Glendalough → Glenmalure
Cross the Glendalough valley, up the Lugduff valley to Poulanass Waterfall, then a 400 m climb over the shoulder of Mullacor (657 m) and across the boggy saddle on boardwalk, with panoramic descent into Glenmalure and views to Lugnaquilla — Wicklow's highest mountain.
Why you’ll like it
- One of the most dramatic mountain stages on the Wicklow Way
- Spectacular views across Glendalough valley and the central Wicklow Mountains
- A rewarding climb through forest and open upland terrain
- Passes close to old mining landscapes and remote mountain slopes
- Scenic descent into the long glacial valley of Glenmalure
- Strong historical links to monastic Glendalough and the 1580 Battle of Glenmalure
Route & directions
This stage of the Wicklow Way begins in Glendalough and finishes in Glenmalure deep within the Wicklow Mountains. The route includes a sustained climb from the Glendalough valley onto open mountain terrain before descending through forestry and upland landscapes into one of Wicklow's most scenic glacial valleys.
📍 Start: Glendalough Visitor Centre · Finish: Glenmalure
- Distance: approximately 14 km
- Estimated walking time: around 4–5 hours
- Terrain: forest trails, mountain paths, upland tracks, forestry roads and open hillside terrain
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Waymarking: yellow walking-man symbols on black marker posts
The route leaves Glendalough through woodland and forest tracks before climbing steadily above the upper lake and surrounding valley slopes. Higher sections provide extensive views across Glendalough, the surrounding mountains and the national park landscape.
The stage continues across exposed upland terrain and mountain tracks beneath Mullacor Mountain before descending gradually through forestry towards Glenmalure. Sections of the route pass through commercial forest plantations and quieter mountain roads before entering the valley floor.
Glenmalure is the longest glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains and is closely associated with the Battle of Glenmalure in 1580, one of the most significant battles fought in the Wicklow uplands during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.
Local tips
- Glendalough has visitor facilities, public parking and seasonal bus connections
- Weather conditions can change rapidly on exposed upland sections above the valley
- Waterproof boots and suitable rain gear are strongly recommended
- Low cloud and rain can reduce visibility on higher ground
- Glenmalure has accommodation and limited food options used by Wicklow Way walkers
- Walkers should allow additional time during wet weather due to rougher underfoot conditions
Source: Stage distances, ascents, and waypoints verified against the official wicklowway.com trail description. Total route 127 km · 3,200 m ascent · traditionally walked north-to-south (Marlay Park → Clonegal).
Stage 4 on Komoot
Live route from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection — pan, zoom, and tap waypoints.
Stage 4 GPX file
Direct download — works in Komoot, OS Maps, Garmin Connect, Strava, AllTrails. Sourced from the official Komoot Wicklow Way collection.
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Glenmalure accommodation
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