You can't beat Maulin for Co Wicklow sights, writes Seán Mac Connell
ONE OF MY favourite Wicklow walking places is Maulin, and a walking friend of mine, a teacher who often takes her charges there, tells me it is known to the school students of Dublin as "the VEC mountain".
That is, apparently, because most of the young people taken for a walk in the hills by their teachers end up there for many reasons, not the least of them being the fact that it is safe, close to the city and very beautiful indeed.
The Maulin walk begins at Crone Wood car park, which is about six kilometres from the village of Enniskerry. From the car park (which, unfortunately, tends to be locked up very early) follow the signs for the Wicklow Way.
This takes you gently through forestry on the northern side of the mountain to the first major delight of the walk, a free view of the Enniskerry waterfall from a wonderful vantage point.
Keep following the Wicklow Way signs until, having crossed a number of boulders, you come to a small saddle from which you can look down into the valley behind the waterfall, where you see the river that feeds it and a bridge that leads to Djouce Mountain and War Hill, its smaller companion.
The Wicklow Way path will take you through clear fell and to a fine stone wall and wire fence.
At this point leave the Wicklow Way route and turn right along a well-worn path that runs parallel to the wall. Djouce and War Hill will be behind your left shoulder.
This will lead you to the clearly defined path up the side of Maulin, which can be very muddy at times but is not too steep.
It is time for your second surprise of the day: as you gain height, look behind you for a most magnificent view of the east coast. On a clear day you should be able to see Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, with its snow-capped winter peak or cloud-hung summer version. To your left you can view the Mourne Mountains and on your right the giant wind farm off the Arklow coast.
Haul yourself to the top, which is 570m above sea level, and reward yourself with the fine views on every side.
When you tire of that, head over the summit, keeping the stone wall on your right, and pick up the path that leads you down to the saddle between Maulin and the mountain in front of you.
The path will lead you to a break in the wall, and you can follow it down towards a gate and stile that will lead you back to the forestry roads.
Follow the zigzag path back to the car park, having admired the view down into the Raven's Glen and its waterfall, which is on your left, before reaching the stile.
Maulin, Co Wicklow
Start and finishCrone Wood car park.
Distance:Seven kilometres.
TimeAllow at least two hours, depending on fitness.
MapsOrdnance Survey Discovery 56. Check prices at a large newsagent; some specialist shops overcharge.
Best aspect of the walkBeautiful views, easy access.
SuitabilitySuitable for all grades of walker, but can be very exposed in bad weather, so dress well and take heed of the weather forecast.
AccommodationThere is plenty of choice in the area, going from the very expensive to moderate. Try www.irishtourist.com.
End-of-walk pit stopYou should get good food at Poppies Cafe and Wingfield's Bistro, both in Enniskerry; the Terrace Cafe, at Powerscourt House; and the Sugar Loaf Lounge, at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt.
Sign up for walks in Kerry
If you'd like to take part in a guided walk around Killarney and Co Kerry, check out what Walk Killarney has to offer.
The Paps of Danu, Mangerton Mountain and Carrauntoohil are among the more challenging walks you can go on at weekends and on public holidays this year.
There are also walks to battle sites, mossy woodlands and waterfalls in the national parks.
Be warned - You need to book a place at least 24 hours in advance on the Walk Killarney booking line, 1850-566466. You can also e-mail walk@killarney.ie or see www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney.
... Anne Lucey