GO WALK:MUCH OF WICKLOW'S walking activity takes place in Glendalough and neighbouring Glenmalure Valley, where epics taking in multiple summits can be had, but there's a delightful circular walk from Trooperstown Wood car park, near Annamoe, that can most definitely be placed in the leisurely category, writes GRANIA WILLIS
When you leave the car park, you can cross the river by bridge or, if you’re feeling adventurous, by the giant stepping stones. Then turn left on to the stony track where the route begins. Take care on the rough surface, as it’s all too easy to turn an ankle on the larger stones.
Take the left fork at the first vee, then follow the foxglove-bordered path as it winds up towards a bridge over the Trooperstown river and on into a glorious oak and beech wood.
Don’t be lured off the main track here and you will be rewarded with sightings of the delicate germander speedwell and remnants of pine cones left by the red squirrels that populate this area.
Keep an eye out for a beautiful old beech tree, marked number 62, on the right of the path, just after the forestry barrier. If you’re of that bent, its ancient trunk is just crying out to be hugged.
The track joins a narrow road at the end of the perimeter wall to Castlekevin House. Turn left here and cross the bridge, stopping to admire the views and read the memorial plaque to the 1798 Wicklow rebel Andrew Thomas, said to be a great marksman who picked off many an English soldier with his trusty gun, Roaring Bess.
Having fought alongside the legendary Michael Dwyer, Thomas was finally shot dead in 1800. To ensure that Roaring Bess would be silenced, too, the English broke the gun on a large stone, which now has a preservation order on it.
Continue until you meet another road, and turn left, but take care here, as there is a bad right-hand bend. The road then drops to the main Roundwood-Glendalough road, where there is a wide grass verge on the far side as you turn left and head into Annamoe.
This lovely village on the banks of the Avonmore lost its pub a number of years ago – and, alas, Rose’s Cafe, a great favourite with walkers, has also gone.
You can call into the log- cabin clubhouse at Annamoe Trout Fishery for a cuppa – and stop to fish, too, if the fancy takes you. We indulged in the former but not the latter and, suitably refreshed, continued on our walk.
As the road swings around to the left you need to stay on the track that goes straight ahead. Turn left at the T-junction, from where you can stay on the road until you come to the first forestry entrance. Turn left here and go straight through the woodland until you come back to the main road. Now turn right and, ensuring that you stay well into the side of the road, walk the 50m or so until you reach the left turn back down to Trooperstown Wood car park.
Alternatively, you can add a loop over Paddock Hill. About 300m after the T-junction there’s a slight bend in the road where a boreen goes off to the right. Take this and cross the small stream, opening and closing the gate with care, as it’s somewhat rickety.
Then simply follow the fence line up the hill. Just as the track levels out you’ll spot a Wicklow Way sign on your right. You need to cross the wire fence on the left here; there’s a stile to help you over.
Go down to the bottom of the hill, cross the road and, at the next road, turn right and next left back to the car park.
Trooperstown loop, Co Wicklow
- Start and finishTrooperstown Wood car park, Annamoe, Co Wicklow.
- How to get thereTurn off the N11 for Glendalough and continue through Roundwood. As you approach Annamoe, turn left opposite Trooperstown Wood Lodge B&B. Go straight down the track, past the sign for the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Centre, until you reach an obvious vee in the road. Take the left branch and head straight down for the car park. As with all relatively isolated car parks, it is best not to leave valuables in the vehicle. At the very least, put them out of sight in the boot.
- DistanceAbout 10km.
- TimeA very leisurely three hours, including a refreshment stop in at Annamoe Trout Fishery (http://homepage. eircom.net/~fishery).
- MapOrdnance Survey of Ireland Discovery Series sheet 56.
- SuitabilityEnsure children and dogs are under control on the sections of road that need to be navigated on this walk.