Dubliners needn't venture too far to hit the heights at Three Rock Mountain, writes DEIRDRE DAVYS

IS THE ROBIN really just a cute little bird waiting around for his gardener friend to come out for a spot of digging so that he can pop down and bond with her, or is he as clever as his less pretty colleague the crow, whom scientists now regard as the Einstein of the bird world?

I asked myself this on the top of Three Rock Mountain, in Dublin, when a tiny robin suddenly appeared, obviously convinced that where there are humans there is bound to be food. I cannot say that the robin waited patiently to be fed.

In more flowery language one could say that he perched prettily on a rock, flitting to and fro. In reality he hung around, waiting for his opportunity to snatch whatever might come his way. In this case one of the adults sacrificed a piece of apple, which he set upon with vigour.

The wooded slopes of Three Rock are an ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds and, of course, deer, whose tracks were clearly visible in the snow that covered the area when we visited. Children will be thrilled if they can spot one of these lovely animals bounding away as they approach.

So where is Three Rock Mountain, and how can the fresh-air-starved Dubliner experience it?

A huge area of unspoilt hills stretches to the south and west of the city, and while new suburbs are clawing their way out and upwards, consuming fields and hedgerows, you can still stand on a hilltop, nearly 600m up, surrounded by heather, gorse or forest, without a house in sight yet within a couple of kilometres of the city centre.

You can start a great walk very close to the village of Stepaside, opposite a small estate of bungalows called Kilgobbin Heights. A sign points to the ruins of a church and cross; you can usually park on the little road that leads to the ruins. It is a cul-de-sac with a sign for Belarmine, where it comes out on to the R117 via a pedestrian access point.

The R117 is the road coming from Ranelagh, Milltown and Dundrum towards Eniskerry. At the junction of this road with a small road going up to Glencullen is a gate, almost hidden in an old wall, which gives entry to a narrow path. This climbs steadily uphill to reach the road coming from Marlay Park, heading towards Glencullen and passing the Step Inn and the Blue Light bar. The area is called Barnacullia.

As you emerge from the steep little track on to this road, turn right and walk about 100m. On the left, and easily missed if you are concentrating on the fabulous view of the sea to your right, is a small road going steeply uphill. If you do not see an old green water pump on your left as you round the first bend on this track, you are in the wrong place.

Continue up this boreen, the views getting ever better as you gain height; eventually, rounding a bend, you will see a forest. As you draw closer it will be obvious that you walk up along its edge to reach the top. If you have children or teenagers with you they will no doubt prefer to plunge into the gloom and race over fallen branches and crackling undergrowth.

Whoever goes up through the forest will eventually come to a track and, on turning right, will emerge quickly at the edge again. No dangers here at all.

This is probably the steepest part of the walk, but soon you will see the TV masts that dominate the landscape at the top of the mountain. If you are feeling that your lungs are about to burst don't give up just yet. You are nearly there.

You will shortly see a path leading to a wide black-and- yellow gate. This brings you out into an open area with paths leading in various directions. Now you have a choice. Continue to the top of Two Rock or Fairy Castle - another 80m - or go back down by another path.

If your party is in need of sustenance you could head for a group of very large rocks that are clearly visible on the south side of the summit. These could provide a bit of climbing practice for teenagers or children and give you a spot out of the wind to eat a little something.

You could vary your journey back by returning to the black-and-yellow gate and following the path downhill. Eventually it forks; you take the left fork.

The last bit of excitement for children is an eerie-looking pond on your left as you emerge from the forest and start seeing the views again. It's the kind of pond where you expect to see a dead body floating, eyes staring up; it makes a good talking point, at least, if legs are tired and spirits flagging.

Once past the scene of the "crime" you will come to the edge of the forest where you started your ascent, and it will be obvious that you will very shortly start to go down the way you came up.

Start and finishKilgobbin Old Church.

How to get thereBy car or the 44B bus from Dundrum Luas station to Glencullen, getting off at Barnacuilla, after the Blue Light pub.

MapOrdnance Survey Ireland Discovery series 50.

TimeAllow two and a half hours.

DistanceAbout seven kilometres.

SuitabilityA great walk for adults and children alike, but it is quite steep in parts.