles, time estimates, and practical landmarks. Guides that don't rely on complex technical navigation for older walkers.
Understanding the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor walking for older adults. How gentle upland trails improve mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and emotional wellbeing when approached correctly.
Founded and continue to lead "Gentle Peaks," a community interest initiative that's guided over 2,000 older adults and people with mobility challenges on carefully curated walks. The project has documented 27 distinct routes across the Comeragh Mountains and surrounding lakeside areas.
Her detailed lakeside path assessments and safety protocols were adopted by the Irish Tourism Board as the national model for accessible route documentation. This work influenced accessibility standards across Irish tourism regions.
Developed the county's first accessible trail network during five years with Parks & Recreation department. This foundational work established accessibility standards that remain in place today across Waterford's public spaces.
Completed advanced training in adaptive outdoor recreation through the Irish Rambling Association. Holds certifications in outdoor first aid, accessible event planning, and senior-focused fitness coaching.
Brings 14 years of field expertise to sahabehayati Ltd, creating evidence-based content that helps older adults discover therapeutic benefits of gentle upland walking whilst understanding their own capabilities and safety requirements.
Siobhán grew up in Dungarvan, Waterford, where she spent her childhood exploring the Comeragh Mountains with her grandmother. Those early experiences shaped her lifelong passion for making these landscapes accessible to everyone. She's not just read about trails — she's walked them countless times across different seasons, weather conditions, and physical states.
After completing her Environmental Science degree at University College Cork in 2009, she could've taken a corporate path. Instead, she joined Waterford County Council's Parks & Recreation department, where she spent five years developing the county's first accessible trail network. That wasn't just paperwork. It meant being out in the field, testing routes, understanding what actually works for older walkers, and building relationships with the community.
In 2014, she founded "Gentle Peaks" as a community interest project. What started as weekend walks became something much bigger. Over the past decade, she's guided more than 2,000 older adults and people with mobility challenges on carefully planned routes throughout the region. She knows what questions they ask, what worries them, what makes them confident, and what surfaces cause problems.
The breakthrough moment came in 2019 when her detailed lakeside path assessments caught the attention of the Irish Tourism Board. They adopted her accessibility standards as a national model. That recognition validated what she'd been doing — proving that accessible trail documentation isn't soft work, it's technical expertise that matters.
Today at sahabehayati Ltd, she brings that hard-won field knowledge and compassionate approach to creating content that's genuinely helpful. Not generic advice. Not corporate messaging. Real guidance from someone who understands the terrain, the people, and what actually makes a difference.
University College Cork
Parks & Recreation Department, developing accessible trail network
Community interest project for accessible outdoor recreation
Irish Rambling Association specialized certifications
Irish Tourism Board adopts accessibility model
Senior Trails & Accessibility Specialist, expert content creator
Practical guides based on real field experience and community feedback
Complete guide to one of Waterford's most scenic upland trails, with detailed accessibility notes, elevation breakdown, and practical tips for older walkers. Covers parking, estimated time, water access, and seasonal considerations.
Read Full GuideA gentler lakeside route perfect for those newer to upland walking or with time constraints. This guide includes surface conditions, shade availability, photo spots, and alternatives if you need to turn back early.
Read Full GuideEssential packing list specifically designed for older adults tackling upland terrain. Covers clothing layers, footwear considerations, nutrition strategies, hydration, safety equipment, and how to pack light without compromising on preparation.
Read Full GuideComprehensive safety framework for walking alone in upland areas. Covers route planning, communication strategies, weather awareness, physical limits, emergency preparation, and building confidence for independent outdoor exploration.
Read Full GuideSiobhán's content isn't theory. It's built from 14 years of walking these trails, listening to older adults, solving real problems, and testing solutions in the field. She's guided thousands of people, studied environmental science, trained in adaptive recreation, and had her methods adopted as national standards. When she writes about upland trails for seniors, she's drawing from genuine expertise.
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