The Wicklow Way - Glendalough to Glenmalure (Stage 4)

Distance:    16km
Terrain:      Mainly forest tracks and mountain paths. No road walking
Summary:  A predominantly woodland walk, mountain views and a waterfall better than powerscourt 
                 (my opinion)   

I am going to start the night before on this one. Johnny, do you know the way to Glenmalure? (Fiona). Yes (Johnny). Do I need to get directions on the Internet just in case? (Fiona). No, just bring the Sat Nav (Johnny). The following morning we set off in two cars as usual, one to leave at the start and finish point. As I didn't know how to get to Glenmalure, I followed Johnny; The person who knew how to get there and also the person with the Sat Nav. I started to get a little concerned after a good while of driving in the countryside when Johnny took a turn that effectively was tracking back on himself. A couple of hundred yards on, he turned back around. I should have know. Johnny does have a track record of getting lost. Those of you who were at Katrina and Pauls wedding in Belfast will recall the 2 hour bank machine trip. Need I say more. After a stop in the next village, I quickly ascertained that Johhny was driving the route that he thought was correct and actually had paused the Sat Nav. As soon as I turned the Sat Nav back on, we got back on track and were soon in Glenmalure. If you have never been to Glenmalure I suggest a drive to it on a nice day. Stunning does not do it justice. I am just sorry that I didn't take any pictures. Was a bit preoccupied after driving around for ages that forgot to take some. Will defo get some next week when we do the next trek. After leaving the car in Glenmalure, we drove to Glendalough to start the walk.

The walk at Glendalough started off where we finished before. We walked through the visitor centre and onto a path called green road which runs along the lower lake. You follow this road until you reach the Poulanass waterfall. Many walks in Glendalough walk up past the waterfall and this one is no different. You climb steeply up the steps next to the waterfall and turn left at the top. Although its not too long in distance, that steep climb takes it out of me every time. I don't think I will ever get up that waterfall without feeling like I'm going to collapse. The left turn at the top was new to us as we regularly walk in that area but usually turn right. We were really looking forward to see what this new path had to offer. After walking for a while, we noticed, although we hadn't realised it, that we had been gradually gaining height. This was my type of walk. We were walking uphill but it was gradual. We were getting the benefit of hills but they were not trying to kill us. We had some lovely views of the upper lake during this part of the walk (above photo). The next part of the walk was a 3km hill. Although again a gradual hill, after 3 km's you can really feel it. We passed a girl walking on her own, carrying a full rucksack, tent, sleeping bag, etc. I really don't know how she made it up that 3km hill. Actually just thinking; I hope she did !!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the top you reach the saddle between Lugduff and Mullacor mountains. The book also told us that we could see Fraughan Rock Glen and Lugnaquilla (the highest mountain outside Kerry). To be honest, we couldn't tell which was which. If you want to distinguish them you will need to bring a compass to ascertain where south, north, east and west is. At this point, Johhny told me to do something funny for a picture. So I lay down on the sleepers. Couldn't think of anything else. Probably looks stupid but I like the picture. We followed the sleepers and the path started to descend. The sleepers ended and it got a bit boggy but nothing too impassable.

We continued to follow the track and took the opposite photo. You might wonder why this is the first photo of the two of us on any of the below treks. I have only just figured out how to work the timer. Got really excited about it. After this we had to negotiate our way down though a steep wooded trail. The rocks and tree roots were wet and slippy. I actually found this the hardest part of the trail. We continued to follow the forest track and came across another forest shelter, similar to the one we encountered on a previous trek and again in excellent condition. A short walk further brought us back to the road at Glenmalure and to the car within a few minutes.

Yet again another lovely day and hike. For me, this hike was the least strenuous of all the ones we have done so far. As per previous hikes, hiking boots are recommended. Required more for the descent rather than the ascent, as the ascent is mainly on woodland walkways. A rain jacket and hat, also a must because it is very exposed at the saddle between the two mountains. One point to note on this hike is that there is no natural place to stop for lunch. We stopped at the saddle set back from the main walkway. Although slightly sheltered, still quite exposed and windy. All in all another great, enjoyable day.

Just forgot to mention the views of the opposite waterfall on the descent. The photo doesn't do it justice at all. The waterfall was bigger and more beautiful than powerscourt and the views were free. I could see some people in the distance down at it's base so I have to figure out where it is and get a close up view. If anyone knows, please let me know.

That's all for now. We are doing stage 5 tomorrow so will update next week. Going to bring my shorts this time. Weather is meant to be gorgeous.