In our series on walkways and trails to discover and enjoy across Ireland, Megan Fox recommends this waterside hike in County Wicklow.
Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake due to its deep black colour and white shoreline, is a magical location to escape to within the Wicklow Mountains. There are lots of beautiful view points of the lake along the Sally Gap drive, however the walk down towards the lake takes you on a magnificent journey through trees, grassy terrain and along stoney walls full of history and character. A couple of cows in nearby fields will keep you company in otherwise completely vast and quiet rolling hills.
Getting there and parking
There are lots of small little car parking areas along the Sally Gap drive. The JB Malone Car Park is most ideal for kicking off this route down towards the lake and is free to park at. It is located directly across from the gates to the Luggala Estate. Access is found via the pedestrian gate here.
Routes and accessibility
This hike is about 8km long and while the descent down to the lake can feel quite leisurely, the hike back to the top is quite strenuous and so this route would be best for more experienced hikers. The terrain is tarmac until about half way through the hike until you get to the lower land and the trail continues on via fields of grass and small rubble tracks.
Bite to eat
Avoca in Kilmacanogue is about a 20-minute drive away and is a great spot to grab some wholesome salads and quiche or a warm bowl of soup to heat you up after being in the elements. A wander around the beautiful store is also worth the visit to spot some Irish-made gems.
Get a coffee
There is a coffee van located in the car park should you need a little caffeine fix pre or post hike. There are also two Portaloos on site here.
Have a rest
Powerscourt Springs Health Farm located just a 20-minute drive away is the perfect place to rest and reset after a day in the great outdoors. The relaxed atmosphere and serene environments of this hotel will really keep the feeling of being amongst the mountains for the duration of your trip. On site alpacas, forest trails, a yoga studio, swimming pool and treatment rooms will all provide the most perfect post hike retreat. powerscourtsprings.ie.
For more Irish hikes and walks, check out this post.
