Glendalough Valley 360 Rock Climbing Guide
A 360 Guide for the First Time Visitor
Welcome to a free interactive 360 degree visitors guide to rock climbing in the Glendalough Valley.
The guide is free and can be used across all the latest mobile, tablet and laptop devices. Instructions for use and for best practice guidelines are contained within the guide. There are no topos contained within the guide therefore it is best used with the current Wicklow Rock Climbing Guidebook.
When using the guide it is recommended to expand the guide frame to full page as this will assist in having an immersive experience and it will block out the website header and content. If you click on the tab on the top right hand side the expand icon will appear. This ability to expand the guide has been purposefully included to enable individuals and clubs to use the guide as a potential learning resource, developing route reading skills and virtual anchor building.
The guide is best experienced using headphones, a big cup of tea and a healthy dose of curiosity.
Glendalough Valley 360 Guide and User Information
The kernel of the 360 guide was born from having a personal connection with the venue, receiving requests for information about the rock climbing and a desire to promote awareness regarding access. Access to the beautiful places we climb in is never set in stone therefore at the heart of this guide is the idea of promoting understanding regarding best practice principals and continuing to build upon the good relationship with those working to maintain and protect the Glendalough Valley environment.
Glendalough Valley contains some of the most beautiful and impressive rock climbing in Ireland. The routes are generally linear following crack systems on slabs, through overhangs, roofs and on aretes. The rock is pristine weathered granite enveloped within the magnificence of the Glendalough Valley. Simply put, Glendalough Valley is a must visit for all Irish and International traditional climbers.
The rock climbing in the Glendalough Valley is exclusively traditional therefore there are no bolts or artificial structures.
The Valley also contains some of the best bouldering in Ireland. Users of this guide are encouraged to use the excellent Bouldering in Ireland guidebook as there are no topos or problem info contained within the 360 guide.
The Glendalough Valley is also home to many flora and fauna exiting in a diverse and unique habitat. The Valley contains beautiful woodlands, uplands heath & grasslands, sika deer, feral goats, peregrine falcons to name but a few of the inhabitants. The 360 guide is peppered with information about the environment and its inhabitants.
The Glendalough Valley, Glendasan Valley and the Glenmalure Valley also contain a rich mining history dating back to the early 1800’s.
I encourage all users of the 360 guide to put on your headphones, enjoy the sounds of nature and go explore.
A big thank you to the Wicklow Mountain National Park and Ann Fitzpatrick. The input from those that are passionate about conserving and protecting the Glendalough Valley was integral to the core principals of the 360 guide.
Those core principals are:
- Respect for the Environment
- Respect for all the flora and fauna within the Glendalough Valley
- Respect for other visitors to the Valley
- Understanding that Leave No Trace mean anything you bring in you take back out with you (including biodegradable material)
- Parking considerately
- Awareness of the Nesting Season of Bird of Prey on the Upper Cliffs
- Understanding and awareness regarding access to venues we climb in and helping to build good relationships with landowners and land-managers.
Rock Climbing can be a dangerous activity resulting in personal injury or death. Anyone using the 360 guide should be aware of this and are responsible for their own actions and involvement. This guide is not a replacement for personal decision making. The rock climbing in the Glendalough Valley is not suitable for beginners as a broad skill-set is required.
Happy Climbing