From the Scullogue Gap up Blackstairs Mountain: route map, distance and time
732 m · Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow · OS grid S810447
Blackstairs Mountain is the 732 m high point of the southern Blackstairs range, on the border of County Carlow and County Wexford.
Follow the ridge south over heather and rock outcrops to the summit.
From the Scullogue Gap at a glance
| Distance | 3.9 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 556 m |
| Time up | 1h 40m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Scullogue Gap road |
| Summit grid reference | S810447 |
From the Scullogue Gap map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long From the Scullogue Gap takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 25m | 2h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 40m | 2h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 5m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:26. Start by 14:56 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:00, sunset 18:24. Start by 14:54 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Blackstairs Mountain summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 15 mph gusting 19 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:58, sunset 18:26.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Slight rain, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 0°C, summit wind 32 mph gusting 40 mph, 90% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:00, sunset 18:24.
Best day of the next seven for From the Scullogue Gap: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 19 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Blackstairs Mountain forecast
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Blackstairs Mountain
Blackstairs Mountain is the 732 m high point of the southern Blackstairs range, on the border of County Carlow and County Wexford. More about Blackstairs Mountain, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam.
Challenges that include Blackstairs Mountain
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location, what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
From the Scullogue Gap: questions and answers
How far is From the Scullogue Gap?
From the Scullogue Gap is 3.9 km one way to the summit of Blackstairs Mountain, with 556 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 7.8 km.
How long does From the Scullogue Gap take?
About 1h 40m to the summit of Blackstairs Mountain and 2h 30m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for From the Scullogue Gap?
From the Scullogue Gap starts from Scullogue Gap road.
Is From the Scullogue Gap suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start From the Scullogue Gap today?
By 14:56 at the latest. Sunset on Blackstairs Mountain today is 18:26, From the Scullogue Gap takes about 2h 30m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for From the Scullogue Gap?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).