Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Craigavon Cycle Trail

This easy-going trail passes through a landscape of waterways and picturesque old coaching roads, with over a third of the way on traffic-free paths. Following routes 9 and 94 of the National Cycle Network you will make your way along the shores of Lough Neagh passing other attractions such as the Point of Whitecoat Bridge, Moneypenny's Lock and Oxford Island.

County

Armagh

Distance

35miles

Nearest Town

Portadown

OS Map

Route Type

Lakeland, Riverside, Urban

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Other Area

Grid Ref (Start)

J013540

Public Roads

On Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

J013540

Terrain

This route is a mixture of riverside towpaths, quiet minor roads, urban and rural paths and lakeland. The trail is on tarmac paths, with very few narrow sections and some gentle inclines and declines. The route is mostly flat and suitable for cyclists of all abilities. During exceptional periods of heavy rain the towpaths can be susceptible to flooding.

Point of Interest

Point of Whitecoat Bridge
Newry Canal Towpath
Moneypenny's Lock
Lightermen's Bothy
Lisamintry Rath
Oxford Island Nature Reserve
Craigavon City Park

Route Description

Push off from the Bann Bridge in Portadown, head south on the towpath along the River Bann to the Point of Whitecoat bridge where the Newry Canal Towpath begins. Shortly after crossing the footbridge you will pass Moneypenny's Lock and Lightermen's Bothy before reaching Knock Bridge where you leave the towpath. Heading north, you pass the ancient Lisamintry Rath and into Waringstown, with a chance to experience great views of Slieve Croob and the Mournes.

Oxford Island Nature Reserve on Lough Neagh's Shore is further on. The view from here is one of the best across Europe's 5th largest lake. From here, join Routes 9 & 94 towards Craigavon and the City Park. Craigavon is served by an extensive network of cycle paths taking you back to Portadown to the finish.

Getting to the Start

Translink provide regular bus services from Belfast to Portadown.

By car, take M1 from Belfast and join M12 signposted Portadown. The motorway will then join the A3 which leads to the Bann Bridge and Portadown town centre.

Traffic

12 miles of this trail is on traffic free paths with the remainder on minor roads with light traffic. There are parts where the trail crosses main roads.

Facilities

Refreshment and toilet facilities are available at the Portadown Town Centre. Disabled car parking is available at Oxford Island, Portadown Boat Club and Craigavon Lakes. There are bike stands at each of these facilities too.

Information for People with a Disability

This route has accessible toilet facilities.

The gentle terrain of this route is suitable for tandems however there are occasions when cyclists may need to dismount, e.g. coming to barriers before crossing a public road. Tandems are not available for hire from the Watersports Centre.