5 Top Tips for Climbing Lugnaquilla mountain
Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and at 925 metres it is the highest point in Ireland outside of Co. Kerry.
Shaped rather like a large upturned Christmas pudding with 3 large bites taken out of it, there are a number of ways to climb this mountain, all of which lead to the large stone summit cairn, topped by a triangulation pillar.
The summit plateau is a bare undulating surface of short, wind swept vegetation. Paths are indistinct at best, and very hard to follow in low cloud, which often shrouds this mountain.
To the northwest of the summit is the ‘North Prison’, a large glacial cwm with steep sides, carved out during the last ice age. Frequented by winter climbers, it offers the best chance of winter climbing conditions in the east of Ireland.
Close to the summit to the southeast is the South Prison, another cwm formed by the ice, also steep sided this can be approached through the forests of Aughavannagh.
Finally, the third ‘bite’ is a much larger but less steep glacial valley to the northeast, variously known as the ‘Green Corner’ or the ‘Green Banks’. Lugnaquilla can be summited with relative ease from this side, but beware, there are no paths and in poor visibility it is so easy to get disoriented here.
Winter Hiking on Lugnaquilla
The three most popular routes up the mountain follow the three ridges formed by the intersection of these glacial valleys, to the north, east and west. They are described below.
To the west of the mountain lies the Glen of Imaal, a military firing range owned by the defence forces. There are two permitted paths crossing the periphery of the range, but they are closed on most weekdays, when firing takes place. It is important to note that the valley here, the ground between Table Mountain and Camarahill has no permitted access, and is potentially dangerous even when firing is not taking place as there may be unexploded ordnance in the area.
If you are planning to climb Lugnaquilla, here are my five top tips:
1) Plan your route
There are a number of ways to climb Lugnaquilla mountain, some are more difficult than others. Ascents via any of the three glacial cwms require confident footwork and capable navigation. There is no access to the North Prison from the floor of the Glen of Imaal.
Many climbers return by their outward path, but there are some route combinations that can give a superb horseshoe circuit and return you to your start point.
The three most popular routes to the summit are:
From Baravore
Starting at the Baravore car park (GR: T 066 942) this route crosses the Avonbeg river and then heads up into Fraughan Rock Glen via a forest track. This track ends at a steep headwall which has to be taken on directly by a rocky, and sometimes muddy, path.
A faint path now heads west across the upper valley, rising as it does so to reach the north ridge below Cannow mountain. Turning south the path becomes clearer as it ascends before reaching the undulating plateau. Here the path becomes faint and can be difficult to follow in poor visibility, but continues to the summit of Lugnaquilla.
From Drumgoff
This route is the longest of the three here, (around 18km round trip), and can be challenging in poor visibility. Good navigation skills are essential. It starts at the Drumgoff car park on the Aughavannagh road out of Drumgoff ( T 094 889).
The clear path follows forest road and boardwalk before climbing up onto the open mountainside to Lough Mountain. On the way you will see Kelly’s Lough below you on the right.
From Lough Mountain the route descends to the saddle before climbing again to the summit of Lugnaquilla.
From Fenton’s
This is the shortest and arguably the easiest way to climb Lugnaquilla. Starting at Fenton’s pub car park in the Glen of Imaal (GR: S 973 935) the route follows an army access track before rising to Camarahill.
This route passes through the military range and it will be closed on weekdays when they are firing, you can check these dates on the Defence Forces website. This route is almost always accessible at weekends.
From Camarahill the route continues on an easy to follow path to the plateau, where it becomes faint and hard to follow for the relatively short distance to the summit cairn.
2) Take the correct kit
Air cools with an increase in height (this is why mountains have snow on them), and it will be several degrees cooler on Lugnaquilla’s wide plateau than it is in the valley.
There is also a considerable increase in wind speed from the valleys to the summit. These two factors in combination can make the conditions on Lugnaquilla much harsher than expected, and this often catches out those who are not properly prepared for it.
Make sure you have adequate clothing to deal with the weather, hiking trousers and not jeans, several warm layers of clothing (not cotton) and a warm and waterproof jacket, as well as waterproof overtrousers.
Good hat and gloves are essential, and should be carried year-round when climbing this mountain.
The paths on Lugnaquilla can also be very wet and slippery therefore it is important to have supportive and grippy footwear, hiking boots with a deep sole pattern are best.
Runners are not adequate and will result in wet uncomfortable feet, with the added risk of a slip or fall, which could potentially result in injury.
Finally make sure you have enough food and drink for the day, and don’t forget those sugary snacks, you have an excuse this time!
3) Brush up on your navigation
The ability to navigate with a map and compass is essential on Lugnaquilla. The weather here can be harsher than on adjacent mountains and it is often shrouded in mist. The plateau is likely to be cloudy with poor visibility, and this is where the routes are most difficult to follow.
Many climbers find their way to the summit but struggle to find their way off the mountain when the cloud descends.
Make sure your map and compass skills are up to scratch. If you use a GPS enabled phone app, ensure you have adequate charge and remember that rain and cold can drastically reduce your phones’ capabilities.
4) Check the weather forecast
Lugnaquilla is known for having unique weather, often cloudier, wetter, colder and windier than its neighbours. It has been known to get as cold as -15C with the windchill on the summit plateau.
Remember to check the weather forecast before you head out and be prepared for sudden changes in the conditions. If the weather looks generally unpleasant in the mountains, it will be more so on Lugnaquilla.
5) Don’t go it alone
Solo climbs of this mountain are for the experienced and well-equipped hiker only. Go with more experienced pals, maybe someone who is familiar with your chosen route.
Ultimately the safest way to have a successful and enjoyable day is to join a guided hike. If you feel you would like to join one of our Lugnaquilla guided hikes provided by our experienced and qualified guides please follow the link: Lugnaquilla guided hike.
Russ Mills owns and runs Mountaintrails, a guided hiking and mountain training business based in Dublin. For more info please go to our website: https://mountaintrails.ie/