The sun was out for the Donegal Women in Business Network's active Walk & Talk event in the Finn Valley on 4th July.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the Donegal Women in Business Network’s final event of the summer.

On a warm and sunny evening, members of the network headed out on a walk with Wild Days Out, a new project led by Leah Fairman.

Angela Ward (Angela Ward School of Motoring), Stella McGroarty (Stella Boutique), Linda McLean (Mallow Mia), Leah Fairman (The BASE and Wild Days Out), Eileen Sweeney (AIB Bank), and Trish McGinley (DWBN Secretary) at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

Leah, who is also the manager of The BASE Enterprise Centre, leads weekly walks through the Finn Valley for locals and visitors to discover hidden gems.

The popular Drumboe Woods was the destination on Thursday evening. Members donned their runners for an active hour of networking in the great outdoors. Many of us had not been to the woodlands before, so it was a learning experience to discover the history of the area.

Admiring the Redwood at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

Angela Ward (Angela Ward School of Motoring), Trish McGinley (DWBN Secretary) and Linda McLean (Mallow Mia) at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

Leah was full of information on the local flora and fauna and the wildlife in the area. As a local, she had many fascinating stories to tell about the history of Drumboe and the River Finn.

A fresh summers’ evening was the ideal setting for some networking too, as the women had a chance to catch up with each other as they look ahead to the new season.

Checking out the fairy doors and admiring the many tree species were just some of the great distractions on the path through Drumboe.

Eileen Sweeney at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

The hour-long walk finished up at Villa Rose Hotel, where the walkers enjoyed delicious pizzas and a spread of nibbles. Some non-alcoholic cocktails were in order to toast to a great evening out!

Networking in the Villa Rose Hotel after the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

At the Villa Rose Networking is Trish McGinley (DWBN Secretary), Leah Fairman (The BASE and Wild Days Out) and Evelyn Mc Glynn (DWBN PRO) at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

Commenting on the outing, Leah said: “It was a real pleasure to introduce the ladies of the Donegal Women in Business Network to Drumboe Woods here in Stranorlar. It’s a beautiful gem in the heart of Donegal with something for everyone: walkers, families, nature and history buffs.

“Walking with a group is a great way of meeting new people and networking, so it was perfect for the Women in Business Network’s evening.”

Angela Ward (Angela Ward School of Motoring), Stella McGroarty (Stella Boutique), Linda McLean (Mallow Mia), Leah Fairman (The BASE and Wild Days Out), Eileen Sweeney (AIB Bank), and Rachel McLaughlin (DonegalWoman.ie) at the Donegal Women in Business Network Walk & Talk in the Finn Valley with Wild Days Out

Drumboe Woods Walk

Anyone can join a Wild Days Out walking on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening.

Starting out from opposite Andies Superstore in Stranorlar, Leah takes walkers on paths only the locals know and reveal a landscape full of gorgeous woodland, gentle valleys and rolling hills.

Whether you prefer a woodland stroll or long walks through rugged countryside, Wild Days Out share the hidden secrets of the Donegal heartland with you.

Drumboe Woods Walk

Why not join one of Leah’s regular weekly walks on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening? For more details see our website www.wilddaysout.com or Facebook/Instagram pages @wilddaysout. Contact Leah by phone on 0838820822

The Donegal Women in Business Network are taking a well-earned break from events for the next two months, before they are back with more meet-ups and the annual conference.

The ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ 20th Anniversary conference takes place on the 1st of October in Lough Eske Castle, Donegal. It promises to be an unmissable celebration of local women in business through the decades. Stay tuned for tickets, which will be on sale soon.

Find out about the Donegal Women in Business Network here: donegalwomeninbusiness.com/why-join

Stay tuned to the Facebook page for the next network event, as they continue their 20th anniversary celebrations throughout 2019.