Ballinastoe to Roundwood, part i

 

TV presenter and broadcaster Aoibhin Garrihy and her husband, explorer John Burke present this episode of Tracks and Trails in County Wicklow, featuring walks through the stunning landscape around Roundwood and Vartry Reservoir.

Presenter
Aoibhin Garrihy and John Burke

About
Aoibhin and John start at the JB Memorial in Ballinastoe and cover a distance of 30km part of the Wicklow Way, passing Luggala House which is better known as part of the Guinness Estate. On the forest trail Aoibhin and John meet world mountain bike champion Robin Seymour who trains regularly on the designated mountain bike tracks which have been separated from the walking trails. Further along the route, they meet local historian Sean Byrne who passes on his memories of a very different time in this deserted village. The last villagers left here in 1954.

Grade
Moderate, the route is marked with Slí markers

Distance
30km

Estimated time
full day. ( This can be broken up into shorter walks)

Total height climbed
270m

Highest point
530m

Terrain underfoot
Forest path, road, forest path.

Where to Start
Ballinastoe Car Park.

Suitable for
Families. The longer walks are suitable for people with moderate fitness. The full 30km is recommended only for people of good fitness.

NOTES.
The forest is busy with mountain bikers so be careful where you see anywhere where bikers cross the track. Transport is available from Roundwood where the walk ends. How to get to start point: Ballinastoe Car Park. Limited Car parking available. There is parking here. Roundwood is 5km away.