Walking Forum

Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Ireland => Topic started by: henryb on 16:02:39, 24/09/17

Title: Slieve Foye
Post by: henryb on 16:02:39, 24/09/17
With weather forecasters thick cloud, strong winds and zero visibility I decided not to walk the Mournes this week-end. So I've decided to post photos of my favourite Irish walk instead: Slieve Foye. Slieve Foye is the highest mountain in county Louth, the smallest county of Ireland. It is just over 500 metres but offers views better than most mountains 300/400 metres higher. I had to climb the mountain three times before getting a clear day. When that happened, the views across Carlingford Lough to the Mournes became my all time favourite panorama before climbing Bowfell in the Lake district.


Kilbroney forest and Carlingford Lough taken on the ascent:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/307127_300356869993419_1604077612_n.jpg?oh=d11774e4d299101d796edb5af98fd87c&oe=5A4CA39B)


Retrospective view of the southern Mournes from Slieve Foye:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/307127_300356863326753_1063450331_n.jpg?oh=b7e6dd2223d650c66a692c9ca3f0d97f&oe=5A852553)


Slievemartin round, Eagle group, Binnians from Slieve Foye:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/307127_300356883326751_646702880_n.jpg?oh=23861b1dbc1a8032cf0076f69a51f12c&oe=5A41EB02)


Southern and western Mournes from Slieve Foye:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/308242_300352803327159_112425302_n.jpg?oh=15d64b8788e91a2247cf9368174fde35&oe=5A465494)


Carlingford village and county Down across Carlingford Lough:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/308242_300352799993826_96506669_n.jpg?oh=33f86429d7e1467f74ef1ae5a58ecfcc&oe=5A3B0606)


The Mournes from Slieve Foye across Carlingford Lough:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/308242_300352789993827_1371145903_n.jpg?oh=23abf244594782570f79f84f4995678c&oe=5A8577AC)


Zoom-in on Knockchree and Knochshee from Slieve Foye:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/307127_300356876660085_42337655_n.jpg?oh=95c8fb0a1c087c2f9a9a9f9e666d9d26&oe=5A5C11E2)


Barnavave:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/307127_300356853326754_168633973_n.jpg?oh=afc14aead19a68377e32274a54ff14a8&oe=5A3AC36D)


Dundalk bay:
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/308242_300352796660493_169386357_n.jpg?oh=d834defe889b4da4e079d8ddee344b48&oe=5A845EFC)
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: Mullen on 11:56:33, 25/09/17
Hi, your photos look amazing. I've only taking up walking and I hope to catch some of those views myself.
You mention the lake district. I'm heading over their at the end of October, so hopefully I can experience some spectacular landscapes.
Is bowfell a hard climb for a novice?
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: adalard on 17:47:14, 25/09/17
Lovely photos as always, Henry.  O0


That ridge of Barnavave looks like it would make for a cracking walk.
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: Penygadair on 17:29:11, 26/09/17
I'm really pleased you posted this Henry. My late eldest brother-in-law used to walk in the Mournes but more often on the south side of Carlingford Lough in the RoI. He told me that the views from on high were unmissable and we made arrangements for a walk together.
Somehow that got translated into a family trip on his boat from Dromod along the Shannon and the Boyle Canal. The walk was postponed for another year during which time he sadly died. Therefore I'm overjoyed to see these particular pics. Many thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: April on 19:09:36, 27/09/17
Lovely pics as always Henry  O0
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: Ridge on 19:11:56, 27/09/17
Great photo Henry, you sure you didn't borrow Beefy's drone.
Title: Re: Slieve Foye
Post by: henryb on 18:36:22, 28/09/17
Thanks for replies everyone.


@ Mullen - I've done Bowfell once from Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale. I started walking at 10.30am and reached the summit at 1 or 1.30pm including a lunch break at three tarns. It is the 6th highest in the Lakes, over 900 metres. It isn't the hardest walk but it is a mountain which should not be underestimated. I would recommend doing easier walks to start with and building up fitness levels. I did that in the Mournes 9 years ago. For example - Loughrigg Fell from Skelwith Bridge firstly; Lingmoor fell from ODG or Elterwater secondly. Harrison Stickle from ODG thirdly. Thereafter, tackle Bowfell. Each walk in that order will gradually increase the height each time and you will see Bowfell from each summit, weather permitting. On a clear day, Bowfell's views are magnificient. Hope this helps, Henry :)