The first climb we decided on was a relatively easy one. Easy because we knew how to get to it, where to park, where to start, and the trail was marked.Feeling totally professional, we pulled on hiking boots that before this were like those big 4x4's you see school-run ladies in - you know the ones with no mud on them - dragged out some appropriate trousers (word to the wise: any long walks in wet jeans are NOT a good idea, unless you enjoy serious chafeage), packed a picnic lunch and set off to Glendalough in Co Wicklow.
This is a very well known tourist spot because it's an ancient monastic settlement dating back from the 6th century. It's beautiful and it also forms part of the Wicklow Way . We decided on the An Spinc (the Pointed Hill) route.
We started our hike at the Visitor's Centre at a good early 9:30am. After initially starting strong most of us began to feel the strain...that first bit was steeper than expected! As we were taking a snack break (it had been at least half an hour) we heard a noise...something was coming...what was it? A mountain goat? A rare eagle? Surely not...a man running up the same ascent up which we had just struggled, cheerily greeting us. Hmmm.
On we trudged up the hillside. The steps, paths and boardwalks that have been built along the trail are very welcome as the ground is so boggy in this area, especially if it's been wet...oh wait, that's ALL THE TIME.
After several really demoralising false summits, we finally reached the top. The views were more than worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the sea! We were looking out over the lush valley with the beautiful lake shining below us. Taking it all in, it was hard not to feel proud of what we had achieved...until a lady of about 70 skipped past us singing, "Good morning!"
Seriously.
On we went. The descent was easier for me as I had come to hate all those helpful steps on the ascent (600, I found out afterwards!), but a little treacherous due to the recent rain making the boardwalk slippery. Note to self - bog is really squelchy and black, and thank goodness for paying a tiny bit extra for waterproof boots. Two of our group were struggling with their knees so if you do suffer from weakened joints you might consider investing in a knee guard for outings like this.
By now used to this lark, we stepped aside several times for hardy fellows who jogged past us in shorts and a t-shirt, having obviously run up the same route as we had just struggled up. The Wicklow air evidently has something to offer anyway.
As we descended the weather improved until it was gloriously sunny. We stopped for our picnic lunch and thank goodness for flasks with hot tea, is all I can say!
From this point on we walked through the disused mines (silver, lead and zinc were mined there from the late 1700's to 1957) and followed the Glendalough River down to the upper lake. Here we started bumping into more and more regular walkers so we did feel pretty good about our "proper" gear and sweaty faces.
This trail led us to the second car park where - alleluia! - there are public toilets. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about here. From there, a short hop to our car and we were done. Tired, sore and happy!
Summary: approx 4 hours, 10 km's, altitiude around 700 metres. (Only 5200 short of Kili! :-))
On we went. The descent was easier for me as I had come to hate all those helpful steps on the ascent (600, I found out afterwards!), but a little treacherous due to the recent rain making the boardwalk slippery. Note to self - bog is really squelchy and black, and thank goodness for paying a tiny bit extra for waterproof boots. Two of our group were struggling with their knees so if you do suffer from weakened joints you might consider investing in a knee guard for outings like this.
By now used to this lark, we stepped aside several times for hardy fellows who jogged past us in shorts and a t-shirt, having obviously run up the same route as we had just struggled up. The Wicklow air evidently has something to offer anyway.
As we descended the weather improved until it was gloriously sunny. We stopped for our picnic lunch and thank goodness for flasks with hot tea, is all I can say!From this point on we walked through the disused mines (silver, lead and zinc were mined there from the late 1700's to 1957) and followed the Glendalough River down to the upper lake. Here we started bumping into more and more regular walkers so we did feel pretty good about our "proper" gear and sweaty faces.
This trail led us to the second car park where - alleluia! - there are public toilets. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about here. From there, a short hop to our car and we were done. Tired, sore and happy!
Summary: approx 4 hours, 10 km's, altitiude around 700 metres. (Only 5200 short of Kili! :-))
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