There’s a certain kind of happiness and peace you only get when your boots hit the trail and the noise drops away – Wicklow air in your lungs, a bit of bite in the breeze, and that first proper view that makes you stop mid-step. This guide is a shortlist of some our favourite Wicklow hikes for an Elevated Day – from a short loop around Vartry Reservoir, to that first view of Powerscourt Waterfall after coming to through Crone Woods on your way to Maulin / Djouce, to tacking some Elevation gain and getting those legs burning taking on the Spinc in Glendalough. Grab a few mates, pack the essentials, and go chase the kind of small moments that add up. These are just some of our favourite trails, let us know your recommendations.
The Spinc and Glenealo Valley – Glendalough
Parking: Glendalough Upper Lake Car park
Distance: 9.3km
Time to Complete: 2 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Taking you up and around the Glendalough Valley, this is one of the most iconic hikes you can do in Wicklow. Dress for the weather and take in the stunning scenery before descending back down through the miners village.
Devil’s Glen Wood Loop
Parking: Devil’s Glen wood Car Park
Distance: 7.9km
Time to Complete: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
A staff favourite here at the brewery, the Devil’s Glen Wood loop is perfect for a leisurely walk through dense woodlands. Take a break at the Devil’s Glen waterfall and listen out for the roar of the devil himself. Keep an eye out for inscriptions from famous Irish poets along the way.
Crone Woods and Maulin Loop
Parking: Crone Woods Car Park
Distance: 7.7km
Time to Complete: 2 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
A steep ascent takes you from Crone Woods Car park via the Powerscourt Waterfall before taking on the final stint up Maulin. The top boasts views of Djouce, War Hill and our favourite Wicklow Mountain, The Great Sugarloaf.
JB Malone to Djouce
Parking: JB Malone Car PArk
Distance: 7.0km
Time to Complete: 2 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
An out and back trail from the edge of Lough Tay, this is a medium difficulty hike with rewarding views at the top (weather dependant!). Take your time walking along the railway sleepers and take in the majestic scenery that Wicklow has to offer.
Bray HEad Loop
Parking: Bray Head Car PArk
Distance: 5.7km
Time to Complete: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Based in our original home of Bray, this hike can be approached right from Bray sea front Promenade. This trail can be done as an out and back or as we have linked below, a loop walk which takes you part of the way to Greystones. After a short but steep uphill section, we recommend stopping by the cross and taking in the beautiful views of Bray and beyond.
The Great Sugarloaf
Parking: The Great Sugarloaf Car Park
Distance: 2.5km
Time to Complete: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
The mountain that inspires us every day, The Great Sugarloaf. A short and easy hike from the carpark takes you to the tip of the mountain and boasts views of the Wicklow Coastline. Take your time at the top and take in the beauty of our home, Wicklow.
Vartry Reservoir Upper Loop
Parking: Vartry Upper LAke Car PArk
Distance: 6.5km
Time to Complete: 1 – 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Located a short drive from the Wicklow Wolf Brewery and Taproom, the Vartry Reservoir Upper Loop is accessible with very little elevation gain and well maintained trails. Longer and shorter loops are also available.
Derrybawn Woodland Trail
Parking: Glendalough Upper Car Park
Distance: 7.3km
Time to Complete: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Starting from the Glendalough Upper Lake, the Derrybawn Woodland trail is one of the lesser known trails close to Glendalough. A woodland trail through Derrybawn Woods takes you along the edge of Glendalough lower lake before looping back toward the upper lake.