The Cache
At the starting point, just beside the bridge, you will find a small display containing a series of geological samples. You will need to answer three simple questions to generate the final coordinates.
The final coordinates are N 52° 59.9AB W 006° 20.0CC
A = The number of letters in the third sample
B = The number of letters in the fourth sample, less the number of letters in the first sample
C = The number of letters in the second sample
Happy hunting!
View of the Glendalough Upper Lake from above the trailhead
The Terrain
This cache can only be located by climbing Derrybawn mountain. It involves a steep climb - scrambling at some points - and is accordingly rated at Terrain 4.5; for the most part, however, the ascent is terrain 3.5-4.0. It is not suitable for younger children. The terrain is not to be underestimated and all due preparations should be undertaken and all necessary equipment and clothing worn.
Try to pick a nice sunny day... and don’t forget your camera - the views are stunning !
Parking & Public Transport
There is a free carpark at the Glendalough Visitors' Centre but this requires a beautiful 3km walk along the Lower Lake to the trailhead.
The carpark of preference is at the Upper Lake, but currently has a fixed cost of €4 per day, payable upon admission. Please note the winter closing time is 4pm. Please be aware that cars parked in areas close to walking trails are inherently vulnerable and they can be vandalised or stolen. Be sure to leave valuables at home, leave your glove-box open etc.
A daily bus service from Dublin is also available - a quick search will reveal timetables and costs.
The view from near the summit of Derrybawn
Nearby caches
This multi follows the precise route required to access the
Derrybawn Rocks Earthcache (2/4.5)
GC4TQX1 and may even help you with some of the questions!
The final is placed a short walk from
Merry Christmas, Mr. Jones (4/4)
GCHCQT which has a rare Jasmer date of Dec. 2003.
If you wish to continue walking, rather than descending again, folow the ridge walk towards Cullentragh, turning towards Mullacor (but unfortunately, the starting stages of the AWITG #6 Mullacor multi-stage mystery cache are in Glenmalure) and onwards to
AWITG #43 Lugduff 637 (1.5/3.5)
GC2DMVB. Then you need to decide on either continuing west along the ridge for the long route home (about 19km in total), taking in the remaining 2 Duffs and descending following the Miners' road back around the Upper Lake (four more caches on this long route, including the
Glendalough Earthcache), or taking the shorter, but highly scenic, route of just 13km total, back via
Spink (4/4)
GCGQTV to the trailhead.
The Upper Lake car park also is the starting point for
AWITG #9 - St. Kevin's Bed (3/3)
GC1R2DG and, if there is sufficient light, is a nice way to finish your day.
Leave No Trace
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The cache has been placed in accordance with the "Leave No Trace" principles.
Please respect these principles when searching for the cache. The cache location is in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, near the summit of Derrybawn, but access is gained by walking through woodland trails under management by Coilte.
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