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Ireland's highest pass road, which connects several valleys, is located in the Wicklow Mountains. (However, it goes even higher oneway on Mount Leinster). Four climbs from all directions cross at the top of the pass. The shortest ascent from the east described here is not particularly interesting in its first half, but this changes dramatically in the second part. Here, cyclists are immersed in an impressive moorland landscape and collect great impressions on a kilometre-long plateau.
Start: Roundwood 228m
After the first six kilometres, you have almost reached the final altitude, but then it's another 100 metres downhill and only then up to the top of the pass.
It starts in the village of Roundwood.
At the end of the village, turn left here.
And then it's a leisurely climb for a few kilometres. However, if you have already struggled up the brutally steep Mount Leinster in the morning, then this is anything but a leisurely ride.
After the halfway point (there is a large car park on the right, not shown here), the road climbs steeply.
And surprisingly, a wide plateau with a moorland landscape opens up.
Wow, that was unexpected. Here the route first descends again and at the far end of the horizon you can see the ascent to Sally Gap.
The 'green' island is still pretty grey and brown in the middle of March - but still beautiful.
We pass the imposing Lough Tay.
We continue through the heathland.
And finally we reach the top of the pass after an unexpectedly beautiful tour, unfortunately much too short.