Bray Head Hill

Bray Head Hill

Overview

Bray Head Hill is a 238.9 m coastal hill in County Wicklow, south of Bray. Its true summit is a trig point on a rocky rise farther south along the headland than the familiar Bray Head Cross. A northern approach visits the cross before continuing to the trig and returning the same way. The waymarked Bray Head Loop passes below the true summit. The lower Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk is closed because of landslides; use the upper routes and obey closure barriers.

Summit and views

The true high point is the trig point at O282158, on a rocky rise in the southern part of the headland. The familiar Bray Head Cross stands on a lower northern viewpoint. Continuing beyond the cross is necessary to reach the trig summit.

In clear weather the upper headland gives wide views along the east coast and across Dublin Bay, with the Irish Sea to the east and Wicklow hills inland. The lower cross viewpoint overlooks Bray and its seafront.

Walking routes

Bray Head trig summit from Raheen Park, same-way return

Start and finish at Raheen Park car park at the southern end of Bray seafront. Take the established northern uphill path through the trees towards Bray Head Cross, with care on the steep, eroded and rocky upper section. From the cross, continue south along the upper headland path, beyond the intervening knolls, to the rocky trig summit at O282158. Use existing gates and respect current access signs; turn back if access is closed. Return by the same upper path via the cross, then descend the northern approach to Raheen Park. Do not descend onto the closed Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk or attempt to bypass its barriers.

Waymarked Bray Head Loop, without the trig summit

Start and finish at the steps off the Vevay Road/Southern Cross Road roundabout in Bray (O2709416851). Follow the red arrows through Manweiler’s Wood, climbing close to the cross, then continue south on the upper headland path above the coast. Follow the waymarked route inland towards Lower Windgates and Ballynamuddagh Road, then take the public footpath beside the R761 back to the starting roundabout. Sport Ireland gives 5.9 km, 120 m ascent and about 1.5 hours for this complete loop. Its mapped line passes below the trig summit; a summit detour or a promenade start is a different outing. Stay on the upper loop and roadside return rather than following a downhill path onto the closed Cliff Walk. Keep dogs on leads around grazing cattle.

Terrain and safety

Steep woodland paths on the northern ascent, eroded dirt paths and rocky steps near the cross, rough grass and rock on the upper headland, farm tracks and gates, surfaced roadside footpath on the official loop’s R761 return

• The Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk is closed because of landslides and unstable ground. Wicklow County Council’s 2 September 2026 update confirms the closure; its live notice still said there was no through route when checked on 17 October 2026. Obey barriers and do not use the lower cliff path as a return route.

• The ascent to the cross is steep and heavily eroded in places. Mud, wet rock and uneven steps can be slippery, and some rocky sections require hands for balance. Wear footwear with good grip and allow time for the descent.

• The upper headland is exposed to coastal wind and weather. Keep well back from cliff edges and do not descend into railway cuttings or onto the tracks.

• Upper paths cross grazing farmland. Keep dogs on leads, use existing gates and follow current access signs. If an intended path or gate is closed, turn back rather than crossing fences or making a shortcut.

• The true trig summit lies beyond the cross. Follow the established upper path and identify the summit spur carefully; the intervening knolls are not the high point.

Access and facilities

Raheen Park car park, at the southern end of Bray seafront, serves the northern hill approach. Check current parking signs and keep entrances clear. Bray (Daly) station has a separately managed, charged car park on Florence Road; walking from the station adds an approach through the town and along the seafront.

Bray (Daly) station on Florence Road is served by DART and Dublin commuter trains. Walk through Bray to the seafront and then south to the northern hill approach. Allow for this extra walk when planning the outing and check Irish Rail or Transport for Ireland for current services.

Bray has cafés and other town services. Bray (Daly) station lists toilets, refreshments and a water-refill unit. These are town facilities, so bring food and drinking water for the hill.

Geology and habitat

Bray Head is formed from Cambrian rocks of the Bray Group. Geological Survey Ireland describes greywacke slate and resistant quartzite, with quartzite forming the prominent ridges. The headland is an important locality for Oldhamia trace fossils, evidence of ancient animal activity preserved in the rock.

Bray Head Cross is a separate northern viewpoint. Manweiler’s Wood lies on the western approach to the waymarked loop. The headland includes Bray Head Special Area of Conservation, protected for its vegetated sea cliffs and dry heath. The lower coastal path and railway run beneath the upper walking routes.

Nearby hills

Little Sugar Loaf (342.4 m), Great Sugar Loaf (501.2 m) and Carrickgollogan (275.2 m) are nearby hills. Each requires its own route planning.

History

The cross on the lower northern viewpoint was erected for the Holy Year in 1950. The De Buitléar Way opened in May 2014 in memory of Bray filmmaker and conservationist Éamon de Buitléar.