6-Day / 5-Night Challenging (Wicklow Way)

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Tinahely.

A gentle climb leads you out of the village to rejoin the Wicklow Way underneath Ballycumber Hill. Then climb up to a stunning viewpoint with a large granite column seat, a perfect spot for lunch. After passing an ancient ringfort, the route skirts the tiny village of Moyne before heading into dense woodland around Ballygobban Mountain. A descent into the Ow River Valley brings you to Iron Bridge from where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

There is plenty of climbing today, but as you are up at a height for most of the day, you are rewarded with stunning views of the area. A long gradual climb up from Iron Bridge, through forestry and passing Mucklagh Hut, until you reach the lower slopes of Slieve Maan. Then a long descent through forestry all the way down into Glenmalure. Then, a gradual climb up the northern slopes of Glenmalure, offering excellent views of Lugnaquilla, the tallest mountain in Wicklow. After passing through Lugduff Gap, the path follows the Wicklow Way and descends past Poulanass Waterfall before arriving at to the Monastic ‘City’ of Glendalough.

Today’s hike is arguably one of the most well-known walks in Ireland and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Wicklow. After a visit to the peaceful valley of Glendasan, you follow the Miners Road in Glendalough to the old ‘miner’s village.’ An invigorating long climb brings you to a bridge at the top of the valley, a picturesque area that is home to deer and wild goats. From here, hundreds of wooden steps lead to a ridge above the lake with stunning views back towards Glendalough. Descend via the pretty Poulanass Waterfall to the Upper Lake and then return on a wide forest trail (‘Green Road’) along the lower lake to the monastic village and the visitor centre.

If you would like more of a challenge you can combine this hike with a loop walk over Trooperstown Hill which will add 10km and 390m of ascent (+3-5hrs).

Leaving the ancient Monastic City behind, you ascend through dense forestry before crossing the Glenmacnass River. From here, you make your way up Paddock Hill and then down into Oldbridge. If the weather is clear, you can follow an optional detour over Scarr Mountain (641m). Viewpoints on both sides of the trail showcase panoramic views and allow appreciation for how far you have come.

The route passes above iconic Lough Tay, the famous Guinness Lake and the setting for many movies and TV series. From there you climb up to White Hill and around the bulk of Djouce mountain (or visit the summit) before descending into Crone Woods, with spectacular views of Powerscourt Waterfall. You may wish to detour at the end of the walk to visit the famous waterfall up close. A short transfer will bring you to your B&B.

There is a regular bus service from Enniskerry to Dublin City. Your hosts can usually provide the most accurate local details, but if you need additional guidance, our team is happy to help.