Press Trip Itinerary – November 2021 – See Photos
With the support of Tourism Ireland’s office in Paris, Nature Trail Mag, one of France’s leading Trail Running Magazine, sent Josephine, Romeo and photographer Simon to enjoy a short but intense weekend, running and discovering the mountains of Wicklow. Below is their itinerary. Note that although they had the luxury of a car rental and a local guide, this tour can be done using public transport only.
Friday: Arrive to Bray
late afternoon arrival at Dublin Airport. The car rental was collected and we made our their way to Bray Seafront for an evening dinner at The Martello and spent the night at Firefly Hotel.
NOTES:
- Check hourly buses from Dublin airport to Bray here
- Check further accommodation & food options in Bray here.
Saturday: Sugaloafs and Bray Head Run
After a hearty Breakfast, and a short drive to Kilmacanogue, we started our run/walk by climbing the iconic Sugarloaf. We then followed most of the EcoTrail Wicklow route back to Bray including the Little Sugaloaf, Belmont, Bray Head and the descent into Bray Seafront Promenade. The route was 18k in distance and 785m climb. After a quick swim in the Irish Sea and a great lunch at Butlers & Barry, our group went for a visit of Powerscourt Distillery. The group then checked in at Lynhams Hotel in Laragh and had dinner at the Wicklow Heather Restaurant
NOTES:
- The 45a bus service does the connection between Bray Train Station and Kilmacanogue every 30 minutes. For the trip, Fred our guide drove the group to Kilmac, and the car was collected on the way to Powerscourt Distillery.
- The St Kevin’s Bus Services has an evening services from Bray main street to Laragh and Glendalough
- Check further accommodation and food options in Laragh/Glendalough here
- Check route info and GPX here
Sunday: Glendalough
After breakfast, we drove to the Upper Car Park and started our Run/Walk following the Spinc route along Glendalough’s Upper Lake. We then climb to along the valley to reach the top of the glaciar valley. We then took a detour to reach the Wicklow Way, then Mullacor’s summit, down to Derrybawn Ridge and finally back to the shores of the Upper Lake. The route was 14.5k in distance and 700m climb.
After a well deserved lunch, we drove back to Dublin for an lovely evening and overnight in the capital of Ireland.
NOTES:
- There are no marked trails to Mullacor or Derrybawn. The route is very exposed and weather can change at any time. Mountain and navigational skill are strongly recommended.
- Check route info and GPX here
- St Kevin’s Bus Services has a 16:30 run back to Dublin City Centre.
Photos:
- Day 1: Great Sugarloaf, Little Sugarloaf, Bray Head
Leaving Kilmacanogue on the way to the Great Sugarloaf
The summit of the Sugarloaf with views over the Irish Sea
Going down with Sugarloaf on the background
Climbing the Little Sugarloaf, overlooking Bray
The reward after a great run
- Day 2: Glendalough, Spinc, Mullacor
On the way up from the Upper Lake in Glendalough
Running up the Spinc
Boardwalk section with Lugnaquilla in the distance (Wicklow’s highest mountain)
The team up Mullacor
Running the Derrybawn Ridge
Back down towards Glendalough
Another great day. Posing in front of the Upper Lake
