Hiking in Roundwood

Experience Wicklow’s wild beauty on foot.

Your Base for Wicklow Hiking

Cullen’s Cottages are ideally located for those seeking unforgettable Wicklow hiking experiences. Set amid the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Roundwood offers direct access to some of Ireland’s most scenic trails, from gentle woodland paths to challenging summit climbs. Wake up to mountain air, lace up your boots, and set out straight from your doorstep.

The trails around Roundwood promise more than just exercise; they offer immersion in Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. Think mirror-still lakes, windswept peaks, and lush valleys where ancient monastic ruins and heather bloom side by side.

Signature Trails

Sugarloaf Loop Trail

The Great Sugar Loaf is one of Ireland’s most iconic peaks, instantly recognisable by its conical shape. The short climb is perfect for a morning or evening hike, rewarding you with sweeping 360° views over Dublin Bay, Bray Head, and the Wicklow Mountains. The longer loop offers a broader perspective of Wicklow’s rugged beauty.

A rocky hill rises against a bright blue sky, surrounded by lush greenery and a winding dirt path leading towards it — Cullens Cottages

Scarr Mountain

A strenuous but rewarding trail that traverses open moorland and mountain ridges. From the summit, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of Lough Dan and the Glenmacnass Valley. This is classic Wicklow hiking, wild, remote, and utterly peaceful.

Derrybawn Loop

This challenging loop departs from Glendalough and follows forest paths before rising to the Derrybawn Ridge. Expect expansive views across the Glendalough Valley, framed by the shimmering Upper Lake below. The descent winds through quiet woodlands, offering a perfect mix of elevation and serenity.

Lush green valleys and rolling hills under a cloudy sky with a winding river and a small house nestled among the trees — Cullens Cottages

Djouce Mountain

Short, steep, and spectacular. Djouce sits within the Wicklow Mountains National Park and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland. From its summit, you can gaze across to Lough Tay (the famous “Guinness Lake”) and even glimpse the Irish Sea. It’s a local favourite for sunrise and sunset hikes.

A scenic view of a blue lake surrounded by lush green hills and a winding path under a bright blue sky — Cullens Cottages

The Spink Loop, Glendalough

A strenuous yet deeply rewarding trail. Beginning at the Glendalough Visitor Centre, the Spink Loop climbs to a ridge that runs high above the lakes. The wooden boardwalk along the cliff edge provides unbeatable views, a true highlight for any Wicklow hiking itinerary.

Maulin Mountain

Start from Powerscourt Waterfall for a moderate circular hike that ascends through lush forest to the Maulin summit. The views back over the waterfall and the Glencree Valley are stunning, making this a wonderful choice for walkers seeking a shorter but scenic route.

Plan Your Adventure

Roundwood sits at the crossroads of countless trails and scenic drives, making it the ideal hub for exploration. Many hikes can be combined with a café stop in Roundwood Village or a visit to Glendalough’s lakes and heritage sites.

If you’re planning your Wicklow hiking itinerary, Ciara and Eamonn are always happy to suggest routes to suit your pace, from leisurely forest loops to full-day mountain ascents. Return each evening to a warm fire, a comfortable bed, and the peace that only the countryside can offer.


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