Ballydonnell Brook

Ireland I Wicklow Mountains

This is an easy, non-technical climb on what is to the most part a relatively smooth fireroad. The average gradient and elevation gain is nothing to shout about, but make no mistake: the profile looks easier than it is. Mainly due to a flattish start and slight dip in the middle section.

There are a couple 10%+ sections that can slow momentum, while the climb can feel a bit like a drag toward the end as it goes up the sheer never ending fire road with conifers flanking it to both sides.

You want to run the climb fast in order to truly enjoy and appreciate it. It lends itself to be the perfect trail for a high intensity/all-out/tempo/threshold workout that could be extended going up multiple times.

The start is flat from the barrier and carries the runner into the first steep ramp with full momentum. The road kicks up suddenly – totally runnable but the quads will have to work.

Halfway up the climb, to the left side of the main trail, you’ll find a little ramp of about 500m lengths that I find ideal for shorter hill reps – for example on the way down I may stop here to get in 200-400m reps.

Also: this hill is a wonderful downhill experience. Once on top simply turn around and let fly: perfect gradient, smooth, non-technical downhill to work on leg turnover – this is fast and furious!

There a second arm that diverts from the main trail to the right hand about 600 meters from the start on the barrier. This one leads to a newer climb – one that is shorter with a sweet final third.

With that in mind, I love this area for its variety of options to structure a workout. A rapid fire blast to the top? Shorter reps? Multiple longer ones? A combination of those? Everything is possible. And the best: there’s rarely any other soul and certainly no parking issues. Here’s only peace and quiet, most beautiful surroundings, with Sorrel Hill looming large on one side, Seefin on the other.