Overview
A couple of steep ascents over broken ground in the first half of this hike is why we grade it as challenging. However, our guides can take as many breaks as you need and will set a moderate pace to suit.
It’s all worthwhile because in our opinion this is one of the finest ridge walks in Ireland.
Leaving Carlingford behind, we head North West along the forested lower slopes of Slieve Foye. Following little used sheep tracks, we literally do get off the beaten track taking an alternative line cutting diagonally across the rugged gabbro slopes. Waterfalls line the route as we gradually climb higher eventually reaching the impressive Eagles Rock, the highest and furthest point on Northern end of County Louth’s highest mountain.
After a well-earned lunch stop overlooking the beautiful Carlingford Lough, we start to track south east along the mountain spine.
On a day with views ,its hard to know which side to look. To the right is the wide expanse of the Glenmore valley and The Ring of Gullion far beyond and to the left the full sweep of the Lough below as it winds its way out to The Irish Sea.
We eventually reach the summit trig point and depending on conditions may take the Devils Ladder gully descent.
Heading towards the saddle and eventually down through the commons area and a nice stoned narrow ‘boreen’ or ‘loanin’ as they’re known locally, we arrive back down into the quaint central village square of Carlingford.
A day to remember!
