Sugarloaf Way – Bray to Wicklow Way

The Sugarloaf Way is part of a longer walking route connecting Bray Seafront to the Wicklow Way at Djouce.  The route offers amazing views going through Bray Head, Belmont Demesne and the Little Sugarloaf, the Big Sugarloaf, Powerscourt Waterfall and more.  The Sugarloaf Way long route is a perfect option to start or finish the Wicklow Way.

There are refreshment options at Belmont Demesne or Kilmacanogue.  There is a bus service at Kilmacanogue to connect with Bray.

Grade: Strenuous

Distance: 22km
Total height climbed: 972m

How to get to start point: You can start from either point

Start – Bray:

• GPS START POINT:53.1978, -6.09428

Finish – Wicklow Way @Djouce

• GPS FINISH POINT: 53.140310, -6.216279

The Sugar Loaf Way Trail

The Sugar Loaf Way Trail starts at Kilmacanogue 1916 Commemorative Garden close to Kilmacanogue village and winds its way through charming little country roads and greenways along the foothills of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain (501 Mtrs), in times past this was the original coach road from Kilmacanogue to Roundwood.

Known locally as the “Car Road” the trail follows a route roughly parallel to the R755 but as it climbs, wonderful views over the Little Sugar Loaf, Bray and Carrigoona open up.

Travelling through little narrow lanes bordered with old stone walls, the trail turns South and begins to climb upwards through open mountain grazing where views over Djouce, Powerscourt, Deerpark and Maulin can be enjoyed. The trail eventually joins the Sugar Loaf Trail, a well-used path from the Sugar Loaf car park to the summit, the Sugar Loaf Way continues to the car park.  The Sugar Loaf way is a linear walk which can be started at either end.

Grade: Strenuous

Markings: Yellow arrow on black background – Linear trail
Distance: 4.5km
Estimated time: 1.25hrs
Total height climbed: 270m
Highest point: 370m
Terrain underfoot: A short section of minor roadway, laneway and mountain track
Suitable for: Anyone of reasonable fitness. (Beginning at the Sugar Loaf car park is the easier option if a pickup is arranged in Kilmacanogue).

How to get to start point: You can start from either point

Start – Kilmacanogue 1916 Commemorative Garden:

• GPS START POINT: 53.1681,-6.1371
• GRID REF: O 246 146

Finish – Red Lane Car Park:

• GPS FINISH POINT: 53.144574, -6.1546462
• GRID REF: O 235 120