Wicklow Way

Rating:
Summary: The Wicklow Way
Review: The Wicklow Way is a guide detailing Ireland's longest established Waymarked Way. This trail starts in Dublin and ends at the Village of Clonegal , County Carlow. The route is broken down into seven sections: from Marley Park to Glencree; from Glencree to Oldbridge; from Oldbridge to Glendalough; from Glendalough to Glenmalure; from Glenmalure to Iron Bridge; from Iron Bridge to Tinahely; and from Tinahely to Clonegal. The sections of the Wicklow Way range from 10 to 31 kilometers (plus the distance to accommodation in nearby towns) and each portion of the trail can either be completed individually for a day hike or as a one continuous route for a week long hike as time schedules and inclination permit.

The Wicklow Way traverses three different environmental habitats: the uplands, the woodlands, and the hedgerow. Each of these environments contains different geological, floral, and faunal aspects creating an exceptionally varied and beautiful landscape.

In addition to the breathtaking view, the Wicklow Way also contains a number of interesting historical sites. One of the oldest and most awe inspiring site is the monastic city of Glendalough. Glendalough was founded in honour of St. Kevin. St. Kevin was a monk that legend states lived from 498-618 AD. Various legends abound about how this monk left his life as a royal descendent of the house of Leinster to become a solitary monk and how the monk achieved his extraordinarily long lifespan. Glendalough was in use from the seventh century to the late 1530's. Nonetheless, the St. Kevin's Church, the Cathedral, and the Round Tower (complete with gravestones) still stand on the site today as does the Glendalough Visitor Centre.

The Wicklow Way outlines not only the background and the various sections of the trail (including waterproof full color maps) but also details various long walking and hiking fundamentals. These details include what types of equipment the participant should bring to complete the walk, how long the various sections of the journey will take, and how temperature and seasonality will affect the walk. There are also helpful tips especially for novices about daily mileage, feet, weight, and the right gear.


Rating:
Summary: Immensely useful - in fact essential
Review: This is vital reading for anyone intending to walk all or part of the Wicklow way. Even if you have no plans to do so you will finish wishing you did. Packed full of useful, interesting and informative advice as well as essential maps and marvellous photography, the book is set out in a clear and concise manner. It can be used as either a practical guide full of helpful tips and must know facts or just an absorbing read. This is the third Rucksac Reader I have read and they just keep on getting better.

Rating:
Summary: Immensely useful - in fact essential
Review: This is vital reading for anyone intending to walk all or part of the Wicklow way. Even if you have no plans to do so you will finish wishing you did. Packed full of useful, interesting and informative advice as well as essential maps and marvellous photography, the book is set out in a clear and concise manner. It can be used as either a practical guide full of helpful tips and must know facts or just an absorbing read. This is the third Rucksac Reader I have read and they just keep on getting better.