DAY WALKS: Fun and Frolics in the Wicklow Mountains

"Every Day Holds a New Adventure"

An adventure within the midst of the "Wild Wicklow Mountains".
Allow your spirit to soar and venture with us into a land of wilderness beauty. Meet and walk with likeminded people through some of the most memorable scenery in Ireland. Through broadleaf forests, over heather clad hills, by scenic remote valleys and lakes you will discover the timeless beauty of a hidden landscape just waiting to be discovered.

Wicklow; a land blessed with an ambiance of wonderful countryside.
Geological evolution over millions of years has arranged this landscape in such a way that today it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a perfect place for a day's adventure. Located within this paradise, in addition to the superb scenery and great walks, is a wide array of wildlife flora and fauna.

We have carefully selected seven of the best walks in Co. Wicklow to make this a great day out for you. Have a look at the itineraries and make your choice. Please note we can always tailor the day to whatever suits you.

Trooperstown Hill & Clara Vale:
This walk in one of Wicklow's best kept secrets.
The walk starts in Glendalough and takes us along the green Road onto Ballard which translated into English means High Town. From here we walk up to Trooperstown Hill where you have a perfect view of all Wicklow Mountains and on a clear day you might even be able to see as far as Wales. Our descent brings us down into the Vale of Clara, the smallest village of Ireland. To finish our walk we follow the Avonmore River through an open oak forest into the town of Rathdrum.
Distance: 12 Km/7.5 miles; Ascent: 430 Mtrs/1290Ft

Scarr Mountain:
We start off just past Oldbridge and follow a quiet little road. A short climb brings us onto Scarr Mountain from where we have a 360° view of the surrounding countryside including Roundwood Ireland's highest village and Lough Dan, Ireland's largest lake. After a gentle descent we join the Wicklow Way that brings us along the side of Paddock Hill. The last part of this walk takes us through Brockagh forest from where you will have a great view down on Glendalough valley, finally finishing the day with a tour of the Monastic Settlement.
Distance: 14 Km/8.75 miles; Ascent: 450 Mtrs/1350 Ft

Monastic Settlement and the Spinc:
Our walk takes us out from Glendalough and back into the history of time with a visit to the 6th century Monastic City, unfortunately now in ruins but was once the hub of learning in Europe. "Gleann Dá Locha" translates to "The valley of the two lakes".
It was in this haven of peace and tranquillity that St. Kevin founded his monastery so many years ago.
From here our walk takes us past the two lakes and up to the Miner's Village, which is situated at the head of the valley. After a short talk on the history of mining in Glendalough we will proceed up into an area known as Van Diemen's Land, over the Glenealo River and onto the Spinc. From here the views back into the valley and surrounding countryside are simply breathtaking. From here our walk continues through Lugduff Forest, past Pollanass Waterfall and back to the Glendalough for some well-earned refreshments beside the open fire in the bar.
Distance: 11.4km / 7 miles. Total ascent: 410m / 1230 ft

Trooperstown and the Two Glens
From the Glendalough the walk takes us through the grounds of the Visitor's Centre and onto what is known locally as "the Green Road". This very old road takes us to Ballard Forest and onto the town land of Ballard (Baile-ard), translated into English as 'High Town or Village'. This area was densely populated prior to the Great Famine of 1845-1849 and clear evidence of the small fields and potato furrows can still be seen to this day. From here our walk takes us onto Trooperstown Hill, where on a clear day it is possible to see almost all the peaks in the Wicklow Mountain range. And if luck is on our side, we can see as far away as the Snowdonia Mountains National Park in Wales. Our way travels down through Trooperstown Forest, over the Avonmore River and onto the side of Paddock Hill, where we will join the Wicklow Way. This scenic trail will lead us to the valley of Glenmacnass and back into the valley of Glendalough.
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles. Total ascent: 430m / 1290 f

t

Kippure & Source of River Liffey
The diversity of this walk makes it the equal of any other exciting walk in the Wicklow hills. Our route will take you via Kippure Mountain (757 metres) to places where the famous river Liffey cuts a rugged path through some of the wildest mountain scenery in Wicklow. You will pass by Liffey-Head Bog, one of the most pristine habitats in Ireland, containing rich biodiversity such as the Sundew, a carnivorous plant that feeds on insects that become trapped in its sticky hairs.
Distance: 18 kilometres/ 11 miles.

The Wicklow Way and Djouce Mountain:
Our walk starts at Crone Forest; just outside the village of Enniskerry at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.
We will follow part of the Wicklow Way; which at one point will offer us some stunning views over Powerscourt Waterfall and the Powerscourt Estate. The trail leads us out onto the mountain and onto White Hill were we will turn left to take the sort climb to the Summit of Djouce Mountain. This majestic mountain stands very proudly over looking part of Dublin; Dublin Bay; the towns of Bray; Greystones and Wicklow and the Irish Sea. Our Descent takes us back down to White Hill and out overlooking Lough Tay and part of the famous Guinness Estate. It was in this are that part of Brave Heart was filmed. The day finishes in Roundwood Village; Ireland highest village.
Distance; 13.5Km/8.4 miles; Total ascent: 420Mtrs/1260 Ft

Glendalough and the Glenmalure Valley:
Our tour takes us to the monastic city of Glendalough, which was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century and became a hub of learning in Europe. This University City was Ireland's earliest proto-urban development. By the seventh century, Ireland held an intellectual primacy unmatched in Europe. Today, history lives in the ruins of Glendalough. Its imposing round tower overlooks a scene of tranquil beauty - a valley of two lakes (Gleann Dá' Loch)
After finishing our guided tour of the ruins the trail leads us up into the valley and out onto an area known as the Spinc. From here we will have sweeping views over the lakes, the Monastic City and surrounding countryside. The day finishes in the valley of Glenmalure, Irelands longest Glacier Valley. Our accommodation for the night is in the valley.
Distance: 15Km, 9.3 Miles, Ascent 510Mtrs, 1530Ft

TOP OF PAGE

To make a booking please phone our office on: 00353 (0) 404 45152

or E-mail us at: info@walkinghikingireland.com

Other guided tours:

• Wicklow Way • Western Way • Wicklow Mountains DeLuxe
• Wales & Wicklow • Donegal & Antrim • The Lake District
• Connemara & The Burren • Connemara Special • Cork & Kerry
• Glens of Antrim • Happy Wanderers • West Highland Way
• Walking Specials • Day Walks