Knocknabro West Top

Knocknabro West Top

Knocknabro West Top Group Walks | Join a Walk

592m Elevation
145m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

Hump Dodd Arderin Sub-Marilyn

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Knocknabro West Top together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

592m

1,942 ft

Prominence

145m

Coordinates

52.0146, -9.2333

W153853

OS Map

79

At the Summit

A small stone cairn rests atop the summit, a humble testament to the many feet that have trodden this path. The stunning panorama from the top is worth every step to get there.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops interspersed with occasional boggy sections. Proper footwear is a must unless you fancy a surprise mud bath.

Predominantly composed of granite and slate, the terrain features fascinating glacial formations that tell a tale of the Ice Age. The underlying geology contributes to both the beauty and the challenge of the surrounding landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, climbers can enjoy sweeping views of the Slieve Blooms and the valleys stretching out towards the horizon. On a clear day, one might spot the distant peaks of the Wicklow Mountains.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Knocknabro' is derived from the Irish 'Cnoc na Bró' meaning 'Hill of the Brethren', hinting at a rich cultural heritage tied to early Christian settlements.

Historical Significance

This area is steeped in folklore, with tales of ancient monks wandering the hills and legends about hidden treasures in the vicinity.

Popular Routes

Ballyfin to Knocknabro West Top

Moderate

Starting at Ballyfin, this trail winds through lush greenery and rolling hills before tackling the rocky ascent to the summit.

9.5 km 4.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at Ballyfin (53.0292, -7.3245) that serves as the starting point. It's suitable for about 10 vehicles, so arrive early, especially in the summer.

Public Transport

Buses from Portlaoise to Ballyfin operate with reasonable frequency, although a bit of a walk from the drop-off point is involved.

Nearby Facilities

Ballyfin has a quaint café known for its homemade cakes and hot drinks, perfect for fuelling up before or winding down after your adventure. Public toilets are available near the school.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be uneven and slippery, particularly in wet conditions. Furthermore, visibility can drop dramatically in fog, so it's advisable to check the weather before setting out.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Knocknabro West Top?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Knocknabro West Top through the maps

Are there other walkers around Knocknabro West Top?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Knocknabro West Top search or of course create your own walk for Knocknabro West Top

Can I organise a walk to Knocknabro West Top?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Knocknabro West Top.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Knocknabro West Top?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Knocknabro West Top here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible