THE WICKLOW WAY: HIKING ADVENTURE THROUGH IDYLLIC IRELAND

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION WITH PICTURES OF THE TRIP CLICK HERE  

 

ITINERARY:

Arrive: Dublin Thursday evening 

Leave: Dublin Sunday night

Day 1: September 10th, Thursday

ARRIVE ANYTIME INTO DUBLIN

Check into Hotel (ideally you should find something in the City Centre in and around O’Connell Street) as we’ll leave from near there the next day to go to Marlay. Otherwise anywhere in the City is fine provided you can get to O’Connell street in the morning by 9:30 am.

Day 2: September 11th, Friday

We take a taxi from Dublin to Marlay Park (20 min)

MARLEY PARK TO KNOCKREE

• Distance: 22 km
• Ascent: 600 m
• Duration: 7hrs

The trail wanders through the delightful sylvan surroundings of Marlay Park, we then begin the walk’s first ascent southwards towards the Dublin hills and the first of several forest vistas.

Passing Kilmashogue (536m), Two Rock and Tibradden mountains the trail descends to reach the Glencullen road at Ballybrack after 9 km. Walking eastwards along the road. The hike then begins the ascent towards Prince William’s Seat (555m) followed by a zigzag descent to the Enniskerry road at about 17km, directly north of Knockree Hill.

Day 3: September 12th, Saturday KNOCKREE TO ROUNDWOOD

• Distance: 18 km
• Ascent: 500 m
• Time approx: 6.5 hrs

The Wicklow Way skirts round to the west of Knockree Hill, descends to cross the Glencree River valley and reaches Crone Wood car park at 22km. From here a steady uphill walk brings the trail via a spectacular viewing point over Powerscourt Waterfall and Deer Park (the imported Japanese Sika deer have long since escaped and inter-bred with the native red deer population of the surrounding uplands).

Soon, trekking into open country, the Dargle is the next river to be crossed, followed by a climb to 650m around the east shoulder of Djouce (pronounced jowsse) (775m). Adjacent to here is a site that’s become part of modern folklore after a Plane Crashed on Djouce Mountain (http://www.wicklowway.com/articles/djouce-plane-crash.php) in 1946.

From here, the trail goes on to White Hill and at around 31km a raised walkway marks the start of a long descent through Ballinastoe Woods, opening to reveal the wonderful vista of Lough Tay and the Luggala (pronounced lug-a-law) valley, to reach the Roundwood http://www.wicklowway.com/townsvillages/roundwood.php to Sally Gap road at 32km.

A 2km road walk giving fine views high above the valley is followed by a further 5km through the forest at Ballinrush and Ballinafunshoge. This leads to a road at 38km from where a 2km hike, firstly north, then east, leads to Roundwood (http://www.wicklowway.com/towns-villages/roundwood.php) which has good shops and pubs as well as accommodation.

Day 4: September 13th, Sunday ROUNDWOOD TO GLENDALOUGH

• Distance: 12 Km
• Ascent: 350 m

Beginning at Roundwood (http://www.wicklowway.com/townsvillages/roundwood.php), regain the Wicklow Way just north of Oldbridge. Continue hiking on the public road for a further 3km over Drumray, turning right at 40km onto a lane. This leads to the north-eastern shoulder of Paddock Hill.

The walking route continues over the hill and then descends to cross the Glenmacnass road. We remain on the route which immediately enters Brockagh Forest – with its all too obvious evidence of recent timber harvesting and replanting. This is followed by the hauntingly scenic approach to Glendalough.

THEN LEAVE BY MINIBUS FROM GLENDALOUGH FOR THE AIRPORT TO CATCH FLIGHTS BACK TO LONDON. FLIGHTS MUST DEPART AFTER 7:30 PM

What’s included:

• 2 Days accommodation in a Guesthouse / Hostel (Single or twin room supplements available)
• 2 Breakfasts
• 2 Packed lunches
• Hike leader based in Dublin (with extensive experience in the Wicklow region) for 3 days
• Minibus from Wicklow Way back to Dublin Airport on the Sunday (Book flights that leave after 6:30pm)

What’s excluded:

• Flight to Dublin
• Hotel on Thursday night in Dublin
• Bus / Taxi from Dublin to Marlay Park (Approx 5 Euro)
• Evening dinners and lunch on Friday
• Baggage service around Wicklow Way

There is a service (which carries your bags in between different Guesthouses so you don’t have to carry all your stuff on the hike, it is about £10 per day per bag (So £20 in total for 2 days).

A GOOD LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED AND THE ABILITY TOHIKE FOR 2 1/2 days. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COME WITH PROPER HIKING SHOES AND WATERPROOF TROUSERS AND TOP.

COST: 

£215 (For payment before February 10th 2020) 

£235 (For payment after February 10th 2020 and before July 10th 2020) 

£255 (For payment after July 10th 2020) 

 

PAYMENT

CKAC

Bank Account: 41764527

Sort code: 40 09 25 

Reference: Your name / Wicklow