The Sugar Loaf Way starts at Kilmacanogue at the 1916 Commemorative Garden close to Kilmacanogue village. Crossing the R755 this trail winds its way through charming little country roads and greenways along the foothills of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. In times past this was the original coach road from Kilmacanogue to Roundwood.

Known locally as the “Car Road” the trail follows a route roughly parallel to the R755 but as it climbs, wonderful views over the Little Sugar Loaf, Bray and Carrigoona open up. Travelling through little narrow lanes bordered with old stone walls, the trail turns south and begins to climb upwards through open-mountain grazing where views over Djouce, Powerscourt, Deerpark and Maulin can be enjoyed. The trail eventually joins the well-used path from the Sugar Loaf car park – a trail head either for starting or completing the Sugar Loaf way.

The Sugar Loaf Way is very well marked with familiar yellow walking man and arrows on a black background. There is a large car park at the start/end of the trail at Red Lane and facilities at Kilmacanogue including public transport links.

The trail is 4.3km in total. It can be completed in either direction but the easier option is to begin at the Red Lane car park as, after a short ascend, it is downhill for the remainder of the route. The climb in the opposite direction can be challenging.

Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 4.3km
Estimated time: 1 – 1.5hrs
Total height climbed: 206m
Highest point: 370m
Terrain underfoot: A short section of minor roadway, laneway and mountain track
Suitable for: anyone of reasonable fitness. (Beginning at the Sugar Loaf car park is the easier option if a pickup is arranged in Kilmacanogue).