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I enjoyed the days solo walking and used the time for quiet reflection and marvelling in the wonders of my surroundings. In addition, the various wildlife along the journey had always been a pleasant distraction (deer, red squirrels, heron, hawks, buzzards and gold finches all had made an appearance). My views were often beautiful and in some places simply spectacular (Prince William’s Seat, the Glencree Rover Valley, Powerscourt Waterfall, Djouce, Lough Tay, Glendalough, the Glenmalure Valley to name a few). The scenery, even now on the quiet country roads was scenic. Each sign we met gave us some more encouragement as we neared our final destination.įor me, the quiet road walk finale gave me some time to ponder over the last 6 days. It was all roadway to the village from here. We left the forest and shortly after encountered an official roadway sign. Our guess was that they were hawks but we weren’t 100% sure (need to brush up on our ornithology skills!). We stopped to marvel at some large birds hovering overhead. Soon we were back on our feet again and eager to complete the final leg. There wasn’t any ideal places to eat so instead perched on some rocks on the side of the gravel track.
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We stayed on these for roughly another 4.5km following the well laid out Wicklow Way signposts as we went. We were soon back on to country roads as we hit the 8.5km mark for the day (113.5km mark overall).
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As the ground levelled off a bit, a battered signpost for Egan’s Bar in Parkbridge reminded us of the possibilities for a detour for liquid refreshments had we been in a non Covid world. Soon we were going downhill again, the ground alternating between grassy and mucky pathways underfoot. 7.5km and stopped to get some photos here of the beautiful surroundings. We reached the highest point of the day at c. We got the impression that these little birds were not used to human contact as they held no fear of us entering their little world. The young birds dallied ahead of us for a little way. As we walked along the gravel roads we came across some lovely fledgling goldfinches. The pathway brought us alongside Raheenakit forest. We followed the signpost directing us to a right turn. It was tough uphill climb with nice views of the countryside to our left and forestry to our right. I class anything with grass growing in the middle of the road as a boreen but I’m not sure if there is a more technical definition. After just over 1km further we turned right on to a very steep boreen (from the Irish bóithrín – literally meaning little road). We continued along quiet roadways taking the left turn at the next T-Junction. I always thought they looked pretty when looking at them in the distance and this was the case here too.
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The introduction of wind turbines has been met with some local objections in many parts of Ireland over the last number of years. A feature of the last couple of days on the Wicklow Way has been the wind turbines above us on distant hilltops and this part of the journey is a perfect example. My last day of walking started with the three of us continuing on the country road and crossing the busy R725. Both my wife and my Mam joined me for the Wicklow Way walk from Shillelagh. We had the biggest walking party of the trip for the final day. Then got a lift from Dad back to outside Saint Finian’s Church where we had finished up the day before.
#Definition shillelagh series
This post is part of a wider series of my experience walking the entire Wicklow Way.Īfter a big breakfast in Murphy’s Hotel we strolled up to the local Centra to pick up some bits for lunch. Details of the sixth and final day of my Wicklow Way walk from Shillelagh to Clonegal.
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