Hill Walk The Great Sugarloaf Loop Trail

Meeting Point: Kilmacanogue GAA Club (outside the gates) LINK  

Meeting time: 09:30 am 

Walk Start time: 09:45 am

Route: The Great Sugar Loaf Loop Trail 

Distance: 7km

Height: 501 mtrs

Total ascent: 350 mtrs

Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins (including break)

Leader: Tony McMahon and Shona Geraghty 

Grade: Hillwalk, more on the moderate side

Please Text Tony McMahon by Friday 14th June if you would like to register for this hillwalk.  

Leader’s Note:  This is a new hike for the Club.  The Great Sugar Loaf dominates the landscape as you leave Dublin and head for Wicklow.  This is a lovely hike on gravel paths and tracks and some open ground and rocky underfoot towards the summit.  Initially the path brings us through light woodland and we move steadily uphill.  The trail circles the mountain and the loop/path intersects the shorter trail that goes from the Great Sugar Loaf car park.  Once we meet the intersection we are then on gravel/rocky path, the final climb to the summit is a bit steep, has loose rocks and scree underfoot but very doable, taking our time.  The top gives probably the best views over Dublin and Wicklow and as far as the Irish Sea.  We will have our break at the summit.   We then ascend taking our time and continue on gravel/rocky paths and then grassy tracks.  We will get great views of Powerscourt House and Gardens.  We continue to circle the Sugar Lump (to our right) then coming back to the GAA club.  Walking sticks are recommended particularly getting to and from the summit and please wear trekking/hiking boots/shoes – no trainers.

Directions from Skerries: Refer to google maps link above. Journey time by car from Skerries approximately 50 minutes.

A WhatsApp group will be set up for ease of communication for those coming on the walk. If you do not wish to be included in the WhatsApp group, please let the leader know when registering your interest in the walk.

General:

Clothing/Equipment:

1) Please ensure, at the very least, that you have hiking boots (essential for hillwalks), or trekking shoes (no runners/ trainers) and – depending on the weather forecast – multiple layers including a warm jacket/fleece, hat and gloves, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a flask with a hot drink, food, snacks, water and a small rucksack.

( Check Leader’s Note as some walks will not require all of this list.)

If you are unsure about your gear check with the leader a few days beforehand as anyone turning up with inadequate gear will not be permitted to walk.

Poles would be useful on hillwalks.

2) It is highly recommended that you do not wear any clothing made from DENIM/CORDUROY/COTTON on the hike.

3) The club is a supporter of the ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign so please ensure that you leave no litter (of any sort) on the hike route.

4) NEVER go ahead of the leader without being sure of the way and let the leader know if you are leaving the walk early.