Wicklow Way Relay

Distance 14 km.

The run starts in Kilmashogue Forest carpark uphill with very little respite along a wide track, make NO turnoffs and pass 5 Wicklow Way signs (black posts with yellow men/arrows pointing the way) until you reach the high point of the track.

On reaching the top the track goes downhill to the 6th Wicklow Way sign which is on your LEFT --- about 600 meters. At this sign turn RIGHT. Up through rocks and boulders. This section can be very energy sapping as you are running up and down small dips. If you are still counting Wicklow Way signs 7 and 8 brings you straight on across another track. Just after this we suggest you ignore the next sign and continue running STRAIGHT ON to the 'T' junction and then turn LEFT. Kilmashogue Mountain is on your right and Tibradden straight opposite. Follow this track to its end then turn RIGHT and a little later to the LEFT. Ignoring a turn on the right and keep going through the gate and then downhill all the way to Glencullen Road.

Turn LEFT onto the road and continue for the best part of a mile before you take the first turn on your RIGHT down Boranaraltry Lane. Downhill from here, over the bridge, straight up the Cul de Sac, keeping the old shed on your right, sorry but it is a LONG uphill run from here.

You now get to Wicklow Way signs 20 and 21, which brings you through a gate and a barrier. Then a few hundred meters further on at sign 22 you go through another gate/ barrier. After a couple of bends in the track you come to THREE tracks. Take the track to the RIGHT and keep going STRAIGHT all the way past the pillar on your LEFT. Just after the pillar the Wicklow Way signs send you down a very narrow track. We suggest you IGNORE these signs and continue STRAIGHT on the track you are on and it will eventually bring you into the forest. From here SLOW DOWN and keep your eyes open for Wicklow Way signs. They will bring you down through the boulders into the forest proper and onto the main track (5WW signs).

Follow the main track downhill all the way to the Glencree Road and stage end.

Time wise between walking and running it took Henny and myself about 2 hours There are about 50 Wicklow Way signs altogether.

VO’G & HB