Glendalough, Camaderry, Tonelagee, Scarr Loop – 30km, 1300m gain

Route proposed by Fred Verdier – Jan 3rd 2017

WARNING:  This route is on the open mountain and contains road and river crossings. Much of the route is unmarked with little or no trail to follow.  Appropriate experience, skills and equipment are required.

Starting from Glendalough’s Monastic site, the route offers a challenging loop accessing some of Wicklow’s iconic summits. A short warm up along the road (alternatively take the boardwalk or green road) will bring you to Glendalough’s Upper Lake. The initial ascent takes you partially along the Miner’s Track, turning right just after the WWNP’s Education Centre. At the junction, turn left to continue ascending through the forest towards Camaderry (699m). Once you emerge from the forest, the views of the Glendalough and Glendasan valleys open up to you. Continue on in the direction of the hydro-electric station of Turlough Hill and upon reaching it, follow the road down to the Wicklow Gap, across and up to Tonelagee (817m) where you will be rewarded with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.  Pass heart shaped Lough Ouler on your left upon descent, continuing downwards to cross the river approx. 100m above the Glenmacnass Waterfall (well worth checking how high the river is before commencing the route). Crossing your second road, ascend Kanturk/Brown Mountain with a pull up towards Scarr (641m), the final summit and down Paddock Hill to pick up the Wicklow Way and follow it’s way marking to return to Glendalough.

Note: The terrain is very wet in places, especially after rain and/or snow melt which can leave rivers too dangerous to cross. It is your responsibility to check weather and river conditions prior to your run.

Distance & Climb

  • Distance: around 30km
  • Total ascent: 1272m
  • Maximum elevation: 795m

Start GPS

  • GPS FOR START POINT: 53.011338, -6.323993

Maps & GPX files

[sgpx gpx=”/wp-content/uploads/gpx/Glendalough 30k loop.gpx”]

Download GPX (ZIP file)

Photos

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