West Wicklow is a lesser know area for walks, but offers some stunning walking options with many heritage sites to visit. Marked trails are not as many around West Wicklow, but with proper gear and some navigational skills, there are many wonders to discover. See below a selection of the some of the West Wicklow trail options.
Blessington Greenway
The Blessington Greenway walk links the historic town of Blessington with the Palladian mansion at Russborough House. The current linear walk is around 6km long leads along the shores of Blessington Lakes and through forest and natural woodland. This is a very accessible walk for the whole family with bike rental options.
Fauna Loop Donard
The lasso shaped trail of Fauna Loop is about 8km in length with highest point rises to just over 300m above sea level. Enjoy beautiful forestry trails with stunning sceneries of the surrounding countryside with views over the Glen of Imaal and Lugnaquilla, Wicklow’s highest mountain.
Mass Path at Lacken and Sorrel Hill
The Mass Path in Lacken starts at the very centre of the Village, near the school. Use the path to reach the Coillte forestry network of trails at Lugnagun above Lacken with stunning views over the Blessington Lakes. Opportunities from there to follow the unmarked open mountain trails to reach Sorrel Hill and the Wicklow Mountains.
Church Mountain
Surrounding the ruins of a medieval church that gave Church Mountain its name lie the remains of a much larger, much older monument: a prehistoric cairn, most likely a former passage tomb. The presence of this passage tomb strongly suggests that the sacred or ritual significance of Church Mountain likely predates Christianity by thousands of years
Seefin Passage Tomb
This route take you up trails to the site of Seefin Passage Tomb which was built about 5,000 years ago. Being situated on the top of a mountain, the climb up is worth it for the views alone.
St Kevin’s Way
St Kevin’s Way is a 26km trail that follows in the footsteps of St Kevin through the hills of Wicklow. St Kevin’s way starts either at Hollywood or Valleymount. The 183 Bus Service is a great public transport option with services at Valleymount and Glendalough.
Lugnaquilla – Wicklow’s Highest Mountain
Starting at Fenton’s Pub is one of the main access to Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in Ireland outside of Kerry, standing at 925m. The route up is not marked and anyone looking at climbing ‘Lug’ must be fully prepared with mountain gear and navigational skill. The lower ‘Lug’ trail offers great views over the Glen of Imaal.
