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Fallows Trail is a 16.2km loop walk through spruce forests and over mountain slopes. It runs by the Yellow Water River, several streams and Red Bog Lake. There are many wonderful views along the route, such as those over Rostrevor and Carlingford Lough. Fallows Trail is a Category 4 mountain trail with steeper inclines and rugged terrain and follows a combination of existing trails, forest tracks and specially constructed new paths.
Fallows Trail showcases some of the most remarkable views from Ballynagelty viewpoint of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding Mourne Mountains and provides an opportunity to enjoy Rostrevor Forest or to get up close to Cloughmore Stone, a perfect blend of landscape, adventure, and history.
How long is Fallows Trail?
Fallows Trail is a 16.2km loop walk in Rostrevor that is recommended for experienced walkers.
Starting from Kilbroney Park, you will climb steadily up the Cloughmore trail to the Cloughmore Stone and its famous views. Continue ascending until you reach Ballynagelty view point with offers panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and beyond. Descend Slievemeen and ascend towards the summit of Slieve Martin, 485 metres above sea level. Walk past The Fallows Wood towards Slievemeel then around Red Bog Lake and descend the gorge along the Yellow River and follow the Mourne Way back to Kilbroney Park.
What are the highlights along Fallows Trail?
Fallows Trail highlights include ascending the gorge along the river at Yellow Water and the forest trails. There are magnificent views from Slievedermot, Slieve Martin and the Cloughmore Stone.
Flight of the Geese
Around 1900, a couple called Fearon occupied a small farm in the Fallow. They rented it from landowner Albert Canning, whose estate also included what is now Kilbroney Park. The land was high and unsuitable for farming and the couple survived by growing potatoes and some hardy vegetables. They kept a pig and hens and, in order to pay the rent, a flock of geese.
On the day the geese were to be sold in Dundrum Market, the farmer put cold tar on their feet to protect them for the long walk. Unfortunately, he forgot to clip their wings. Having spent their lives in the sheltered hollow, the geese suddenly saw the wide expanse of Carlingford Lough. They flew off, never to be seen again. With the year’s rent now gone, the couple were forced to leave. The remains of the farm are now hidden under the spruce forest in Fallows Wood.
You can enjoy the same exhilarating views as the geese on the Fallows Trail.
Click here to download a copy of the Fallows Trail map.
