[RWD version 1 ] Excellent circular route ... on a fine sunny day. As we headed for Crone Wood at 9.15am, there was drizzle and low cloud. Head up from car-park (NOTE – barrier closes 4pm) and break from the Wicklow Way early on to head west south west following the White Route circular markers on the pine trees up along the forest track. You will eventually arrive at a stile leading on to the north face of Maulin. The drizzle had stopped, the clouds dispersed and we were blessed with sunshine.

Turn left straight after the stile and you will see a well defined track to your right leading straight up to the cairn on the summit. This track is slightly worn and can be slippery. If you are blessed with good weather, like yesterday, the 360 degree views from the summit of Maulin are spectacular.

Head west along the well defined track to Tonduff. It is quite wet and slushy along the lower reaches and on the way up to Tonduff, with a few small peat hags to keep you working. The view back to Maulin is excellent, with lovely perspective. Tonduff summit can be deceptive as it is located atop a peat stack! Unless protected then eventually the summit will need to be moved and re-calibrated.

Head south and then south east to clear the head of the Dargle River. Again soggy along the lower reaches. Continue south east and follow a well defined track straight up on to War Hill. From there continue south east and head for the rocks at the western end of Djouce, the largest – Coffin Stone – can be seen from a distance. From these rocks there is a well defined track east to the summit of Djouce. Weather permitting, the view from here is superb. Continue east and down the well worn track until you meet the Wicklow Way. Swing left and follow the Wicklow Way back to the car-park.

Question – It constantly intrigues me, if it is possible to carry full water bottles, crisp bags and wrapped muesli bars up on to a mountain, why is it not possible to carry the ruddy empty items back down! It spoils a walk having to detour and retrieve detritus belonging to perfectly able-bodied individuals.