Drumgoff Forest Walk – Carrawaystick Mountain Access Route

From the forest car park the track gains height steadily through conifer woodland on forest roads, then changes character as trees give way to boardwalk laid over heather ground. The reward is the transition itself: a quiet, enclosed climb that opens out to upland air and the edge of remote ground toward Carrawaystick and Kelly's Lough. Treat it as a graded approach rather than a set-piece viewpoint.

The grade is moderate but persistent, suited to fit walkers who are comfortable with a continuous climb. Underfoot you get forest track and firm ground, then timber boardwalk with a few short steps. Wet weather makes both wood and bare ground slick, so allow extra time and use footwear with grip.

Wayfinding is the main ongoing challenge. The network of forest roads produces junctions that look alike, and it is easy to drift onto a spur. Keep the white markers in sight and confirm each junction before committing. Carry a map and know how to use it, since signage alone is not always enough in poor visibility.

Start at Drumgoff Recreation Area Forest Car Park. From Laragh or Glendalough, follow the Military Road south to Drumgoff Cross Roads, continue about 3 km, and the forest car park sits on the right above the road. Because the walk is linear, plan to return the same way unless you have arranged onward transport.

The marked access route stops below Carrawaystick Mountain. Continuing into the open hills toward Carrawaystick, Cloghernagh or Lugnaquilla is a significantly harder undertaking on unmarked, remote ground, and anyone going on should be properly equipped and able to navigate in difficult conditions. The Wicklow Way also passes through Drumgoff Wood as a much longer through-route, which is a separate journey from this short climb.