Wicklow Way: Iron Bridge to Tinahely

What a change from the conifer forests of the third stage! The sections of the Wicklow Way south of Glenmalure are often ignored but this is a mistake. Even though there is a higher proportion of road walking the route is on very quiet minor roads. Much of the route follows old green roads and boreens with excellent views back across at the higher mountains of north Wicklow and the lower rolling hills of south Wicklow with the Blackstairs Mountains rising in the far distance. This section starts at Iron Bridge and follows a forest road through a gap between Ballygobban and Shielstown Hills. Although it initially feels like another day of conifer forests, this quickly lifts when the trail emerges from the trees to a wide vista of most of south Wicklow. Descending past the tiny hamlet of Moyne, the Way then follows quiet roads and old boreens around Ballycumber Hill before descending to the Derry River. The village of Tinahely is a short walk along the busy main road.