GREAT SUGAR LOAF - HIKE

The Great Sugar Loaf (501m) is an icon of the north Wicklow/Dublin area. Quarzite boulders and scree spill over the summit and down the steep slopes, lending it a dramatic profile reminiscent of a volcano. It commands fantastic views over the coastline below.

This walk requires a GOOD level of fitness.

IT IS NECESSARY TO WEAR HIKING BOOTS/SHOES.
This is a strict requirement.
NO HIKING FOOTWEAR= NO WALK
Please note that people wearing footwear other than proper HIKING BOTS/SHOES will not be allowed to take part in the walk. It doesn't matter the model as long as they are for hiking as it's the sole that matters. You are going to need a good grip under the feet.

What else to bring:

• Gaiters (optional).
• Walking sticks (optional)
• Plenty of water/fruit juices
• Packed lunch (sandwiches/wraps/rolls can also be purchased at the On The Run service station before starting the walk)
• Wind proof jacket (dress in layers: you will feel warm during the walk but as we approach the top it will be rather windy)
• Camera

Description:

MEETING TIME: 11.45pm

MEETING PLACE: Inside the Glencormac Inn

STARTING TIME: 12pm sharp

APPROX. DURATION: 3 hours

Length: 6.5km

Ascent: 250m

PLEASE NOTE: the walk might be postponed depending on weather conditions

Start and return: The Glencormac Inn.

Please to the toilet before we start. There are toilets in the Inn as well as one toilet in the service station.

*About 1 hour and 15 minutes – to reach the base of the scree
*35 minutes – lunch break (walkers will NOT be allowed to climb to the top // I need to be strict as it is a very steep and slippery ascent requiring both feet AND HANDS!!)
*About 55 minutes to walk downhill back to the Inn
*Stop at the Glencormac Inn for tea/coffee/sandwiches/toasts/soup

We will follow a path going around the mountain towards south. The path terrain is quite challenging in some parts:

• Wide grassy path and narrow rocky path through bushes of gorse and ferns; a small section of the path is muddy all year round
• The path is wide in some parts but very narrow and rocky in other parts
• The ascent is gradual and mild for about 2/3 of the path but the last part is quite steep

HOW TO GET THERE:

By car: take the N11 and exit at Kilmacanogue. There is a car park at the Glencormac Inn.

By bus: take bus 145 (runs from Heuston station through the city centre).
There is a bus every 15 minutes starting on the hour so you will need to take the bus leaving Heuston station at 10.30am or 10.45am at the latest.

PLEASE TEXT ME IF YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY but YOU SEE THAT YOU'RE RUNNING LATE AND WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU. If you don't text and I don't know you are on your way, we will not see the need to start later than 12pm.

My mobile number for the walk: 0852113328

PLEASE NOTE: you are responsible for yourself on the mountain at all times.

Upon RSVPing YES you will be asked to reply to 2 questions. If you reply from a phone, you won't be able to reply these questions but I will still consider your reply was YES:

QUESTION 1: Do you have hiking boots/shoes (required for this walk)?

QUESTION 2: Do you have the level of fitness required for this walk?

Pls view itinerary here:
http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=173276