Wicklow Hiking for Beginners: The Kit List That Won't Break the Bank
You don't need expensive gear to walk the Wicklow Mountains. You just need the right gear. Here's what actually matters — and what you can skip.
You don't need to spend a fortune to walk in Wicklow. But you do need to get a few things right — and getting them wrong makes the difference between a great day out and a miserable slog home in wet socks.
This is the kit list for someone doing their first proper Wicklow walks. Not the gear obsessive's wishlist — just what actually matters, at prices that make sense.
What you genuinely need
Waterproof jacket — this is non-negotiable
Everything else on this list has workarounds. This doesn't. A proper waterproof jacket is the single item that determines whether a day in the Wicklow Mountains is enjoyable or miserable. Irish mountain weather changes fast and it changes hard. The forecast means almost nothing above 500m.
You don't need the most expensive one. You need one that's actually waterproof — taped seams, at least 5,000mm hydrostatic head rating, a proper hood that adjusts around your face. A lot of "outdoor" jackets sold in high street shops are weather-resistant at best. Read the spec before you buy.
Waterproof hiking jacket on Amazon — there are decent options well under €80 if you know what to look for.
Waterproof walking boots
Trainers are fine for the Blessington Greenway. They are not fine for the Spinc at Glendalough after rain, and they are genuinely dangerous on anything above that. Wicklow bog is deceptively soft and your ankle will find the angle you didn't expect.
For beginners, mid-cut boots with ankle support and a GORE-TEX or similar waterproof membrane are the target. You don't need mountaineering boots — just something with grip, support, and a waterproof lining.
Waterproof hiking boots on Amazon
Hiking socks — not cotton
Cotton socks in wet boots cause blisters. Merino wool or synthetic hiking socks stay warm when wet, wick moisture away from your skin, and reduce friction. This is a £10–15 upgrade that makes a bigger difference than most things costing ten times as much.
Merino wool hiking socks on Amazon
What makes a good day significantly better
A lightweight day pack (20–25 litres)
For water, a layer, food, and a first aid kit. Doesn't need to be technical — just comfortable on your back, with a hip belt to take weight off your shoulders on longer walks, and ideally a rain cover or waterproof lining.
Lightweight hiking day pack on Amazon
Trekking poles — especially for descents
Beginner hikers often skip these. Experienced hikers rarely do. On steep descents — and there are some good ones in Wicklow — poles take a significant load off your knees and give you stability on loose or wet ground. Collapsible ones pack down to nothing and weigh very little.
Collapsible trekking poles on Amazon
A head torch
Even if you don't plan to be out after dark. Plans change, walks take longer than expected, and being caught on a mountain track in October after sunset without a light is genuinely not fun. Small, light, cheap. No reason not to have one.
An insulated water bottle
Keeps cold water cold all day on a summer hike, or hot tea hot on a winter one. The Wicklow water from a tap is excellent. Fill up before you go.
Insulated water bottle on Amazon
What you can skip for now
GPS devices — AllTrails downloaded offline on your phone is perfectly good for Wicklow's marked trails. Technical base layers — any moisture-wicking sports layer will do to start. Gaiters — useful on very boggy ground but not necessary for the main Wicklow routes.
The best beginner walks in Wicklow
- Blessington Greenway — flat, lakeside, no special gear needed beyond comfortable shoes. Start here.
- Spinc at Glendalough — a boardwalk ridge walk above the upper lake. Moderate. Brilliant views. About 9km.
- Turlough Hill — short, unusual, reservoir on a mountain. Great views. 30 minutes from Blessington.
- Camaderry — a step up from Spinc, proper mountain walking, still manageable for a fit beginner with the right gear.
Start with the Greenway. Do the Spinc next time. Build up from there. Wicklow rewards the people who come back to it.
