Scarr Mountain Loop
The Scarr and Kanturk loop is the classic horseshoe above Lough Dan — roughly 14 km of open mountain from Oldbridge, over the sharp ridge of Scarr at 641 m and back along the lakeshore. It is unwaymarked, boggy in places, and the descent is steeper and wetter than the map suggests. A proper hill day for someone comfortable navigating.
Where this walk goes
Start point shown — click the marker to get directions. Zoom in to explore the area.
Highlights of this walk
- The sharp kilometre-long summit ridge of Scarr — a real edge among Wicklow's rounded tops
- Big views over Lough Dan, the Luggala estate, Knocknacloghoge and Tonelagee
- A genuinely quiet route — far fewer people than Glendalough
- A flat, car-free lakeside track along Lough Dan to finish
- Open mountain the whole way — no waymarks, no crowds
How to walk it
Start about 200 m above Oldbridge village, at the southern end of Lough Dan, where a wooden “Scarr Mountain” sign points off the road opposite the Lough Dan Scout Centre. Most walk it anti-clockwise — Kanturk first, then across to Scarr.
The early section climbs past a farm and a band of conifer plantation before the ground opens out onto heather and bog. From Kanturk you cross to Scarr's distinctive summit ridge, the high point at 641 m, with Lough Dan directly below. The descent toward the lake is the part to respect — steep, wet, with ferns and gullies and a path that comes and goes. Once down, a flat unpaved track runs along the shore of Lough Dan back to Oldbridge. Allow four and a half to five hours. This is open mountain with no waymarking — bring a map, and don't commit to it in low cloud unless you can navigate.
Local tips
- Waterproof boots — the ground is wet even in summer
- Map and compass (or GPS) essential — there are no waymarks on the mountain
- The descent to Lough Dan is steep and slippery; take your time
- Parking is a small lay-by above Oldbridge — don't block gates or passing places
- Nearest food and pint: Roundwood, about ten minutes' drive
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