Loafing around

If the weather's fine, extend a walk over the Little Sugar Loaf through Kindlestown Wood and into Greystones, writes Francis …

If the weather's fine, extend a walk over the Little Sugar Loaf through Kindlestown Wood and into Greystones, writes Francis Bradley

THE FAIR-WEATHER gods finally smiled on us, and we decided to take advantage with a short but rewarding local walk up the Little Sugar Loaf, which sits beside the N11 in Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow.

Because it was a lovely day we extended the walk, which gave us many interesting options. We were dropped off on Bohilla Lane, at the beginning of the now waymarked walk.

Wicklow Countryside Access has done sterling work to improve and protect this walk, and there are clear, simple signposts to guide you to the summit.

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Although the track is well defined, and the summit is temptingly close, take care as you gain higher ground, which becomes very stony and could pose problems for those who are unsteady on their feet.

Having reached the summit, you discover a twin summit directly north. The views from these vantage points are magnificent, with Kilruddery Estate beneath you to the east and Bray Head beyond, the Great Sugar Loaf to the west and fabulous views both north and south.

We left the summit behind us and headed back to the road, where we turned left and continued in a southerly and then easterly direction for about a kilometre, until we reached a T-junction, where we turned right.

Our next objective was Kindlestown Wood. We were hoping to find a trail that would bring us into the wood from the north. We couldn't find a defined path, however, so continued along the road to the formal entrance of Kindlestown Wood at its southwestern corner. Kindlestown got its name from Albert de Kenley, who was sheriff of Kildare in 1301. The lands around here became known as Kenley's Town and, eventually, through many variations, Kindlestown. This is a small proportioned wood with many gentle walks, some of which lead to an outcrop with views over Greystones and the Irish Sea.

We left the wood and followed the road into Delgany village. We took the fourth turn left (about a kilometre from Kindlestown Wood) and continued to the end of this road, where there is a lane linking it to an estate, Dromont. At the end of this lane we turned right and passed the ruin of Kindlestown Castle, where Albert de Kenley used to live.

We came out on to Blacklion Road; a left turn would have taken us to Blacklion, at the northern end of Greystones; the right turn led to Delgany village. We turned right and after 50m encountered pedestrian access on the left, before a school.

We followed this path, keeping the housing estates of Kenmare Heights and Grattan Park on the left, until the path ended at housing, where we turned left and then right, finishing at a T-junction on the R761, opposite a Tesco supermarket.

We turned right and immediately left, passing Tesco on our left, and after 10 minutes were on Church Road, the main street in Greystones village. A right turn brings you to all the facilities and public transport - Dart and bus - that Greystones has to offer.

Little Sugar Loaf, Co Wicklow

StartBohilla Lane, off the N11, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow.

How to get thereLimited parking is available. If you are going to do the whole walk, however, you will need to plan how to get back to your car. Alternatively, you can get the 145 bus from Dublin or Bray Dart station. Get off in Kilmacanogue and walk up Bohilla Lane (add 20 minutes).

FinishGreystones.

How to get out of there84 and 184 bus. Dart and mainline train.

DistanceNine kilometres.

TimeTwo and a half to three hours, or as long as you care to take.

MapsOrdance Survey Ireland Discovery Series sheet 56

SuitabilityAn easy walk suitable for all ages that becomes a little tougher on the slopes of the Little Sugar Loaf. Be careful. Know how to read a map and use a compass. Dress appropriately, bring drinks and snacks - and don't litter.

RefreshmentsDelgany village and Greystones.