If you've a couple of hours to fill on a summer day, Bray Head is an easy walk for all the family, with great views over Co Wicklow, writes Francis Bradley
BRAY HEAD OFFERS most of what any walker might want from a half-day's outing: a short ascent, a gentle, rolling ridge and a long, gradual descent, with the sea on one side and Killruddery Estate and Little Sugar Loaf on the other. It finishes in a town with its share of cafes, restaurants and hostelries, as well as bus and rail connections back to the start and beyond.
Popularly, people make their way up Bray Head from the promenade on the north side. This gives them the choice of tackling either the cliff walk - a very pleasant stroll - or the steep path that leads up to the prominent cross that dominates Bray Head. Our walk, however, begins from another location, to the west.
The start is near the roundabout that forms the junction for Bray Southern Cross and the Bray-Greystones road, where a fenced path follows the northern perimeter of Bray Golf Club.
A magnificent western panorama opens up as we gain height on this gentle gradient, and with a final sharp incline we gain the top at the cross.
From here the views are superb. Below us are the manicured greens and fairways of the golf club, beyond which lie Killruddery Estate and Little Sugar Loaf, with Great Sugar Loaf a little farther afield.
Further west and northwest are Djouce, Maulin, Kippure, the Scalp and, of course, the northern coastal sweep to Dalkey Island, with Howth in the distance and Lambay Island beyond that.
The track now turns south towards the true summit of Bray Head. There are several tracks to choose from, but just stick to the highest one on this broad ridge and you can't go wrong.
As you approach the south summit, which is out of bounds, follow the track on the western side and down to a by-passed stretch of road (the old Bray to Greystones road).
Turn left at the main road and continue to just beyond the crest of the road at Windgates and take the next left. Follow this road for about a kilometre, taking in the sweeping views on your right, south towards Greystones and Wicklow town.
Pass a small apartment development on your left and cross a stile at the end of the track, which brings you on to the cliff walk. Turn right here and follow this track all the way into Greystones.
As you distance yourself from Bray Head, erosion of the cliff path becomes evident with the many diversions that have been put in place. Also, as you approach Greystones, there are diversions in place to facilitate the development of the town's harbour.
Continue, however, to the centre of the town, where refreshments await you.
Bray Head, Co Wicklow
StartSouthern Cross roundabout on the Bray- Greystones road (R761).
How to get thereParking is very limited. The 84 or 184 bus from Bray Dart station will leave you very close.
FinishGreystones, Co Wicklow.
Distance:About nine kilometres.
TimeBetween two and a half and three hours - or as long as you care to take.
MapsOrdnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series sheet 56.
SuitabilityAn easy walk suitable for all ages. Know how to read a map and use a compass (a prerequisite for all walkers on all standards of walks). Dress appropriately and bring along drinks and snacks - and don't litter.
RefreshmentsAlong the promenade in Bray and spoiled for choice in Greystones.