Great Sugar Loaf 501m, Wicklow, Eire (Marilyn).

D24. Northern Wicklow & Dublin Marilyns, Eire. Ben of Howth 171m (Dublin), Saggart Hill 395m (Dublin), Two Rock Mountain 536m (Dublin), Little Sugar Loaf 342m (Wicklow), Great Sugar Loaf 501m (Wicklow).

On many of the peak bagging/outdoor websites I perused for this trip I noted there were very few route descriptions regarding ascents of the lesser known Irish Marilyns. This also applied to the availability of gpx files. I will therefore add relevant information and files that hopefully will provide assistance to future hikers/peakbaggers.

A long day with a lot of driving hiking five Marilyns around the periphery of Dublin and Bray.

Great Sugar Loaf 501m, Wicklow, Eire (Marilyn).
The big sister to Little Sugar Loaf and I did this one shortly after its baby sibling. It was the last of my five Marilyns for the day and the best was certainly kept until last.
Parking was at the copious car park on the L1031 South of the hill. It has a big concrete archway entrance to restrict access to anything other than a standard van. Max size is a VW van.
The mountain looks sharp, prominent and great from this angle and the route is super simple. Just go through the obvious gate at the car park and follow the trail that heads directly towards the mountain. The trail then starts to get rocky and veers to the left before you start ascending its craggy Western flank. Nothing at all serious just you have to use three points of contact. It is a great little rocky climb and you soon arrive at the unmarked summit. The views are stunning and life is good. Then you can go back down the same way or explore a little, either way enjoy!

Parking: Restricted archway entrance to a copious car park.
Route: Well trodden trail that gets rocky and a bouldery ascent where you will have to use your hands. Great views from the top.
Statistics: 2.7km with 208m of height gain done in 50 minutes.
Maps: Outdoor Active Irish Topo Maps.