It was a beautiful sunny morning with a light SW breeze. The group size was 17 including two new members.

We started the loop route at Oldbridge, L. Dan just before 10:30 hrs and headed in an anti-clockwise direction to scale Scarr Mt (641m), up the NE spur. As we ascended, the clear visibility allowed the magnificent views and colours of the mountains to unfold all around us. They were stunning! (See photo above)

The ground conditions were really dry and excellent to walk on but ominous in that it confirmed the long dry summer we have had and the need for more rain to re-fill our reservoirs!

Everyone made to the summit without too much difficulty but with a bit of puffing and not all in the same time! The important thing is – everyone made it!

The weather conditions allowed us to linger a little at the summit and take in the wonderful views all about us. You could almost hear the endorphins being released!

The long, gradual descent took us SE towards Laragh West and turned NE at the corner of a plantation c. 1 km N of Paddock Hill. The path took us to meet the Wicklow Way in about 600m. This then brought us onto the Laragh – L. Dan road which we walked N on for about 150m and then crossed over a gate to join a most beautiful woodland path which runs along the perimeter of the Glendalough Estate towards L. Dan and the finish at Oldbridge. By this stage, the clouds were gathering ahead of the wet that was forecast for the evening. We timed our outing well!

The route was 11.5 kms which we completed in 4 hrs.

We then adjourned to the Coachman’s Inn in Roundwood where we enjoyed their excellent soup which was a perfect ending to another wonderful day on the mountains!