40 Retrace your steps back to the main path, which is not always obvious, and continue towards the Split Rock or Slé Rua (9.3km). As with Eagle’s Rock, the main path bypasses the actual top, so a short detour is necessary to reach the summit of the Split Rock (note: the Raven’s Rock lies further north). Once back on the path, continue towards the Foxes Rock (10.6km), crossing a broken fence and the final ascent of the day. There are a number of options to finish out the walk. One way is to descend from the Foxes Rock to the Windy Gap and to take the Omeath Road until the Táin Way is reached, and then to follow the Táin Way back to Carlingford. Another is to do a car split or arrange a lift from the Windy Gap back to Carlingford, thereby avoiding the road and trail walk back to Carlingford. The route described here descends from the Foxes Rock in a north-easterly direction, heading directly for the Táin Way at Ballyonan on the EastWest Mapping map. There is no obvious route, so care should be taken on the rough ground. It is good to pause every so often to admire the views along Carlingford Lough. Once the Táin Way is reached, follow the markers back to Carlingford. A point to note, however, is that, as a result of Storm Éowyn, just after the stile at the entrance to the forest at about 13km, there are many fallen trees, and the Táin Way has been diverted to a developing track outside of the forest. This diversion continues for about 1km, which makes the going a bit tougher than it would otherwise be. ROUTE INFORMATION Start point: Carlingford Tourist Centre, J 190 116 Distance: 18.5km Elevation gain: 950m Time: 6 to 7 hours Maps: EastWest Mapping 1:25k, Cooley Northern Ireland Discoverer Series Sheet 29 Pictured this page: Looking back from the summit carn at the Split Rock (Slé Rua) to the ridge from Eagle’s Rock to Slieve Foye. Meabh’s Gap is visible just left of the carn. Photo: Derek Watters Next page: The view across Carlingford Lough towards Slieve Martin and the Mournes. Photo: Derek Watters
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