Djouce Mountain and War Hill, Wicklow

Hike: Djouce Mountain and War Hill, Wicklow. This route is a perfect taster for the wilder stretches of the six-day Wicklow Way. You follow the signs, paths and boardwalk of the long-distance trail for the first half the circuit, climbing 630m White Hill, then continuing across the eastern slopes of Djouce Mountain. Then strike west over unmarked ground, following the nascent Dargle River through wild Glensoulan. Climb War Hill, the loop southeast toward Djouce. Pass the Coffin Stone on your way to the 725m summit, whose trig point is set atop a rock outcrop. You are now at the very heart of the Wicklow Mountains, with fabulous views extending in every direction. Descend south to rejoin the Wicklow Way, which carries you back to the car park.

Start and Finish at: Lough Tay car park.

Get there: The car park is located along the R759 (grid ref: O169,075), and can be accessed via either the Sally Gap, or the R755 Kilmacanoge-Roundwood road.

Level: Difficult — a hill walk over open mountainside with 660m ascent.

Length / Time: 14km / 4½-5½ hours.

Pack: All your mountain safety gear, a full route description from Helen Fairbairn’s Dublin and Wicklow: A Walking Guide, and OSi 1:50,000 map 56.

Refuel at: Byrne & Woods Bar & Restaurant in Roundwood (byrneandwoods.com), for award-winning Irish pub grub. Book ahead.