With its province's third-highest summit, Tonelagee has stunning views over south Leinster. Just take care if the weather is bad, and stay away in fog, writes Seán MacConnell
IF YOU REALLY want to impress someone, take them up Tonelagee, near the Wicklow Gap.
Despite its name in Irish, Tóin le Gaoith - yes, Arse to the Wind - it's one of the most beautiful spots not only in Co Wicklow but in the whole of the country. It's no mean mountain, either. When you get your reward on reaching the top, you will be standing 817m (2,796ft) above the sea.
On your way up you will have been able to sit beside one of Ireland's highest lakes, a corrie about 300m (1,000ft) above sea level.
And you will be able to claim, when you get back down, that you have climbed the third- highest mountain in Leinster and the 33rd highest in the country. But forget that. A walk to the top of Tonelagee is a treat.
You can get on to the mountain in a number of places, but to make the trip special I suggest you make your way to the car park at Glenmacnass waterfall, midway between the Sally and Wicklow gaps on the R115 military road.
Park your car and cross the river that runs behind the car park. Then walk upstream until you see, on your right, rough sheep pens beside the forest.
At this point swing left, heading up a mountain stream that feeds into the river beside which you are walking, and follow this lovely stream right up into the mountain.
There is a rough path along the river itself, but an easier path branches off to the right. I suggest you stay with the river.
Follow the river up through the lip of ground from which it escapes down the valley. Suddenly you will find yourself in a wonderful natural theatre, with beautiful Tonelagee lake snuggled under the mountain cliffs.
Don't settle down for the day here to picnic: there's still a fair amount of climbing to do.
Facing the cliff, go along the right hand side of the lake and pick up the steep path that brings you to the top.
If any of you are afraid of heights, walk much farther to the right and up to a ridge that links Tonelagee with its sister mountain, Mullach Cliabháin.
At the top of the cliff is a rough stone cross carved into a standing stone. Be careful: the views are stunning, but the cliff is very steep. One of the delights of this cliff view is that the lake is heart-shaped - for you romantics, this is a place to bring your loved one for a day out.
Now head for the summit, about 300m from the cliffs, and look out over south Leinster.
Descend by walking on the well-made track back towards the cliff, then work your way carefully down the steep and rocky ground towards the lake.Hold your height as long as you can, as there is some very dirty ground above the lake shore.
Work your way back to the shore and river, then retrace your steps to the waterfall car park.
This is one of the great walks in the Wicklow Mountains. Although you could complete it in as little as two and a half hours, take your time and allow an hour more to take in the views.
Tonelagee, Co Wicklow
Start and finish Glenmacnass waterfall car park, on the R115 military road. Distance Eight kilometres. Time Allow three and a half hours.
Suitability Tonelagee is easily accessible for moderate walkers, but it can be very dangerous. Do not attempt this walk in fog. The cliff face is quite dangerous, and in wet weather the rocks can be very slippery. The descent is very difficult in these conditions. Take your walking gear.
Map Ordnance Survey Discovery Series sheet 56.
Accommodation You'll find plenty of good accommodation in Glendalough or Enniskerry.