North Wicklow Triple Crown - November Hiking Challenge

Take your hiking up a gear! Conquer three iconic North Wicklow summits in one 18 km challenge, with nearly 1,000 m of climbing. North Wicklow Triple Crown – November Hiking Challenge Three summits. One day. A proper challenge. Think Bray Head, Little Sugar Loaf and Great Sugar Loaf sound straightforward enough? Think again! For our November Hiking Challenge, we're taking things up a gear with the North Wicklow Triple Crown — a fantastic point-to-point hike linking three of North Wicklow's most recognisable summits. Don't let their modest heights fool you. Tackling all three in a single day makes for a surprisingly demanding outing, with plenty of climbing, steep descents, rocky sections and almost 1,000 metres of cumulative ascent. Starting in Bray, we'll make our way over Bray Head, onwards to Little Sugar Loaf and finally tackle the unmistakable Great Sugar Loaf before finishing in Kilmacanogue. Along the way, we'll enjoy sweeping views across the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. There'll be plenty of conversation, encouragement and a few well-earned breaks, but you'll certainly know you've been hiking by the end! Three Peaks, One Ancient Story There's something else that connects these three summits besides the challenge of climbing them — their geology! Bray Head, Little Sugar Loaf and Great Sugar Loaf share a connection through quartzite, an incredibly hard rock formed from ancient sandstone that was transformed by heat and pressure hundreds of millions of years ago. While much of the Wicklow Mountains is dominated by granite, these three quartzite landmarks have resisted erosion, helping them retain their distinctive shapes and stand out so dramatically from the surrounding landscape. As we make our way from one summit to the next, we'll explore a geological story hundreds of millions of years in the making. Who is this hike for? This challenge is aimed at people who have already done some hiking and are ready to take things up a gear. You don't need to be an experienced mountaineer, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness, be comfortable walking for several hours over uneven ground and be prepared for some sustained climbs and steep, rocky descents. It's a step up from a regular weekend walk, but an achievable and rewarding challenge for those looking to develop their hillwalking fitness and confidence. As always with Land & Legend Trails, we'll keep the group small, the atmosphere friendly and the pace steady. We're here to enjoy the journey, not race to the finish! The hike at a glance • Route: Bray → Bray Head → Little Sugar Loaf → Great Sugar Loaf → Kilmacanogue • Distance: Approximately 18 km • Total ascent: Approximately 950 m • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult • Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours • Terrain: Hill paths, uneven ground, steep climbs and rocky sections • Start: Bray, Co. Wicklow • Finish: Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow • When: November 21st 2026 Getting there and back Leave the car at home if you like! This is a public transport-friendly, point-to-point hike. We'll start in Bray, which has excellent DART and bus connections from Dublin and surrounding areas. If you'd prefer to drive, you can park in Bray before the hike and take a bus back from Kilmacanogue at the end of the day. Further information regarding bus and train connections can be provided. What to bring • Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip • Waterproof jacket and trousers • Warm layers, hat and gloves • Packed lunch and plenty of water • Snacks to keep your energy levels up • Small daypack • Headtorch A few things to know This is a guided group hike, not a race. We'll take breaks along the way and enjoy the scenery, but we'll need to maintain a reasonable pace to complete the route safely within the available daylight. The route includes exposed sections and rocky ground, and conditions in November can be wet, windy and slippery. Ready for the Triple Crown? Three iconic North Wicklow summits, approximately 18 km of walking and nearly 1,000 metres of climbing. A great opportunity to challenge yourself, build confidence on the hills and enjoy a full day outdoors with a friendly group of like-minded walkers. Three summits. One day. One great sense of achievement. Walk the land. Discover the legend. Land & Legend Trails