4 Day Self-Guided Walk – The Wicklow Way

Route – Wicklow way from Luggala, Lough Dan, Scar, to Glendalough

Distance of walk 56 kilometres, terrain; good walking paths, open Mountain and forest tracks. Grade moderate. The route includes Kanturk and Scar Mountain, total ascent 641 metres.

A most enjoyable and rewarding walk some strenuous parts but by no means difficult for the average fit person, superb views of mountains, lakes, glens and valleys.

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet you in Arrivals at Dublin Airport or other location in Dublin City.  Following a 1-hour drive into the Wicklow Mountains, we arrive at your accommodation Lough Dan House, situated 350 metres above sea level, overlooking Lough Dan, the largest natural lake on the east coast of Ireland.  This spectacular 4-star Guesthouse will be your base for the duration of the tour.

After some refreshments we take an afternoon walk around the beautiful Lough Dan hinterland, distance about 5 kilometres. This will set the scene for the next number of days.

Dinner at Lough Dan House.

Day 2

Route: From Lough Dan House, Wicklow Way and circuit of Lough Dan

Distance 16 kilometres. Terrain: forest tracks and mountain paths, lakeshore and open farmland.

Grade moderate – some steep descent on tarmac and green roads to lakeshore, small areas of soft ground in the valleys.

We pass through the large estate where many famous films were made, through some of the most stunning scenery to be found on earth.

The walk follows the shore of Lough Dan and reaches the beautiful Valley of Inchavore, where the remains of ancient settlements are found.  You will find it uncreditable to learn that this remote valley was occupied until 1965. Truly one of the most spectacular and diverse walks in Ireland.

Day 3

Route: From Lough Dan House, Scar Mountains and Wicklow Way to Glendalough

Distance 16 kilometres. Terrain: good walking paths, open mountain and forest tracks, and covers some sections of the Wicklow Way from Paddock Hill to Glendalough.

Grade moderate. The route includes Kanturk and Scar Mountain, total ascent 641 metres.

Today’s walk starts at your Guesthouse and you need to ensure to have your camera with you to ensure you capture the ever-changing landscapes you will encounter.

Your walk finishes in Glendalough, a monastery founded by St. Kevin in the 5th century as a place of “Saints and scholars”.  It survived until the 15th century and is now one of Ireland’s most famous attractions with many fine examples of its architecture including the round tower, priest’s house and remains of 7 churches.

Day 4

Today after a hearty breakfast you will depart Lough Dan House for Dublin City or Airport.  This drive will follow the Old Military Road travelling over the Sally Gap, Glencree and Feather-bed Mountains – truly a most spectacular departure after an exciting visit  We will leave you at your destination and look forward to seeing you and your friends for another visit another time.

All walks listed in the itinerary can be changed and tailored specially to suit your individual needs.

“Lough Dan House is an exellent choice for keen walkers and solo travellers who want the personal touch. Our group had an excellent visit, collection from the airport and transport and collection from the our walking sections made the walk more enjoyable. Theresa’s home cooked food was plentifull and Shaun offers invaluable advice on local walks, places to visit and will even try and track down some celebratory champagne ! And we can give testimount that it does’nt always rain in Ireland!”