Go Walk: Blackstairs Mountains, Co Wexford/Co Carlow

Starting at Ballybaun, near Rathnure and finishing at Coonogue Lane, close to Scullogue Gap, the first part of the hike is a gradual ascent through forestry followed by a fine ridge walk to Carrigalachan Gap. The sting in the tail is the climb up Blackstairs Mountain in the latter half of the walk followed by the descent to Scullogue Gap.

The Blackstairs Mountains on the Carlow/Wexford border offer a real alternative for Wicklow walkers or for those heading to north Munster ranges like the Galtees, Comeraghs or Knockmealdowns. The range consists of a 25km ridge running north-south along the Wexford/Carlow border bisected by Scullogue Gap. The northern section, dominated by Mount Leinster (795m), is more popular though this article, which covers the southern section with its high point at Blackstairs Mountain (735m), offers a wonderful day’s walking.

As this is a ridge walk, two cars will be required or you may persuade a kind soul to drop you off and collect you at the finish. The starting point is at a bridge before the entrance to a forest. From the starting point to the ridge should take an hour-and-a-quarter. The tricky bit is the first section, which involves a number of left and right turns through forestry before bringing you out on the ridge.

Fifteen minutes or 1km from the bridge, take a left into thicker forest, follow this for 15 minutes and take a right turn. Continue on and take a right turn upwards again (before a gravel path), followed by a left and right turn in quick succession. Continue along this path for 500m until you come to an area where tree clearing is taking place. Leave the path at this stage and head upwards at the edge of the forest over rough ground. After about 10 minutes you will arrive at the ridge.

Now for the enjoyable bit! Head north along a 3km well-defined ridge that divides Carlow and Wexford; this is a stunning walk. Falling off to your left are the Barrow-side villages of Saint Mullins, Graiguenamanagh and Borris with Brandon Hill thrusting up behind the river. In the distance Slievenamon shows off her beauty. On your right are the rich farmlands of Wexford and the Slaney. On the journey you will climb two small peaks, Carrigroe, (495m) and Carrigalachan (463m) before dropping down to the saddle at Carrigalachan Gap. This spot is known locally as The Meeting where, in times past, a pattern or pilgrimage was held every summer to facilitate matchmaking between the two counties.

At about two-and-a-half hours into the walk, it might be timely to break for lunch. Ahead lies the boulder-strewn ascent to the huge granite tors of Caher Roe’s Den and beyond Blackstairs Mountain.

Duly refreshed, turn northeast onto the main ridge to climb the rock-strewn shoulder of Caher Roe’s Den. Caher Roe was Cathaoir na gCapall of the O’Dempsey family in Laois. After the family lands had been forfeited to the Crown in the 18th century, he turned highwayman and ran a horse rustling operation from an underground den in the largest of the tors, which are spectacular and oddly shaped rocks nearby. He was caught and hanged at Portlaoise in 1735. Legend has it that when the winds are blowing hard they echo like the sound of neighing from his stolen horses.

Onwards and upwards from the Den before making a small drop and then the steep climb to Blackstairs Mountain, which is marked by a small cairn hidden among peat hags. Blackstairs provides a great view of the area and earlier part of the walk.

Continue north along a ridge from which a narrow path quickly emerges. Make the descent to Coonogue Lane with a few small peaks on the way until the road from Scullogue Gap to Ballymurphy comes into sight. Aim 200 to 300 metres to the left of the woods and you will come to a stone wall; cross over and take the track downhill and turn right before passing through a “Kissing Gate” to Coonogue Lane. A sign marked Blackstairs Mountain marks the exit to the road.