“Tracks & Trails”  which is back for a 9th series on RTE TV will feature two scenic routes in County Wicklow.

Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Tourism Alliance were delighted to fund Episode 2 which covers two very scenic but very different routes.

Walk 1:  Tinahely
In the first trail presenter Pól O’Conghaile, walks a long, hilly loop on the Tinahely Way, Checking out nearby Tomnafinnogue Woods, en route. Tomnafinnogue Woods are a flat and family friendly, walk among ancient oaks. This is a   special area of conservation rich in wildlife, flora and fauna.

Pól then joins the old railway line originally built to serve the Collating Estate in Shillelagh. It is flat, easy and tranquil and takes him onto the road just a few miles outside Tinahely onto a new loop that opened recently. The climb gets gradually steeper until he reaches the viewing point at Dr Macnamara’s monument.  He then descends down Mangan’s lane to face a steep climb through the forest to the top of Muskeagh hill. Pól then descends along the road for the final stretch into Tinahely where he spends the night.

Walk 2:  Bray – Sugarloaf:
This walk starts at Bray promenade. Today Pól  take a less travelled route , to the peak at Bray Head. This trail is a mixture of path, trail and steps. From the top, Bray Head has some spectacular views across Dublin, Wicklow and across to Wales on occasion.

From there he goes inland descending out on the road just beside Belmont Demesne. He takes a Fat Bike though the Belmont Demesne and dismounts and heads along the Belmont Way towards the little Sugarloaf Mountain. The whole route is easy under foot and well signed with yellow way markers. This linear walk  goes through Kilmacanogue and finishes along a track called the Old Viking Road which has been a walking route  for hundreds of years.

Commenting on the importance and walking for physical and mental health, the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Kennedy, said: “You can’t beat going out walking in nature, enjoying the birdsong and the ever-changing scenery, to lift your spirits.” We are blessed in County Wicklow to have such a fabulous range of walks and trails literally on our doorstep.”

Frank Curran Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council and Chair of Wicklow Tourism Alliance thanked the “Tracks and Trails” team for literally putting Wicklow’s trails on the map.

“Outdoor recreation is one of the key areas of focus for our tourism sector as we work towards recovery. We are delighted to welcome visitors to our beautiful County to enjoy our beautiful walks and I would encourage families to choose Wicklow for their staycation this year  as we have so much to offer,” he stated. 

Details of these routes can be seen on VisitWicklow.ie along with information on a wide range of trails across the County along with information on transport accommodation, and dining options.

Photo:  Wicklow Council Chief Executive Frank Curran and Cathaoirleach Pat Kennedy

• Episode 1:  The Mournes & The Causeway Coast. Northern Ireland – Presented by Cliona Hagan – Friday 28th May 7.30pm RTE1.

• Episode 2:  Tinahely, & Bray Head-Belmont Way-Sugarloaf Way Co.Wicklow – Presented by Pól O Conghaile – Friday 4th June 7.30pm RTE1.

Walk 1:  Tinahely
The first is in the Tinahely area where he walks a long, hilly loop on the Tinahely Way.
Before Pól starts on the main Tinahely loop he checks out one of the oldest woods in Ireland, Tomnafinnogue Woods, which is a special area of conservation. This woods is flat and family friendly with the paths lined with ancient oaks.Pól joins the the old railway that went from Woodenbridge to Shilelagh. It is flat, easy and tranquil and takes him onto the road just a few miles outside Tinahely onto a new loop that opened recently. The climb gets gradually steeper until he reaches the viewing point at Dr Macnamara’s monument . After about 15km in total he descends down Mangan’s lane to face a steep climb through the forest to the top of Muskeagh hill. Muskeagh hill is just under 400 meters high but the routes are easy under foot; mostly pathways and gravelled trails. Pól then descends down along the road for the final stretch into Tinahely where he spend the night.

Walk 2:  Bray – Sugarloaf:
Pól’s walk today starts at Bray promenade. The promenade is well known as the starting point for the Cliff walk which links Bray to Greystones. However he heads on a different loop today and one less travelled, to the peak at Bray head, Bray head is just under 250 m high. This trail is a mixture of path, trail and steps. From the top, Bray head has some of the best views you’ll get in Dublin and Co. Wicklow.
From there he goes inland descending out on the road just beside Belmont Demesne. The estate is private land but the Belmont way opened up here in 2019 so it’s a new trail with lots of options for walks here. Pól stops here to try another activity – FatBikes.
With some adrenaline to burn off he is on foot again heading through Belmont along the Belmont way towards the little Sugarloaf Mountain. The whole route is easy under foot and well signed with yellow way markers.
Pól stops to chat with two hill walkers about the benefits of being in a walking group and how getting out on the trails has helped so many people physically and mentally. He then goes down the other side of the Little Sugarloaf to reach Kilmacanogue, to reach the the Sugarloaf way and onto the last leg of his walk. Leaving the village behind him he takes a track called the Old Viking Road which has been a road and walking way for hundreds of years. At the top of this old road the big Sugarloaf Mountain reveals itself and Pól finishes his walk at its base.

• Episode 3:  Four Trails in Co. Westmeath. The Old Rail Trail Greenway, The Hill of Uisneach, Mullaghmeen Forest & Belvedere House & Gardens – Friday 11th June 7.30pm RTÉ1.

• Episode 4:  Ferrycarrig, Wexford, Presented by Pól O Conghaile, Friday 18th June 7.30pm RTE1

• Episode 5:  Rosslare Harbour to Lady’s Island, Co.Wexford – Friday 25th June – 7.30pm RTE1