Glendalough hiking starts with the right route
Glendalough hiking offers a choice between valley-floor walking and strenuous routes above the lakes. Start with the NPWS grade, the distance and your available daylight rather than choosing only by a photograph. A short route can still involve demanding ground, and the time needed for the return matters as much as reaching a viewpoint.
The route descriptions here follow the NPWS information read on 2 November 2026. Their walking times are approximate, with pauses and any disruption adding to the day. Keep a shorter option in mind, particularly if a bus or tour sets your departure time. Use the transport guide for the journey and the lakes page for a visit focused on the valley floor.
NPWS trail colours, distances and grades
| Route and colour | Distance | Approximate time | NPWS grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miners’ Road, Purple | 5 km | 1 hour | Easy |
| Poulanass and St. Kevin’s Cell, Bronze | 1 km | 30 minutes | Moderate; circuit closed |
| Green Road, Green | 3 km | 45 minutes | Easy |
| Derrybawn Woodland, Orange | 8 km | 2 hours | Moderate; diverted |
| Woodland Road, Silver | 4 km | 1 hour | Moderate |
| Poulanass, Pink | 1.6 km | 45 minutes | Moderate; diverted |
| Spinc and Glenealo Valley, White | 9.5 km | 3 hours 15 minutes | Strenuous |
| Spinc Short Route, Blue | 5.5 km | 2 hours | Strenuous |
| Spinc and the Wicklow Way, Red | 11.5 km | 4 hours 15 minutes | Strenuous |
The Bronze circuit is closed, with access to St. Kevin’s Cell by an out-and-back approach instead. Orange and Pink have diversions. Treat those notices as part of route selection, not as minor details to discover after starting. The published distances describe the named routes; follow signs for the actual path available on the day rather than assuming a diversion preserves the original distance.
Our pick: a trip with free time
This guided trip leaves time to explore the lakes and trails independently.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Dublin transport with free time on Glendalough paths
This day trip includes a guided monastery visit and independent time by the lakes and walking trails. It is not a guided hike and gives no promise of enough time for a complete Spinc circuit.
Spinc walk and the White Zig Zags works
The White, Blue and Red routes are all graded strenuous. The Blue route is shorter than the other Spinc routes but still needs a mountain-walking decision, rather than being treated as an easy alternative. Match the route to everyone in the party and set a return time before committing to a longer section.
A notice dated 8 July 2026 announced work on the White Zig Zags between Miners’ Village and the footbridge, beginning on 20 July for an expected five to six months. Material transport can also affect Blue. The plan allowed routes to remain open apart from one or two helicopter-transport days; this is not a blanket closure of the whole Spinc circuit. Follow current signs and staff instructions, and leave the day's route flexible around the work.
Miners’ Road and Miners’ Village
Miners’ Road is an out-and-back walk, so reaching the mining remains is not the end of the distance you need to manage. The surface ruins give the valley another historical layer, while underground mines remain inaccessible. Stay with the signed walking route rather than trying to enter openings or explore beyond the accessible remains.
The Purple route is graded easy, making it a different proposition from the Spinc routes. Still allow time for the return and avoid turning the published walking estimate into a tight connection. If your main interest is the monastic buildings rather than the mining landscape, start with the monastery visit and keep the additional walk optional.
St Kevin’s Way and the Wicklow Way
St. Kevin’s Way is a strenuous 30 km route from Hollywood or Valleymount via Wicklow Gap to Glendalough, marked with yellow arrows on black posts. It is a substantial walking undertaking, not a short extension from the lakes. Plan it separately from a first sightseeing visit and organise your arrival and onward travel around that longer route.
The Red route brings the Wicklow Way into the local trail choice. For the broader mountain setting and the long-distance trail context, use the Wicklow Mountains guide. Keep a local circuit and a wider walking journey distinct when deciding what fits into one day.
Equipment, turning back and tour time
NPWS recommends sturdy mountain footwear, waterproof clothing, a map and compass with the skills to use them. Check weather and dusk, leave your route and return time with someone, and stay away from cliffs and waterfalls. Turn back while the return remains manageable if conditions worsen or the party is slower than expected. Mountain rescue can be reached through 999 or 112.
Keep dogs on a lead, take litter home and light no fires. Camping is prohibited throughout Glendalough. The Dublin excursion featured here includes a driver-guide, a guided monastic visit and free time for lakes or paths; Powerscourt garden admission and meals are extra. Use that free time for a walk that fits the stop. For a dedicated walking day, an overnight base can help separate travel from the route itself.
Walking questions
Is the short Spinc route easy?
The Blue Spinc Short Route is 5.5 km, with an approximate NPWS time of two hours and a strenuous grade.
Which routes have closures or diversions?
At the November 2026 information stand, Bronze is closed and Orange and Pink are diverted. White Zig Zags works also require attention to local instructions.
Can I walk inside the mines?
Underground mines are inaccessible. Explore the surface remains from the walking route.
Does the excursion guide lead the Spinc walk?
The guided element is the monastery visit. Time on the lakeside paths and walking trails is independent, within the excursion's stopping time.