Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen up Lugnaquilla: route map, distance and time
925 m · Wicklow Hills S · OS grid T032917
Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Wicklow and in Leinster, a broad, flat-topped Furth climbed from Glenmalure or the Glen of Imaal.
A path climbs from the head of Glenmalure into Fraughan Rock Glen and up steep slopes to the summit plateau.
Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen at a glance
| Distance | 5.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 627 m |
| Time up | 2h 10m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 20m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Baravore car park, Glenmalure |
| Summit grid reference | T032917 |
Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen 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 Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 50m | 2h 45m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 20m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 4h 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 07:57, sunset 18:24. Start by 14:04 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:59, sunset 18:22. Start by 14:02 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 20m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Lugnaquilla summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 21 mph gusting 26 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:57, sunset 18:24.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 34 mph gusting 42 mph, 98% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:59, sunset 18:22.
Best day of the next seven for Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 26 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Lugnaquilla forecast
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°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 Lugnaquilla
Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Wicklow and in Leinster, a broad, flat-topped Furth climbed from Glenmalure or the Glen of Imaal. More about Lugnaquilla, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Furth, Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Corrigasleggaun (795 m), 1.7 km south-east
- Slievemaan (760 m), 1.7 km south-west
- Benleagh (691 m), 2.4 km north
- Cloghernagh (800 m), 2.5 km east
Challenges that include Lugnaquilla
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.
Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen: questions and answers
How far is Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen?
Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen is 5.8 km one way to the summit of Lugnaquilla, with 627 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 11.6 km.
How long does Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen take?
About 2h 10m to the summit of Lugnaquilla and 3h 20m 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 4h 10m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen?
Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen starts from Baravore car park, Glenmalure.
Is Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen today?
By 14:04 at the latest. Sunset on Lugnaquilla today is 18:24, Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen takes about 3h 20m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Glenmalure via Fraughan Rock Glen?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).