Get Lost Mountaineering

Tonelagee from Glenmacnass Waterfall Car Park

Start/Finish

Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on the Sally Gap to Laragh road. From Blessington, on the N 81 main road, drive north for about 4 miles/ 6 km to reach a minor road on the right signed for Sally Gap. Follow this for about 8 miles/13 km to the diagonal crossroads at Sally Gap. Turn right, S, and follow the narrow twisting road for about 7 miles11 km to Glenmacnass Waterfall which is signed. If you go past it, you will see the waterfall on your right as the car park comes first. If driving from Laragh, take the Sally Gap road and drive up to the car park which is just past the waterfall. Warning: The official car parks in this area have warning signs about cars being broken into so do not leave anything of any value in your car and especially on view as you may come back to broken windows.

Distance/Time

8 km.     About 3 hours

Peaks

Tonelagee, 817 m, O 085 015.    (Irish National Grid System)

Irish OS Discovery Series Map 56 (1:50000)

Introduction

This is a pleasant moorland circuit with some peaty and boggy sections. There is a potentially difficult river crossing in a wet spell or after heavy rain but this is 100 m from the start so can easily be checked out. Views are good and include the Mullaghcleevaun range, Djouce Mountain, Scarr, Turlough Hill (pump storage reservoir) and Ludnaquilla.Navigation in mist would be a little taxing and the bogs would be harder to avoid. You should be able to easily reset your GPS to the Irish National Grid System.

Route

(1) From the car park, walk about 100 m upstream where, in normal conditions, the river should be crossable by natural stepping stones. If this is not possible, continue upstream where there is a long section of river with large boulders in it which may be crossable. Once across, head up the steep bank to gain the ridge above and follow it SW on a good path which lies slightly N of the crest and traverses top 668 on its N side. A gravel col is soon reached with a cairn. Ahead lies the E ridge on the S side of Lough Ouler. Either tackle this directly or follow the path which goes further to the left and has no difficulties. Reach a plateau where the trig point marks the summit of Tonelagee, 817 m.

(2) Descend N on a distinctive path. It is possible to get closer to the edge overlooking Lough Ouler but be aware there are steep drops and take care especially if the ground is slippery. The path goes around the corrie rim and turns E above Lough Ouler then descends and shadows Lough Brook towards the Glenmacnass River. Follow the path to the river. There are crossing points but they are more difficult than the one earlier. If not crossing here, walk downstream until a more suitable crossing is reached or continue all the way, on some rough ground, to the earlier crossing point. Once across, follow the path back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 9^th August, 2014.

(b) There is an excellent camping and caravan site, in the village of Donard, called Moat Farm. It has beautiful landscaped grounds, including a stone circle (!) and is very well laid out with free hot showers. There is a large campers’ kitchen with tables and sinks but bring your own cooking equipment and pans. There is a fridge and freezer. There is also a sitting room with a TV. The owner and staff are very welcoming, very friendly and very helpful. You would be hard pressed to find a nicer site. Donard is about 4 miles from the Glen of Imaal stores (where you can buy a sandwich). Donard is signposted off the N 81 main road between Blessington and Baltinglass. More about Moat Farm in its own section!