The hotel is situated in the lap of the Wicklow Mountains and the ideal location for that perfect short break. It offers comfortable accommodation, a cozy bar with an open fire, excellent cuisine and friendly staff. Footfalls Walking Holidays have been guiding people in these mountains for over a decade. You will be guaranteed to get a taste of Ireland's history, geology, culture, flora and fauna on both our walks.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Monastic settlement and the Spinc. Our walk takes us out from the hotel and back into the history of time with a visit to the 6th century Monastic City, unfortunately now in ruins but was once the hub of learning in Europe. "Gleann Dá Locha" translates to "The valley of the two lakes". It was in this haven of peace and tranquility that St. Kevin founded his monastery so many years ago. From here our walk takes us past the two lakes and up to the Miner's Village, which is situated at the head of the valley.
After a short talk on the history of mining in Glendalough we will proceed up into an area known as Van Diemen's Land, over the Glenealo River and onto the Spinc. From here the views back into the valley and surrounding countryside are simply breathtaking. From here our walk continues through Lugduff Forest, past Pollanass Waterfall and back to the Glendalough Hotel for some well-earned refreshments beside the open fire in the bar. Distance: 11.4km/7 miles. Total ascent: 410m/1230ft.
Day 2: Troopers town and the Two Glens. This walk is one of Wicklow's best-kept secrets. It offers you a stunning array of natural beauty, made up of mixed woodlands, quiet country roads, open mountainside, rivers and streams. It's a walk to suit all tastes and abilities. From the hotel the walk takes us through the grounds of the Visitor's Center and onto what is known locally as "the Green Road". This very old road takes us to Ballard Forest and onto the town land of Ballard (Baile-ard), translated into English as 'High Town or Village'.
This area was densely populated prior to the Great Famine of 1845-1849 and clear evidence of the small fields and potato furrows can still be seen to this day. From here our walk takes us onto Troopers town Hill, where on a clear day it is possible to see almost all the peaks in the Wicklow Mountain range. And if luck is on our side, we can see as far away as the Snowdonia Mountains National Park in Wales. Our way travels down through Troopers town Forest, over the Avonmore River and onto the side of Paddock Hill, where we will join the Wicklow Way. This scenic trail will lead us to the valley of Glenmacnass and back into our own valley of Glendalough. Distance: 12km/7.5 miles. Total ascent: 430m/1290ft.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 3 nights mid-week B&B
- 2 evening meals
- 2 packed lunches
- 2 guided walks.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Ireland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Walking Tours
Cultural Journey
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