Walking Ireland’s Mountains

WICKLOW

At Glendalough, there is a noble CASCADE; the Lake thereof, is bounded on three Sides by vast, high and almost inaccessible mountains, that on the west Side is of a prodigeous height. Through the middle part there glides a smart River, from one Rock to another, descending nearly a mile before it enters the Lake at the Foot of the Mountain ... but what is surprising, the Natives affirm, that it passes through that Lake without mixing with its waters. James Weeks, A New Geography of Ireland, 1752

Route 19: East Wicklow – Glendalough
Map 56 (1:50,000), Discovery Series.
Start at upper car park Glendalough (T 111964). Ascend steep path north, then west to climb Camaderry (two summits) and pass south of reservoir. Walk to Lough Firrib along intermittent trench (careful navigation required!), then south-west to Conavalla, or in good visibility nearby point 702 metres (escape is possible on this leg). Keep to high ground to south-east on intermittent path and track (Lugduff, 652 metres, has white quartzite rocks on summit), walk on path with cliffs on left along spur running west to east on south side of Glendalough Upper Lake. At steep drop ahead near east end of lake, cross stile right to reach forest track. Take track/path to start, with waterfall on right.
Distance: 18 kilometres. Climb: 700 metres. Time: 4.75 hours.

Route 20: East Wicklow – Glenmacnass
Map 56 (1:50,000), Discovery Series.
Start at Laragh (T 142996). Take Wicklow Way north to Paddock Hill, climb Scarr (641 metres), descend north-west, passing standing stone, then west to car park at a 116029 (escape possible here). Cross river on natural stepping stones about seventy metres upstream, climb south arm of corrie containing Lough Ouler to reach Tonelagee (trig pillar). Descend south-east and follow mdetermmate tops generally south-east (careful navigation on undulating ground) to point 470 metres. From here take spur south, veering immediately east off it to descend through gap between larch stands. Follow forest tracks and Wicklow Way to start (complicated track network at end, so National Park 1 :25,000 map might be reassuring).
Distance: 20 kilometres. Climb: 1,100 metres. Time: 6 hours.

Route 21: East Wick low – Lugnaquillia
Map 56 (1 :50,000), Discovery Series.
Start at car park at head of Glenmalure (T 066943). Cross footbridge and take partially concealed path immediately opposite to meet forest track. Turn left and cross river where track swings sharply right at fork. Keep between fence and river at first to climb Lugnaquillia (large cairn, trig pillar). Walk east to Clohernagh (indistinct summit), avoiding cliffs on right at first and keeping left at cairn marking fork of spurs. Descend east from Clohernagh, picking up path with cliffs on left. Continue east (no path) to reach top of grassy zigzag track and descend into Glenmalure, crossing footbridge to reach road. Walk road three kilometres to start.
Distance: 15 kilometres. Climb: 800 metres. Time: 4.5 hours.

Route 22: West Wicklow - Lugnaquillia
Map 56 (1:50,000), Discovery Series.
Start at road junction in Glen of Imaal (S 983948). Walk road south-west to Seskin (S 973935) and then east to foot of Camara Hill. Climb Camara Hill, initially following army waymarks; climb Lugnaquillia, walk 300 metres north-east to avoid cliffs, then follow high ground to Camenabologue, taking care not to take spurs east on this leg. Walk one kilometre north to pass and descend west on path following army waymarks to start. Careful! Army range in vicinity. Warning flags fly occasionally - if so, do not walk route. If in doubt, consult army by ringing 045-54626.
Distance: 19 kilometres. Climb: 900 metres. Time: 5.5 hours.

Route 23: South Wicklow – Lugnaquillia
“Wicklow Way” map (1:50,000) or map 16 (half-inch).
Start at Aghavannagh Youth Hostel (T 059860). Walk one kilometre west along road, cross gate right at junction left. Walk track to first farmhouse, turn left here to cross gate and continue, initially on track to climb Lybagh, Slievemaan (both indistinct summits) Lugnaquillia. Initially keeping clear of cliffs on right, walk east to cairn marking junction of spurs, then walk south-east to Corrigasleggaun (point 2,534 feet, indistinct summit). Keep to high ground by walking south then south-east, veering left off spur (called Doyle Street on "Wicklow Way "map) to meet forest track at about T 060895. Follow this track (initially south-east) for about 3.5 kilometres to sharp right turn just before prominent bridge (both maps are inaccurate in their depiction of forest tracks in this area). Take this right turn to reach road.
Distance: 18 kilometres. Climb: 750 metres. Time: 5 hours.

for the previous instalments, click here: Part 1 | Part 2 |
Information extracted from Walking Ireland’s Mountains: a guide to the ranges and the best walking routes by David Herman, published by Appletree Press.