Go Walk:Take Wicklow's second highest mountain, then add three additional peaks to make for a fine day's walking, writes BRENDAN BRACKEN
WITH THE days beginning to stretch, Dublin-based hillwalkers are starting to look beyond the confines of the Dublin Mountains and the Enniskerry/Roundwood areas of north Wicklow. The area beyond the east side of Poulaphouca Reservoir offers great walking opportunities as well as being within striking distance of the midlands and the southeast.
The first half of this 14km walk takes a southeast direction with a short pull up to Black Hill followed by a more gradual approach across open country to Mullaghcleevaun. The second half brings a turn westwards towards Billy Byrne’s Gap before climbing Silsean and Moanbane and from there descending to Ballyknockan village.
In addition to taking in some steep ascents, much of the walk covers rough wet ground with plenty of peat hags to test the energy levels. As the walk starts and finishes in two different locations, transport will need to be organised. The number 65 bus operates a round-trip daily service from Dublin’s Eden Quay to Ballyknockan, Monday to Friday.
The walk starts at the small car park at Ballynultagh Gap which is located in a gap between Sorrell Hill and our first port of call, Black Hill. Head up the rough track towards the summit. As you climb, views of Poulaphouca Reservoir – now more popularly known as Blessington Lakes – appear to the west.
As the track peters out you cross some boggy ground to reach Black Hill. A short distance to the west is a memorial in the form of a granite slab to an RAF Hampden bomber which crashed there in 1941.
Our next goal is Mullaghcleevaun some 3km to the southeast. While it can look fine and dandy on a good day, this is a serious mountain subject to fast changing weather conditions. An intermittent track through open country will take you down to the col at the foot of Mullaghcleevaun. On the journey take care not to get too close to the forest which falls off to the left while aiming too far right will involve a long boggy detour.
A short sharp ascent will bring you to Mullaghcleevaun, summit of the basket, which is marked by a trig point and commands fine views with Kippure to the north, the Irish Sea to the east, followed by a particularly fine view of the Barnacullian Ridge across to the hump-backed Tonelagee and around westwards to Billy Byrne’s Gap and the twin peaks on Moanbane and Silsean. From here it’s worth a short detour to the cliffs that overlook Cleevaun Lough.
After a short rest head back down along the same track before bearing slightly southwest to Billy Byrne’s Gap which is our next landmark.
This stretch of the walk involves traversing numerous peat hags with very wet conditions underfoot. However, after what seems an age the terrain improves which might be a good place to stop for lunch. Relatively few walkers take this trackless route where, on the day, we were undisturbed except for the presence of two hares and some “larks in the clear air”.
The last climb of the day to Silsean, will stretch the legs but is well worth it for further views of Poulaphouca as well as the thin sliver of land leading to Valleymount. Silsean, or Soillsean meaning place of lights, despite its rather poetic name is a rather nondescript summit with a small cairn, not helped by the ground churned up by quad bikes.
From here head south over rough ground for 1.6km to Moanbane, our last peak of the day. The name Moanbane, or Moin Bhan, the white bog, is probably derived from the bog cotton that covers the area in early summer. There is no cairn though a small pond marks the summit.
Our final destination, Ballyknockan village, is just over 2.5km to the northeast. To get there, head directly east and begin a sharp descent over rough rock strewn ground. Take plenty of time as care is needed. You will shortly meet a rough path which takes you towards the edge of a forest on your left.
Descend carefully though rocky ground until you come across a path which leads to the forest. Take the forest path, which runs almost parallel to the road, for 1.5km. This brings you to the road which leads into Ballyknockan village. Known as the Granite City, the village has a long tradition of stone cutting based on the granite quarried in the area.
Pass the quarries on you left and walk through the village until you come to Cullens Pub which has parking and well deserved refreshments.
Route: Ballynultagh Gap to Ballyknockan
Getting thereApproaching from the Blessington side, take the N81, turn left at the former Downshire Arms Hotel in the town and head down towards the lake. Turn right on to the bridge and right at the other end. In Lacken village (one shop), take the fork left uphill and travel for 3km to the small car park at Ballynultagh Gap.
SuitabilityA tough demanding walk in a fairly remote area, subject to changing weather conditions. A map and compass, full wet gear, strong boots and gaiters are essential. Not recommended without one or more companions.
TimeAllow five-and-a-half hours.
MapEastWest Mapping Wicklow Mountains West; Ordnance Survey Ireland, Discovery Series, sheet 56.
RefreshmentsCullens, Ballyknockan; Zellers, Lacken.