This is a slightly longer stage of the Wicklow Way that takes the walking route through the southern upland section and into the rolling hills of southwest Wicklow. It finishes with views west to the flatter farmland of County Carlow.
Beginning with an ascending trek through the pleasantly forested slopes of Slieve Maan, the trail reaches (and briefly stays on) the Military Road after yet another 400m ascent over a distance of some 6km. The walking path then circles the upper slopes of Carrickashane (508m) before descending to reach the Ow River valley at the Iron Bridge at approximately 75km from Marlay Park. For those who prefer a shorter day's hike of around 12km, this is an ideal terminus from where to rendezvous with pre-arranged transport for transfer to accommodation and other facilities at Aughavannagh, Greenan, Rathdrum or Moyne.
A more gradual ascent then takes the trail across Ballyteigue Bridge before slicing south-westwards between Ballygobban mountain (447m) and Sheilstown Hill (536m).
The stage finishes with a quiet road walk southwards to the tiny and once picturesque Georgian hamlet of Moyne at 84km which offers accommodation nearby and a shop at Knockananna, 2km to the west. This point marks the end of the mountain stages as the terrain changes to the quiet, leafy laneways and green roads of the gentle hill-country from here almost to the finish at Clonegal.
