Known locally as 'the Spinc' (Irish for 'pointed hill'), this is the Wicklow Mountains National Park's White Route: a timber boardwalk climbs steeply from the Upper Lake car park to a ridge overlooking both the Upper and Lower Lakes, then loops back down through the Glenealo Valley past the ruins of a 19th-century lead-mining village. The boardwalk was built to protect the underlying blanket bog and can be slick when wet.
| Distance | 9 km loop (~5.6 miles) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trailhead | St. Kevin's Bus from Dawson Street, Dublin (timetable at stkevinsbusservice.ie); €13 return (~$14.30); twice daily |
| Best season | April–October; avoid after heavy rain (slippery boardwalk sections) |
| Address | Glendalough Visitor Centre Car Park, Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Glendalough, County Wicklow
- Terrain
- Steep timber boardwalk and stone steps on the ascent; rocky ridge path; forest track descent through the valley
What to bring
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Water (2L minimum)
- Map/offline GPS
- Warm layer
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Glendalough Visitor Centre Car Park, Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland
53.0106, -6.3352 View on map
Highlights
- Boardwalk viewpoint over the Upper Lake from the ridge
- Miners' Village ruins in the Glenealo Valley (former lead-mining settlement)
- Poulanass Waterfall near the start of the climb
- Sika deer frequently seen in the early morning in the valley
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10am in summer — the Upper Lake car park fills by mid-morning and overflow parking adds a 15-minute walk
- The steep boardwalk staircase near the start is the hardest part; pace is easily slower afterward along the ridge
- Wear boots with grip — the boardwalk timber is slippery in rain or frost
- Combine with the free Glendalough Visitor Centre exhibition on the monastic site before or after the hike