Taking The Scalp

TRAVEL: WALK:FOR DUBLINERS, THE N11 through Bray, the R117 through Enniskerry, the R115 to Sally Gap and the N81 through Tallaght are the main access roads to the Dublin/ Wicklow mountains.

For all my time as a hillwalker, the old chimney at Ballycorus, just off the R117, has stood as a landmark for those travelling south. This curiousity constantly beckoned but never managed to lure me for a closer inspection. Until recently that is, when, on the morning of New Year’s Day, I headed for the Barnaslingan/Carrickgollogan area in the Dublin Mountains. The weather forecast was for intermittent, heavy showers becoming constant as the day progressed, so a short walk with many escape routes was on the cards.

Starting out from the northern end of Carrickgollogan Wood car park, our first target was that chimney. The route we took is referred to as the Lead Mines Way and can best be described as easy to moderate. The trail starts in a northerly direction and turns northeast after 150m before turning north again after a similar distance with the chimney coming into view as you emerge from the forest.

Lead ore, quarried locally, was smelted in Ballycorus and the gases were taken through a tunnel to the chimney. Up close, the chimney has a certain elegance with the remains of a stone staircase corkscrewing up the outside.

From the chimney, continue east along the forest edge until you reach a line of electric pylons. Turn right and head southeast for 500-600m following the line of the pylons. The bulk of Carrickgollogan becomes evident on the right and you can follow the obvious trails leading to the bare, rocky summit. This hill is only 276m high, however the views are panoramic. For the descent, turn to face the car park (northeast), descend from the summit in this direction and pick up a trail through the forest which will lead you on to a forest road and back to the car park.

The weather was holding up and we had barely raised a sweat. We decided to extend our outing with another short walk. Barnaslingan Wood is only down the road (300m) and the added incentive of the Scalp spurred us on. We left the car in Carrickgollogan car park, which was just as well because the Barnaslingan car park was closed and the road is very narrow at that point.

Travelling in an anti-clockwise direction, take the trail going north out of the car park. The trail for the most part is clear but just keep in mind that you are heading west for the Enniskerry road and the Scalp. Soon you will emerge on the R117. This is the most dangerous section of the walk – the R117 can be very busy. Turn left and stay on the narrow, grassy verge for 150m before crossing through a gap in the wall on the left.

The Scalp is popular for bouldering and the going is rough so care should be taken. Head away from the road and pick up a faint trail leading off to the right under a huge slab. Continue your ascent above the chaos of a boulder field. Keep an eye out for breaks on the left which will give easier access to the hilltop above.

Patience and observation are the key. If you ar unsure you have found a route, see if there is something more obvious. Never ascend if you would not be confident descending. On our excursion, we came across a herd of feral goats who, while used to human intrusion, still maintained a constant distance. We were envious of their surefootedness in this uneven environment.

Emerging at the top after that adrenalin rush, pause to drink in the views. Proceed to the highest point of the hill and pick up one of the trails which head off in an easterly direction. Eventually, you will find a clear forest path which will lead you back to the Barnaslingan Wood car park.

The Lead Mines Way

Getting there:From Dublin, take the R117 through Kilternan. Pass the Topaz station and Ballycorus Road on the left. Take the next left. Continue for 2km. Barnaslingan Wood on right. Murphy's Lane on left. Carrickgollogan Wood car park 300m on Murphy's Lane.

Start and finish:Carrigollogan Wood car park.

Distance and time:4.5/5km. Allow 2/2.5hrs, take your time at the Scalp.

Suitability: Carrickgollogan route is suitable for all ages. The Barnaslingan/Scalp route is not suitable for those who are unsteady on their feet.