Wicklow Way Route
 The
name Wicklow comes from the Viking "Wykynlo" or "Viking's Loch"
referring to the town of Wicklow, one of their favourite bases on the
Irish coast. The Gaelic "Cill Mh
antain" translates to the "Church of St. Mantan". From the border with
county Dublin, the mountains cover the middle and west of the county,
running south to the Wexford border. The highest point is Lugnaquilla at
926m. Rounded during the last Ice Age, the hills are smooth with granite
bases and shiny schists poking through, to give them a wonderful silvery
light. The Ice Age also produced wonderful deep valleys - Glenmacanass,
Glenmalure, Glendalough, which run northwest to southeast, providing not
only wonderful views but also plenty of legwork for the aspiring hiker!
Good pastureland forms the east of the county to the relatively gentle
coastline. The train journey from Dublin follows the coast before
turning inland at Wicklow town to Rathdrum and the lovely Vale of Avoca.
We offer the Wicklow Way from
south to north, starting in the lower farming countryside and
working up to the higher hills. This also allows for an easy
transfer back to Dublin city at the end of your tour. We also
suggest several optional mountain routes to extend the itinerary.
Please follow these with care and caution, as they are not Waymarked.
 ZZ-OUT-34
 2008 Rates
6 Days/ 5 Nights $545
Single +105
-- based on 380 / 75
8 Days/ 7 Nights $755
Single +150
-- based on 530 / 105
10 Days/ 9 Nights $895
Single +195
-- based on 630 / 135
Available dates: April to November
Included in your tour:
5
/
7 /9 nights Bed&Breakfast in guesthouse accommodation; luggage
transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and 1:50000 maps
(1 set for each 2 hikers).
Excluded:
Other meals; transfer to Rathdrum and from Enniskerry; entries or
excursions.
Suggested Extra Options:
Extra night in Laragh on the 8 day tour, to enjoy the National Park
and Glendalough valley.
Extra night in the Glenmalure valley to explore the Wicklow Hills.
Extra night in Dublin, Europe's fastest changing city. Wonderful
attractions, history and entertainment.
Airport for transfers:
Dublin
Degree of difficulty:
Minimum of 2 hikers in high season from mid July to mid August.
During Low season a fee of +$180 (125)
applies for single party bookings.
Itinerary:
 The
total route is 132km and was the brainchild of a Dublin hill walker JB
Malone, as early as 1966. The Way opened in 1981 and is one of the
better-managed routes in the country, thanks to the Wicklow Uplands
Council and local landowners. It is a pleasure to walk, well signposted,
with rougher sections of the track graded to prevent erosion. The
central section is covered by the Wicklow Mountains National Park - its
headquarters are in Glendalough and worth a visit. The route follows on
occasion the Military Road, constructed by the British in the early 19 th century to gain access to the lower regions of the county and the
Irish rebels hiding within! The main downfall, as with many of the Irish
Waymarked Ways, is the use of forest paths and minor roads to avoid
walking on private land. While walking in pine forest maybe a relief
initially, it does become monotonous. However, it is little enough not
to detract from the superb scenery, rugged narrow valleys and
spectacular mountains. The route doesn't pass through many towns or
villages, so most of the day to day walking is remote. Approximately 20%
of the route is on tarred roads.
8 Day Tour
| Day 1 |
Arrival toTinahely.
From Dublin Airport, AirLink bus to Connolly
Train Station in Dublin city and Irish Rail
scheduled service to Rathdrum. Tinahely is a 30
minute transfer from Rathdrum. Please note we
provide very specific transfer
information in your route notes, which we
request you adhere to.
Accommodation in Tinahely
|
|
|
|
| Day 2 |
| Walk from Shillelagh to Tinahely with
optional extension via Aghowle
16km, ascents
270m, approx. walking time 4 hours
Via Aghowle 23km, ascents 270m, approx. walking time
6 hours
The route follows tracks and
minor roads through gentle farmland as an easy
introduction to the Wicklow Way. It is pleasant
countryside and a good way to loosen up for the
tougher days ahead. You may wish to start in pretty
Shillelagh village and the oak woods of Coolattin
Estate, which supposedly were the source of timber
for to roof London's Westminster Hall. There is also
an optional route to Aghowle to see interesting 12
th century church remains.
Second night at Tinahely |
|
|
16 or 23 km |
| Day 3 |
| Walk Tinahely to Moyne with optional
climb of Ballycumber Hill
14km Ascents 190m,
approx. walking time 4 hours
with Ballycumber Hill 19km, ascents 400m, approx.
walking time 6 hours
Follow Coolafunshogue lane around
hills and through the Ballinglen river valley. The
Ballincumber route offers excellent views and a
challenging climb. Evening meals will be available
in your guesthouse tonight.
Overnight Moyne |
|
|
14 or 19 km |
| Day 4 |
| Walk Moyne to Drumgoff (Glenmalure)
21km. Ascents 500m,
approx. walking time 6 hours
The day starts with an
invigorating climb and enters the world of the pine
forest, so lots of good walking but with obscured
views. A good day to spot a red deer and other
Wicklow flora and fauna
The finish at Drumgoff, at
the head of the picturesque Glenmalure Valley,
provides a refreshing end to the day. The area is
renowned for its rebels and heroes during the 16 th
and 18 th century Irish uprisings. A pint of plain
in the Glenmalure Lodge should allow enough time to
recall some of the more interesting stories!
