Wicklow Way

Soldie

Myself and some friends are planning to do some of Wicklow Way one fine weekend, weather permitting. We'd be leaving on a saturday (from Marlay Park) and we were aiming to spend most of that day at it (probably leaving before noon and hoping to cover at least 20km, to Knockree or further - is that a little optimistic?), then camping somewhere for the night and heading back to civilization on the sunday. In addition to the above, I have a few other queries!

- None of us are experienced hikers, as a matter of fact we're novices, but we're all reasonably fit. Is that likely to be a problem? I've read that it's all waymarked, but perhaps it's more difficult to follow than I imagine? What should I take with me, navigation-wise?

- We're all pretty ambitious but at the same time worried about biting off more than we can chew. Fitness shouldn't be an issue but the aforementioned lack of experience might prove problematic, how much distance can we hope to cover in a day? (Probably some hiking on the sunday too)

- I've been told that in certain places landowners can be pretty unhappy with people camping on their land, is there any recommended spots to camp, and any general rules as to what you can and can't do? Also, what's the story with campfires?

If anyone has any general tips or suggestions or feel as though I may have omitted something, then please let me know, I'm very new to this. Feedback very welcome!

fergalr

e'd be leaving on a saturday (from Marlay Park) and we were aiming to spend most of that day at it (probably leaving before noon and hoping to cover at least 20km, to Knockree or further - is that a little optimistic?)

20km should be well doable, given you are not carrying excessive kit (>12-15kg), are fairly fit (everyone has done fairly regular exercise before, especially walking) and have plenty of time (with the longer days, you should have at least 6 hours walking after noon, so that's only 3/4kmph, which is about right).
20km could be a too long though, if any one of those things isn't true.

- None of us are experienced hikers, as a matter of fact we're novices, but we're all reasonably fit. Is that likely to be a problem? I've read that it's all waymarked, but perhaps it's more difficult to follow than I imagine? What should I take with me, navigation-wise?

It's waymarked, and the areas are mostly straightforward from a navigation point of view, but you can still take a wrong turn if you aren't careful. Bring a map and compass (and/or gps if you have one) and keep track of where you are on the map. (Laminated os sheet 50 and 56)

- We're all pretty ambitious but at the same time worried about biting off more than we can chew. Fitness shouldn't be an issue but the aforementioned lack of experience might prove problematic, how much distance can we hope to cover in a day? (Probably some hiking on the sunday too)

If you are fit and not carrying too much stuff, you should probably make 3 kmph along the wicklow way fairly handy. 5kmph if you are in a hurry and fit.
But those are only speaking roughly, and assume you know where you are going, aren't stopping all the time for breaks etc.


If it's your first time out walking as a group you should probably do something straightforward and not involving an overnight stay in case one of you is a lot less fit than you realise, or doesn't like walking outside. Recommend doing a 4/5 hour hike somewhere you are familiar with to make sure all your group is on the same page, as it's very easy to discover that one person isn't as into it as the rest - but we don't have the background info to judge those things as we don't know your group.

You also want to make sure you've the right kit if the weather gets horrible; bits of the wicklow way can be a bit exposed.

- I've been told that in certain places landowners can be pretty unhappy with people camping on their land, is there any recommended spots to camp, and any general rules as to what you can and can't do? Also, what's the story with campfires?

The easiest above board way to camp is probably this here:
http://www.wicklownationalpark.ie/pages/wildcamping.php
as far as I'm aware. It only applies in the national park (there's a map on that page) and with small groups; may also be seasonal restrictions...
You can't really light fires anywhere unfortunately in the national park, and it's sort of asking for trouble to do so.

dogmatix

I've done Marley park to Knockree many a time - it's about 21.6km. It can be easily done in a half day (4-5 hours) and it's all well marked - but do take a good map just in case. You can then walk down into Enniskerry village, get the 44 back into town, get off at Ballawley park and walk the few miles back to Marley. Suitable gear for a day walk also - see previous posts in this forum.

donaghs

Marley to Knockree shouldn't be a problem. The first long incline from Marley up Kilmashogue Lane will test your fitness though! There's an An Oige hostel in Knockree which isn't expensive. I've stayed there before. Not much else there apart from a hill and the Glencree river. People do camp down by the river and you'll be sure to spot a tent or two if you pass it. Not sure about the legal situation. I've meet lots of people who've camped by the river, only one had a bad experience when their tent was collapsed by a gang of drunken skangers who were also camping there.

If you're feeling very fit you could also do 2nd days walk to Laragh/Glendalough, stay the night and get St. Kevin's bus back to Dublin. I've done this twice before but always felt knackered after it!

oldscoil

Hi Folks.

Myself and a few friends are hoping to get down to Laragh over the next few weeks.

We are novices but all have adequate fitness for a 4- 5 hour (return) walk.

My question is...which way should we head, east to west (towards Glendalough) or west to east (towards Roundwood).

We are really just looking for some nice scenery, nice surroundings (woods etc) and nothing too straining, and arriving back in Laragh for a few pints (for those not driving) so a good friendly local in Laragh would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance Folks.

O.

Cookie_Monster

oldscoil wrote: »

Hi Folks.

Myself and a few friends are hoping to get down to Laragh over the next few weeks.

We are novices but all have adequate fitness for a 4- 5 hour (return) walk.

My question is...which way should we head, east to west (towards Glendalough) or west to east (towards Roundwood).

We are really just looking for some nice scenery, nice surroundings (woods etc) and nothing too straining, and arriving back in Laragh for a few pints (for those not driving) so a good friendly local in Laragh would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance Folks.

O.

If starting in Laragh then I would avoid the Wicklow way and concentrate on the marked routes that are in Glendalough. There are 8-10 suitable for all grades and time and will provide much nicer scenery and walking than just following the WW from Laragh up and back.

See here

Can park in Glendalough rather than Laragh too.

timmythedog

At the moment conditions underfoot are great - as dry as they have been for several summers (fingers crossed!) and the route is quite quiet except at the northern end. Beware of midges beside streams however - we got attacked without the jungle formula near Djouce last weekend!
It's also possible to do sections of the way by staying put in one place (although you do need a car)
http://www.holidaywicklow.com