The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill up Knockmealdown: route map, distance and time
792 m · Knockmealdown, Comeragh and Monavullagh Mountains · OS grid S057084
Knockmealdown is the highest peak of the Knockmealdown Mountains on the Waterford and Tipperary border, a long ridge walk from the Vee.
A path climbs from the pass to Sugarloaf Hill, then follows the ridge east to the summit.
The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill at a glance
| Distance | 4.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 564 m |
| Time up | 1h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 30m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | The Vee car park |
| Summit grid reference | S057084 |
The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill 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 The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 25m | 2h 5m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 30m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 10m |
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 08:02, sunset 18:31. Start by 15:01 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:03, sunset 18:29. Start by 14:59 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 30m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Knockmealdown summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Partly cloudy, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 14 mph gusting 18 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 08:02, sunset 18:31.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Slight rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 36 mph gusting 44 mph, 38% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 08:03, sunset 18:29.
Best day of the next seven for The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 18 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Knockmealdown 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 Knockmealdown
Knockmealdown is the highest peak of the Knockmealdown Mountains on the Waterford and Tipperary border, a long ridge walk from the Vee. More about Knockmealdown, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Knockmoylan (767 m), 0.9 km north
- Knocknagnauv (655 m), 2.3 km east
Challenges that include Knockmealdown
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.
The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill: questions and answers
How far is The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill?
The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill is 4.0 km one way to the summit of Knockmealdown, with 564 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.0 km.
How long does The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill take?
About 1h 45m to the summit of Knockmealdown 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 10m for the round trip.
Where do you park for The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill?
The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill starts from The Vee car park.
Is The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill 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 The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill today?
By 15:01 at the latest. Sunset on Knockmealdown today is 18:31, The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill 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 The Vee via Sugarloaf Hill?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).