Accommodation in Drumgoff |
|
|
21km |
| Day 5 |
| Walk Drumgoff to Laragh with optional
climb of Mullacor and Derrybawn Mountain
18km, ascents 530m, approx. walking time
6 hours,
with optional climb 20km, ascents 660m, approx.
walking time 7 hours
Superb views, superb walking,
superb 6 th century monastic remains at Glendalough;
today is one of the tour's highlights. Climbing
through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the
flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open
moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The
first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dha Locha, the
glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded
sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From
the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and
then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.
Accommodation in Laragh Village |
|
|
18 or 20 km |
| Day 6 |
| Walk Laragh to Roundwood with optional
Route via Scarr Mountain
11km, ascents 290m,
approx. walking time 3 hours
Via Scarr Mountain 15km Ascents 520m, approx.
walking time 5 hours
A short day allows time to visit
the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at
Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive
mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th
century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock
Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River
and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on
Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake.
Today's section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland's
highest village at 238m.
Accommodation in Roundwood |
|
|
11 or 15 km |
| Day 7 |
| Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry
18km, ascents 510m,
approx. walking time 5 hours
Wonderful walking, overlooking
Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the
Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch
of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill
and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see
the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin.
Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt
Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River
Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk.
Overnight Enniskerry |
|
|
18 km |
| Day 8 |
| Departure from Enniskerry by public
transport to Dublin Airport.
Public transport from Enniskerry
to Dublin. AirLink coach to Dublin airport is
available from various points in Dublin City Centre. |
|
|
|
10 Day tour
|
Days
1-4 |
as per above
itinerary |
|
| Day 5 |
| Free Day in Drumgoff to explore the
Glenmalure Valley
Carriglineen
Mountain: 8.5km, ascents 330m,
approx. walking time 3 hours
Carrawaystick & Kellys Lough:
13km, ascents 490m, approx. walking time 5 hours
The suggested route takes you above the valley,
initially through pine forest for wonderful views of
the deep gorge of the Avonbeg river. Kelly's Lough
lies in a coum under the southeastern flank of
Lugnaquilla, the highest point in the area,
affectionately know as "Lug". The descent follows
Carrawaystick Brook as it drains the lough into the
Avonbeg 450m below.
Ascents of Lugnaquilla are for the experienced
hiker and would also start from Glenmalure.
Accommodation in Drumgoff |
|
|
8.5 or 13 km |
| Day 6 |
| Walk Drumgoff to Laragh with optional
climb of Mullacor and Derrybawn Mountain
18km, ascents 530m, approx. walking time
6 hours,
with optional climb 20km, ascents 660m, approx.
walking time 7 hours
Superb views, superb walking,
superb 6 th century monastic remains at Glendalough;
today is one of the tour's highlights. Climbing
through forest from Drumgoff, the Way opens to the
flat saddle of Mullacor at 550m before crossing open
moorland to the slopes of Derrybawn Mountain. The
first view of Glendalough (An Gleann Dha Locha, the
glen of the two lakes) is wonderful, deep wooded
sides and the Glenalo River flowing through. From
the valley, a short climb takes you northeast and
then down the Glenmacnass Valley to Laragh village.
Accommodation in Laragh Village |
|
|
18 or 20
km |
| Day 7 |
| Free day in Laragh / Glendalough
Upper Lake and Mines: 16km, ascents
540m, approx. walking time 6 hours
Camaderry Hill: 18km, ascents
580m, approx. walking time 7 hours
There are plenty of options
today; exploration of the monastic settlement in the
valley, including seven churches, a gatehouse, a
round tower and the St. Kevin's cell. Hiking options
include the two suggested as well as a number of
accessible routes, Derrybawn Mountain, Brockagh, the
Glendassan Valley or Trooperstown Hill. The area is
rich in heritage and history both ecclesiastical and
political.
Accommodation in Laragh Village |
|
|
16 or 18
km |
| Day 8 |
| Walk Laragh to Roundwood with optional
Route via Scarr Mountain
11km, ascents 290m,
approx. walking time 3 hours
Via Scarr Mountain 15km Ascents 520m, approx.
walking time 5 hours
A short day allows time to visit
the monastic remains and Visitor Centre at
Glendalough. The valley was also home to extensive
mining of lead, copper and zinc during the 19th
century. The Way climbs the gentle flank of Paddock
Hill, descending to Oldbridge, the Avonmore River
and the beautiful Lough Dan. An optional route on
Scarr Mountain offers wonderful views of this lake.
Today's section finishes in Roundwood, Ireland's
highest village at 238m.
Accommodation in Roundwood |
|
|
11 or 15 km |
| Day 9 |
| Roundwood to Glencree /Enniskerry
18km, ascents 510m,
approx. walking time 5 hours
Wonderful walking, overlooking
Lough Tay, Lough Dan and Luggala Estate of the
Guinness Family. A raised path covers a long stretch
of open moorland to the saddle between White Hill
and Djouce Mountain. From here it is possible to see
the coast as far as Howth Head in north Co. Dublin.
Descending past the 120m fall of Powerscourt
Waterfall, enter the peace of the Glencree River
Valley and a wonderful riverbank walk.
Overnight Enniskerry |
|
|
18km |
| Day 10 |
| Departure from Enniskerry by public
transport to Dublin Airport.
Public transport from Enniskerry
to Dublin. AirLink coach to Dublin airport is
available from various points in Dublin City Centre. |
|
|
|
|
