THE HIKE LIFE, Glendalough, The Spinc Glenealo Valley Loop walk, July 28th.
Series 2, Hike 2 one of my favourite hikes nearby the city is the Spinc Glenealo Valley Loop.
For those of you who have never done this trail be prepare for some breath-taking views and a great morning out in nature.
The hike itself is moderate to hard depending on the hiker but have a look at the stats below and see if this is a hike for you.
The hike starts on a large path with no elevation, we cross over a small stream and slowly begin to climb up a steep rocky zig zag path from here you are mostly stepping over rocks until you reach a small waterfall where the dirt path begins again, across a bridge to the left and onto the board walks . We will walk across the boardwalks looking down on the lake to our left until we get to the viewing point, from here it’s all downhill along board walks and forest steps and path, until we return to the carpark.
Registration for this event will go live on Friday the 19th at 8pm over on eventbrite. This is a free hike, there will be 100 places and we ask for a €10 donation that will be for the Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue.
All hikes are free but I have adopted a donation fee to ensure people respect their place on the hikes and to give something back to a local charity or organisation making a difference.
Meeting point;Glendalough upper Lake car park
GPS Coordinates; 53.007192,-6.34675
Please ensure you give yourself sufficient time to drive to make it on time as we can’t keep the whole group waiting.
Carpark; Fee €4
Start time;9 am , please arrive 8.45 as we leave at 9 sharp.
Difficulty; Hard, good fitness required.
Distance;9 km
Elevation;380m
Length;2.30-3 hours
Path; the path changes from a rocky trail to boardwalk back to forest and appropriate foot wear is needed.
Places to eat nearby for post Hike Grub;
Glendalough Green café
The conservatory
Avoca Hand weavers on route back to the city.
Equipment needed;
• Hiking Boots, walking shoes, runners.
• Hiking Boots, walking shoes, runners.Cash for carpark
• Raingear
• Water
• SPF- even if it’s not sunny!
• Spare pair of sock/clothes/shoes for after- you don’t need to carry these but have them ready for your return.
• Determination!
Dogs; Are ALLOWED, however if you’re dog does not have effective call back I recommend keeping them on a lead as there is livestock along the walkway and to avoid losing them in the crowd of hikers.
Some other bits to know;
The walk is fantastic but it’s important to keep alert, the winds are felt up high, take in the views but be careful to keep your footing.
Also, PLEASE ensure your car is locked and you DO NOT leave anything valuable in there.
Lastly, on these walks we like to practice the principle of “leave no trace” so anything we bring up with us must also come down with us, food wrappers, bottles, even banana peel!
By registering to this event you acknowledge and agree to the below;
I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, involves risks. I hereby release the organiser (Roz Purcell) from all claims of personal injury, property damage, illness which may occur from food, causes of action or claims of any kind arising from my participation. I agree to pay the cost of my emergency evacuation of my person or belongings that may be necessary. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation.
The Lead Guide may require or advise an individual, or individuals, to abort an ascent, refrain from continuing / return to starting point if they believe that a person or person’s health is at risk, if a person is not coping, or may not cope, with the technical, physical or mental demands of the activity/course, if an illegal act has been or may be committed, or conduct is, may become, or has been, detrimental to the safety, enjoyment or well-being of the group as a whole or of any individual within the group.