Crone Woods and Maulin Mountain trail is one of the finest walks in Wicklow

Enroute you will take in the smashing views of Powerscourt Waterfall, Great Sugar Loaf, panoramic views from Maulin summit and experience a variety of terrain along your way, and takes in some of the famous Wicklow Way long distance walking route.

Route:

From Crone car park follow the red arrow route (RA) and Wicklow Way ‘walking man’ signs (WW). In about 2km, round sharp right bend with Powerscourt Waterfall ahead.

Pass the bench on right. In 30m, RA forks right past trail map, but keep ahead here along WW. At the top of climb, pass WW post; bear right across felled slope (WWs).

Through a fence gap by lone tree, WW goes left, downhill; but turn left (no waymark), following the wall uphill to green ‘Keep to Path’ sign. Bear left here to climb to Maulin summit. From cairn, take the path aiming NW for distant, large white building of Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre.

Cross the stone wall, then steeply downhill to cross the stile by gate into the forest. Turn right downhill on zigzag forest road (RA waymarks on trees – hard to spot!).

Near the bottom of slope, descend the wooden steps to the track. Ignore RA pointing right; cross and descend narrow path through trees to car park.

Grade: Moderate to difficult.
Distance: 7.5km
Estimated time: 2-3hrs

Note: Rubbly paths on Maulin Mountain – wear hillwalking gear. 360m of climb involved and steep descent off Maulin. Waymarks in Crone Wood on tree trunks are hard to spot – keep your eyes open!

Map via WalksIreland.com