80 “Emily is very organised. She helps me plot my routes. She splits them into day segments, locates camping sites and handles all the bookings. So it’s not just me; we’re a team. All my expeditions are a team effort.” Emily, who is from Banbridge, Co Down, is a radiographer and works as a project manager with the HSE. Aidan is group operations manager with thebookcentre.ie, which has shops in Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Naas. To complete his hikes, Aidan takes unpaid leave. He has no sponsors and hasn't looked for one. Emily, who turns up along with their young son Alex as our interview is nearing its end, says Aidan really needs major brands to sponsor him so he can ultra-hike full-time while he is still up for it and remains one of the best in the world. If you have read this far, you will know how helpful and forthcoming Aidan is with his know-how, knowledge and expertise. But even if you were to buy all his gear, still you might not be able to match his achievements because, above all, Aidan is a supremely gifted athlete. At 56 years of age, he is still completing epic hikes and intends to continue doing so for years to come. Pictured this page: Aidan on Finnarragh (667m) looking back along the ridge towards Mullaghanattin in the Dunkerron Mountains, Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry. He is carrying a solar panel for recharging his phone and watch, but now always uses a power bank for recharging. This photograph was taken during his Three Peninsulas mountain hike in 2019. Photo: Aidan Ennis MOUNTAIN LOG HIKER EXTRAORDINAIRE
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