Little Sugar Loaf

Above the main road follow a byroad beyond houses and bungalows. Respect private property and privacy. Below the ridge, take the well-worn track up through the heather. Sticks or adjustable poles are useful in this terrain. There is a fairly steep climb through bushes, gorse, scree and rocks. On the shoulder, pause for breath and enjoy views over Dublin Bay: Bray, Killiney and Howth. The Cooleys and Mournes are visible on a clear day.

Little Sugar Loaf, formed from grey quartzite, is triple peaked. Each peak is about 340m above sea level. On the first peak, take a breather and look eastwards over the Earl of Meath's estate and Kilruddery House. Beyond is Bray Head. Face southwards, taking care on the rocky path along the ridge to the middle peak.

On a recent climb, just below the middle peak and the windy ridge I found a sheltered spot for a drum-up. Greystones was visible on that crisp bright day and there was a bonus: beyond the Irish Sea and horizon, Wales and the mountains of Snowdonia beckoned with promises of longer walks.

From the third peak, go downhill on a rocky track to a grassy shoulder. Take care and pick your steps cautiously as descending on rough ground can be dangerous. Pause before losing height and look south-west to the Wicklow Mountains. Near a wall and fence, turn right at a bird sanctuary notice and face towards the Great Sugar Loaf.

To the right, the track traverses the heather below the Little Sugar Loaf ridge. Before rejoining the route taken at the start of the walk, pause for the vista over Glencree towards Kippure.

Descend by rocks and the old wood to the byroad near the houses. Cross the footbridge back to Kilmacanoge where the Glencormac Inn provides refreshments. This walk of about two hours may be followed in reverse.

TONY QUINN

?More Access: N11 beyond Bray. Public transport: DART to Bray; Bus 145 to Kilmacanoge; Bus Eireann, 133 Dublin-Wicklow. Map: OS discovery sheet 56