Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Craigavon Lakes Mountain Bike Trail

This 10km trail meanders through broadleaf woodlands, wildflower meadows and along the lake shoreline. The trail utilises the landscape contours and the natural habitat around the park to create a challenging and also scenic riding experience. The trail is suitable for all cyclists with basic off-road riding skills. The majority of the trail is purpose built singletrack linked with some wider tarmac sections. Some sections are more challenging than others and may include obstacles such as roots and rocks with some sharp turns.

County

Armagh

Distance

6.5 miles

Nearest Town

Craigavon

OS Map

19 and 20

Route Type

Lakeland, Woodland

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Other Area

Grid Ref (Start)

J048568

Public Roads

Off Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J048568

Terrain

The single track is a prupose built track in some parts on natural ground and others on gravel. The track can be narrow in places with obstacles including roots and boulders.

Point of Interest

Tannaghmore Gardens Rare Breeds Animal Farm and Oxford Island National Nature Reserve including the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre and Kinnego Marina. Rushmere Shopping Centre is also nearby.

Route Description

This is a 10km circular route following the natural landscape contours around the lake and through woodland. The route is well signposted with markers at all of the 60 sections, as well as boulders on the ground to guide the cyclist in the right direction. There are no steep inclines but the trail is narrow in places where the route becomes more challenging.

Getting to the Start

From the East and West of Northern Ireland:

From the M1 take the Junction 10 exit and the 1st exit at the roundabout. Follow the road until you come to a set of traffic lights, from where signs to the Craigavon Watersports Centre start.

Traffic

This route is 100% traffic-free. At some points the mountain bike trail can cross and follow sections of shared path where there may be people with children, dogs or other cyclists.

Facilities

Parking, eating and drinking and toilet facilities are all available at the Watersports Centre, open all year round. Safe bicycle lock up and refreshment facilties are available at the Rushmere Shopping Centre which is adjacent to the Lakes.

Information for People with a Disability

This route has accessible toilet facilities.

There are no steep inclines on this route. However it is not suitable for wheelchair users, motorised scooters or tandems due to the narrow nature of the route and tight, sharp corners.