Overview
Little Sugar Loaf (Irish: Giolspar, “gilt spur”) is a 342.4 m Marilyn perched in the far‑northeastern Wicklow Mountains. Its twin‑summit profile, cut from Cambrian quartzite, dominates the landscape north of the N11 and is visible from Bray, Greystones and the Dublin commuter belt. Though it does not rank on the classic Irish mountain lists, its prominence and proximity to the capital give it a disproportionate visual impact.
History & Background
The hill’s Irish name translates the old English descriptor “gilt spur”, a term recorded in a 12th‑century land transaction involving Diarmait Mac Murchada. Historically the surrounding slopes were used for grazing and low‑level farming, while Kindlestown Wood at its foot bears the legacy of Albert de Kenley, sheriff of Kildare in 1301. Nearby ruins of Kindlestown Castle hint at the area’s feudal past. Folklore collected in the 1930s mentions an old coach road that ran through Kilmacanogue to Wexford, a now‑lost church and holy well on Red Lane, and a burial ground at Kilmurry Green. These stories give the landscape a layered sense of history beyond the visible stone walls.
What to See & Do
Main loop (≈9 km, 2½–3 h)
The most popular ascent starts at Bohilla Lane, a lane off the N11 in Kilmacanogue. The trail is sign‑posted by Wicklow Countryside Access and begins with a gentle woodland walk before becoming stonier near the summit. A short scramble over the final rock outcrop leads to the twin peaks, each offering a slightly different perspective.
- Views: Kilruddery Estate to the east, Bray Head and the Irish Sea below, the iconic Great Sugarloaf to the west, and panoramic sweeps of Dublin Bay, the River Liffey and the Wicklow range.
- Extensions: From the summit the route can continue into Kindlestown Wood, where a side trail leads to sea‑views over Greystones and the ruins of Kindlestown Castle. The walk can be finished in the coastal village of Greystones, perfect for a café break and a DART or bus ride back to Dublin.
Short loop (≈1.8 km, 1 h)
A 1.1‑mile loop begins at the small lay‑by at the hill’s base near Kilmacanogue. This well‑marked path weaves through mixed woodland and open heath, offering several viewpoint stops before the final 50 m scramble to the summit. From here photographers can capture sunrise or sunset against the limestone cliffs of the Great Sugarloaf, while birdwatchers may spot peregrine falcons and kestrels.
Extensions & Nearby Walks
For walkers who want to stretch the day, the trail can be linked to the Bray‑to‑Greystones coastal walk (bray-to-greystones-walk). After descending the Little Sugar Loaf, follow the coastal path eastwards to Bray Head, then continue along the cliff‑top promenade to Greystones. The combined route adds roughly 5 km and offers dramatic sea‑cliff scenery, the historic Brandy Hole smuggler’s cove, and several cafés along the promenade.
Practical Information
- Access & Parking: A very small lay‑by sits beside Bohilla Lane; it accommodates only 3‑4 cars. Arriving early (especially at weekends) is essential. An alternative is to park in the larger Kilmacanogue car park and walk the short approach to the trailhead.
- Duration & Distance: The short loop is about 2.5 km and takes 40 minutes‑1 hour for most walkers; the full loop is roughly 9 km and 2½‑3 hours.
- Notice Board: A small information board at the start marks the route and provides a brief safety reminder.
- Public Transport: The 145 bus links Dublin and Bray DART stations to Kilmacanogue. Routes 84 and 184 also serve the area, running daily throughout the year.
- Navigation: Grid reference O26071 14480 (AWW/EW‑WE, 56). GPX files and detailed route notes are available on MountainViews.ie and AllTrails.
- Facilities: The hill is free to access year‑round with no permanent visitor facilities. A mobile snack‑van occasionally appears near the trailhead during summer weekends, but this is not guaranteed.
- Family Friendly: The short loop is suitable for children aged five and up, provided they are comfortable with a brief rocky scramble. Parents should bring sturdy shoes with ankle support.
- Safety & Weather: The final scramble can be slippery when wet; wear appropriate footwear and check the weather forecast. Strong coastal winds are common, especially in winter.
- Wildlife: In addition to peregrine falcons and kestrels, walkers may spot meadow brown butterflies and occasional red‑winged blackbirds among the heath.
Historical Notes & Folklore
Local folklore collected in the 1930s records a now‑lost coach road that once ran from Dublin through Kilmacanogue to Wexford, passing close to the hill. The area once featured a small church and holy well on Red Lane, and a burial ground at Kilmurry Green. Though the physical traces have faded, the stories add a sense of mystery to the landscape and are worth recalling while walking the slopes.
Famous Visitors
The hill holds a special place in the memory of Sir Chris Bonington, the renowned British mountaineer. In his autobiography he recounts that, as a 15‑year‑old visiting his grandfather in Dublin, he took a bus to Bray and made his first Irish summit on Little Sugar Loaf. The experience sparked a lifelong passion for climbing.
Safety & Seasonal Notes
In April 2013 a large grass fire broke out on the summit area, requiring the attendance of seven fire appliances. While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of checking for fire‑risk warnings in dry summer months. During periods of high fire‑danger the County Council may restrict access to the upper sections of the hill.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, historic ambience and sweeping coastal vistas that make Little Sugar Loaf a standout day‑trip from Dublin.