Maulin Mountain Loop

What: Seen from Crone Wood car park, Maulin seems to loom overhead in an intimidating fashion but don’t despair as the track weaves its way reasonably gently upwards and the climb isn’t as tough as it looks. Initially, you follow the Wicklow Way and pass Ride Rock where you have an excellent view over Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall. A short while later you leave the Wicklow Way and climb a number of steep hairpin bends. Eventually the angle relents and the track levels out. While the signposted route doesn’t take in the summit, it’s possible, and very worthwhile, to make the short detour. The route then starts to descend, following a series of paths and tracks back to the car park.

Start/Finish: Crone Wood (the car park can fill up quickly on weekends so arrive early to be sure of getting a place).

Get there: From the N11 take the Kilmacanogue exit. Follow the R755 towards Glendalough but turn right on to the R760 after Rocky Valley. Take the second turn left (signposted for Powerscourt Waterfall). Crone Wood is on the left 2km past the entrance to the Waterfall.

Level: Moderate, this walk follows good gravel paths but has significant height gain.

Length/time to walk: 6km/2hr 30min.

Pack: K OSI Discovery Series map 56 or irishtrails.ie. You can also download a detailed route map from visitwicklow.ie.

Refuel: Enniskerry has some excellent coffee shops or you can visit Avoca Cafe at the Powerscourt Estate (powerscourt.com) on the outskirts of the town.