Wicklow Way: Stage 2: Knockree to Roundwood

Distance 22km, aggregatges climb:550m, walking time: fast pace 5 1/2 hours

Learning from last week stage one that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing, we added a few extra waterproofs and creature comforts such as light weight summer gloves to the walking wardrobe and that made all the difference. There are lots of nice surprises on this stage of the walk. Started at Curtlestown wood and descended to the Glencree river, lovely bluebells swaying in the breeze, walking on the river bank and crossed the  wooden bridge, crossing the road then to arrive at Crone Wood. The route winds up with stunning views of the great Sugar Loaf. Suddenly the beautiful powerscourt waterfall comes into view, the river Dargle drops 150m over a precipice to the valley floor. The way follows a pathway uphill and suddenly into the wide open mountainside with Djouce on its southside. Looking back, dramatic views of Howth can be seen and the wonderment of covering such distance can be felt. . The way drops and crosses the river Dargle and weaves across the east side of Djouce mountain. After finding a sheltered spot in the lee of the mountain, we had our packed lunch. Then the way leads upwards to White Hill and then descends over very boggy terrain. The wind was howling and visibility was poor but we were treated to a manmade path of twin wooden sleepers over the bog, covering a distance of about 2k. It felt like being on a treadmill, with the wind on our backs, there was no stopping. A Forest road cuts through Ballinstoe Woods which has some new mountain bike tracks. The next surprise is the stunnng oval lake at Luggala-Lough Dan. There is a lovely viewing bench here to enjoy the vista of Luggala Mountain. A granite memorial to J.B. Malone commerorates his great vision and ehthusiasm for the Wicklow Way. A short walk along the public road takes you to the entry of a broad forrest road on the right. The way winds southwards with views of the Vartry Reservoir. Leaving the way, a 2km walk takes you into Roundwood for a well deserved refreshment.