Apparently there lurks a bear in the Glenealo Valley, specifically in the woods of An Spinc. I did not see it today, but prepare to be surprised if you're in the zone any time soon.
Today marked my return to hillwalking: the first outing of 2013, and I've decided to open up my blog to include tales of the trekking variety.
I chose to start with a visit to Glendalough on this fine, crisp January day. Though I have been there numerous times as a 'tourist' in my own backyard, I haven't spent much time exploring the outlying lands and hills. A typical visit to the area includes ample photo ops at the Monastic Village, a gentle stroll to the Upper Lake, maybe a pint of Guinness (or three) in Larragh, and then onward or homeward. Truth is, this land is truly awesome, and you can imagine the inspiration felt by those early settlers - centuries ago - as they stumbled on this perfect valley. If you have been, you'll know what I mean. If you haven't been - go. One of Ireland's greatest treasures, for sure.
My particular venture started at the Visitor's Centre Car Park, and I took the boardwalk route to the Upper Lake - an easy 2km stretch to get you warmed up, and exchange pleasantries with several small family groups. This section of the walk roughly traces a short section of the famed Wicklow Way, up past the Poulanass Waterfall, before bearing right towards An Spinc (Pointed Hill). For approximately 5km, a well built boardwalk will guide you along the very steep cliff overlooking the Upper Lake, all the while affording plenty of naturally beautiful views in all directions.
This route doesn't provide any navigational difficulties - it's a well marked, well trodden circular - but care should be taken in frosty / icy conditions, as some of the railway sleepers can be too slippery to pass. I couldn't resist taking a customised detour to Lugduff for a lunch stop. There is a decent track leading all the way to the peak, and several comfy outcrops on which to set up your pop-up cafe! With views to Lugnaquilla, Conavalla, Turlough Hill, Mullaghcleevaun and Tonelagee as well as back to base, this makes for a mighty fine rest-stop. I descended using a fairly direct bearing to Van Diemen's Mines and the footbridge that will allow safe crossing of the Glenealo river. The old miner's track will return you all the way to the Start / Finish point. There's a kind of 'sweet spot' halfway down the zig-zagged track, where you can get a little overwhelmed at the perfect nature set before you. Probably something to do with the fading light and the extremes of peripheral vision. Either way, it's a bit special:
Distance: 15.45km
Highest Elevation: 644m
Climb: 505m
Duration: 4hrs 20 mins inc. Lunch
Until Later
Shane (Composer and Hillwalker)
