Oldbridge: Trails by the River and in the Mountains

Oldbridge connects the Avonmore River with hiking trails on the Wicklow Way and in open mountain country. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing between the different routes and their demands: hikes range from a circular walk lasting several hours to challenging full-day stages.

By the Avonmore River

The bridge at Oldbridge spans the Avonmore River, which flows out of Lough Dan. The Wicklow Way also crosses the river at Oldbridge. This makes the village a notable point in the landscape and on the route. There is also access to the river at Old Bridge. Groups can kayak on the Avonmore River if they have suitable equipment and the necessary qualifications. However, the Lough Dan Scout Centre does not itself offer whitewater canoeing as an activity.

Hikes with Different Duration Estimates

The “Lap of the Lakes” circular route is a long hike over roads and forest tracks that leads to Old Bridge. It is estimated to take four to five hours; the actual duration may vary depending on the group’s ability and water levels. The section of the Wicklow Way from Knockree to Oldbridge is a different proposition: it is 20.4 kilometres long, rated challenging, and estimated to take about eight hours to walk. The two time estimates therefore refer to different routes and help you gauge how long a hike will take.

The Scarr-and-Kanturk loop is an approximately 14-kilometre hike through open mountain country starting from Oldbridge. It reaches the distinctive summit ridge of Scarr at 641 metres. After descending, a flat, unpaved path along the shore of Lough Dan leads back to Oldbridge. The expansive views along the loop include Lough Dan, the Luggala Estate, Knocknacloghoge and Tonelagee. This single route combines open mountain country, a summit ridge and a return along the lakeshore.

Navigation and Route

The Scarr Mountain Loop starts about 200 metres above the village of Oldbridge, at the southern end of Lough Dan. A wooden sign opposite the Lough Dan Scout Centre points out the turn-off. The route crosses open mountain country without trail markers. If there is low cloud, take it only if you are confident navigating.

The sections of the Wicklow Way also differ in their routes. From Oldbridge towards Glendalough, the trail follows a short, steep climb on the road, then a farm track to Paddock Hill. The section crosses the Glenmacnass River and continues to the Glendalough Visitor Centre. Those heading towards Roundwood will encounter a different kind of route: on the return, Cycling Loop 21 follows a scenic, partly hilly route through Oldbridge. When choosing, it is therefore helpful to consider not only distance and walking time, but also the type of route.

County Wicklow in a Broader Context

Oldbridge is in County Wicklow. The wider county offers a distinct cultural connection through the history of Glendalough: St Kevin founded a monastery there in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. These sights are part of County Wicklow and should be distinguished from the trails in the immediate vicinity of Oldbridge.

Wicklow Mountains National Park is also part of this broader regional setting. It covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreational area for locals and tourists. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. Its crossing of the Avonmore River at Oldbridge brings the connection between the specific route and the history of the long-distance trail to life, without conflating regional attractions with the village itself.

Accommodation in Oldbridge

Wicklow Way Lodge is listed in Oldbridge, County Wicklow, at Wicklow Way, A98 K702, Ireland. To continue your search, compare hotels in Oldbridge and consider your planned hikes as part of your travel decision.

Discover more destinations: Blessington, Wicklow, Greystones, Baltinglass, Kilcoole, Enniskerry, Rathnew, Shillelagh.

For the broader travel overview: County Wicklow.