The Spinc, Glendalough — the complete guide
Ireland's most-photographed ridge walk, nine kilometres of surprises, and the single walk we recommend above every other in Wicklow. Here's everything you need to know before you set off.
The route
Start at the Upper Lake car park. Follow the wooden boardwalk along the south shore for the first kilometre. Then it's six hundred steps straight up on a wooden staircase (take it slowly). Two-and-a-half kilometres of boardwalk along the Spinc ridge. Descent through the hanging valley of Glenealo into the old lead-mining ruins of Van Diemen's Land. Back to the car park along the river.
How hard is it?
Nine kilometres total. Four hours at walking pace. Four hundred metres of climb, all of it in the first forty-five minutes. Rated moderate — anyone in reasonable fitness can do it; the steps are the hard bit.
When to go
The Spinc works year-round but conditions vary. April–May: waterfalls full, bluebells on the lower path. June–August: busy; start at 8am to beat the crowds. September–October: best light, quieter. November–March: stunning in snow but check the forecast — the boardwalk ices up.
Parking
Use the Upper Lake car park (€4 cash), not the monastic site car park — the routes start at different ends. Arrive before 10am in summer or the car park will be full.
The summit cross view
From the highest point on the ridge, you can see the round tower of the monastic city 300 m below, the upper lake, the lower lake, Camaderry Mountain, and — on a clear day — the Irish Sea to the east.
Where to eat after
The Wicklow Heather in Laragh is the classic. Mickey Finn's for a pint. The Glendalough Green for coffee and a scone if you're moving on.
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