The Wicklow Way: Self Guided 10 Day

16.9Km – Height Gain 502m – Pickup at Old Bridge to accommodation

After a hearty breakfast you join back on the trail where you stopped yesterday. Be sure to bring some snacks and water as there are no places to shop along the way.  The trail today will bring you through Crone Wood and alongside the Powerscourt Waterfall in the Powerscourt Deerpark. The track continues on into the Dargle Valley and around the side shoulder of Djouce Mountain, before passing the scenic Lough Tay (film location of “Brave heart” ) and on to Roundwood.

Old Bridge – Laragh (Glendalough) – 7.2Km – Height Gain 240m

Joining back onto the trail near Roundwood, your walk from Roundwood takes you on quiet country roads and onto Paddock Hill. This is a bird sanctuary for The Irish Red Grouse. This is a beautiful days walking along winding grassy tracks from one valley into the next with wonderful scenic views into Glendalough Valley. As you come closer towards Glendalough you pass through some great forest trails with Scot Pines, Norwegian Spruce and European Larch trees.  This is the valley you finish your day at the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough.

Glendalough is an ideal loaction along the Wicklow Way to take a break and rest the feet,

There are numerous loop walks within the Glendalough valley if you fancy some extra walkling. There is also a few pubs and restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat in the evening.

Glendalough sits in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National park and is most famous for it's 6th century monastery of St Kevin.

Laragh (Glendalough) – Glenmalure – 15.6Km – Height Gain 432m

Starting from the Glendalough valley you then join the trail alongside the lower lake towards the upper one. The Wicklow Way trail joins what is known  locally as the Spinc which bring s you up rapidly using steps so you are overlooking the upper lake and  the whole valley. The trail then follows around the side of Mullacor mountain and into the valley of Glenmalure, an area steeped in history. Glenmalure was the scene for many battles, the most famous of which took place in 1798.

Glenmalure – Iron Bridge (Aughrim) – 11.9Km – Height Gain 398m – Pickup at Iron Bridge to accommodation.

Starting at the Drumgoff crossroads and passing by the ruins of the old British Army barracks to reach Drumgoff Gap. Then joining the forest track by the side of Slieve Mann and you will descend to pass the Ow Valley, which lies at the base of the highest mountain in Leinster, Lugnaquilla. The trail starts to take borreens (old grass roads) leading you to Ironbridge, your stop for today. Your accommodation provider will pick you up from here.

Iron Bridge – Tinahealy – 21.9Km – Height Gain 303m

Joining back at the location you stopped the previous day, the trail takes a more gradual ascent across Ballyteigue Bridge before slicing south-westwards near Ballygobban mountain (447m). You will pass through Sheilstown forest and on tiny country roads and grassy hillside paths, the trail leads to the quiet rural village of Tinahealy. 

Tinahealy – Shillelagh – 17.2Km – Height Gain 171m

Meandering along the Muskeagh Boreen and onwards to Mullinacuff and Stranakelly cross roads. Here Tallon's Pub, known locally as 'The Dying Cow', is a great unique small bar to enjoy a pint to celebrate crossing the 100km line at Mullinacuffand. From here following the tiny country lanes and forestry trails of Stranakelly you will reach the estate village of Shillelagh.

Shillelagh to Clonegal – 20.9Km – Height Gain 317m – Pick from Clonegal to accommodation in Bunclody.

This being the last day of the trail take your time to enjoy the trails, through stunning natural broadleaf forests. After passing through Raheenakit forest, a quieter country road brings you to Moylisha Hill, the site of Moylisha Dolmen, a burial tomb dated 1100 b.c. The Wicklow Way trails ends in Clonegal, a tiny village on the very south of County Wicklow. Osborne's Pub will prove a fitting location in which to celebrate your achievement of completing the 127km walk, as you await the arrival of your pre-arranged transport to nearby accommodation.

Today you depart Bunclody by Public transport. All information will be given on how to get back to Dublin.