In September 2024, videographer and YouTuber Jeff Pelletier and influencer Audrée Lafreniere came to Wicklow to “fast pack” the Wicklow Way over three days. They covered more than 100km with approximately 3,500m of climbing. This trip was organised by Wicklow County Council with the support of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
Jeff video was released early March 2025 and showcases the fantastic sceneries along the Wicklow Way.
As Trail Running Ireland was involved in the planning of the Irish trip, we thought interesting to share the data given to Jeff to plan their trip for anyone planning to do a similar trip along the Wicklow Way.
Day 1: Transfer to the Wicklow Way
Jeff and Audrey flew in from Canada into Dublin Airport and spent their first night in Bray at the Martello Hotel on the Seafront. The following morning, they took the train from Bray to Arklow and then to the bus to Tinahely which is where they will both start their journey along the Wicklow Way after overnighting at Madeline’s B&B. See below details for the transfer to Tinahely.
- Train from Bray to Arklow – See train schedule at https://journeyplanner.irishrail.ie/
- Bus from Arklow to Tinahely – see schedule at https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TFI-Local-Link-DL-R800-Arklow-Carlow-Nov-2023.pdf
- Overnight in Madelines B&B: https://madelinesaccommodation.ie/
Day 2: Tinahely to Glenmalure – 33km / 1133m climb
This section starts from the village of Tinahely and joins the Wicklow Way. Tinahely is a great hub for hiking and running with many trails around the village. This section of the Wicklow Way has a higher proportion of tarmac roads but includes some great climbs and descents before reaching Glenmalure. See below the data for the day:
- Luggage transfer was organised by https://wicklowwaybaggage.com/
- Route details & GPX: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2741159?units=miles
- Overnight at Glenmalure Lodge: https://glenmalurelodge.ie/
Day 3: Glenmalure to Enniskerry – 45km / 1535m climb
This section includes some of the most scenic trails in Wicklow with a diversion around the Glendalough Valley, passed the Monastic Site, up to Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) and over Djouce mountain. This section can be split in half with overnight near Glendalough. The accommodation is 5km from the Enniskerry Village and a taxi to the pub/restaurant is organised to have dinner. See data below:
- Route details & GPX: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2741125?units=miles
- Overnight at Coolakay House – https://www.coolakayhouse.ie/
Day 4: Enniskerry to Bray – 21km / 743m climb
This is the last stretch! This route does not follow the Wicklow Way but offers a great scenic alternative to finish the journey. The route includes climbing the iconic Surgar Loaf Mountain, the Little Sugar Loaf, Bray Head and heads down towards the seafront in Bray. See data:
- Route details & GPX: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2741132?units=miles
- Overnight at The Martello: https://www.themartello.ie/
Wicklow Way Gear
Jeff & Audrey did an extra video where they showcase the various gear they brought along on their journey over the Wicklow Way. Although there was no rain over the three days, weather in Wicklow and Ireland can change rapidly, and bringing proper gear is important.