This cycle and walking route from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Tow Hall in Newry is a 20 mile trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the Newry Canal.
| County | Armagh, Down |
| Nearest Town | Portadown |
| Distance | 20 miles |
| OS Map | 20 and 29 |
| Route Type | Riverside |
| Route Shape | Linear |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road |
| AONB | Other Area |
| Grid Ref (Start) | J012540 |
| Grid Ref (End) | J086267 |
An average gradient along gravel paths with some boggy areas.
Moneypenny’s Lock: The last lock on the Canal before the River Bann and the location of a small museum.
Scarva Visitor Centre: Location of a cafe and interpretative boards help to explain the building of the canal.
Acton Interpretative Centre: Situated on the site of a former sluice keeper’s cottage beside Acton Lake.
Start the Route in Portadown at The Bann Bridge on Bridge Street. After one mile you will meet the Point of Whitecoat, which marks the end of the Canal and the point where the River Bann meets the River Cusher. Continue for approximately 1 mile to visit Moneypenny’s Lock and Museum, which highlights the magnificent flora and fauna that brings the Canal and towpath to life. Pass Knock Bridge and continue to the next landmark of Terryhoogan Lock. Approximately one mile further along, you will enter the village of Scarva. Halfway between Scarva and Poyntzpass is the Acton Interpretive Centre. Just after the 10 mile point you will find Poyntzpass. The next landmark is Gambles Bridge, also known as the Crack Bridge due partly to the crack in its wall and partly to its use as a meeting place to share a bit of craic! After approximately 15 miles, you will enter Jerrettspass, another small village. Between there and Newry you will cross Steenson's Bridge, a picturesque stone bridge incorporating three arches. At the end of the route is Newry Town Hall which was designed by William Batt and constructed in 1893. Art pieces can be seen along the route including some Millennium Mileposts and a series of specially commissioned pieces which reflect the former work and nature of the Newry Canal.
There is a train station at both Portadown and Newry, so you could get the train to either Portadown or Newry and then cycle to the other town. Alternatively by car take the Craigavon (Armagh) junction on the M1 and follow signs to Portadown, you can start the trail just behind Tescos car park in Portadown and work your way towards Newry.
The Newry Canal Towpath is a shared usse path and can be busy at times. Please give way to pedestrians and be prepared to dismount if necessary.
Refreshments available in Portadown, Tandragee, Scarva Visitor Centre, Poyntzpass, Jerretspass and Newry.
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Slight inclines in some places, and uneven terrain but generally flat.
Newry Canal Towpath Leaflet
Available from Tourist Information Centres in the area.
www.cycleni.com
www.discovernothernireland.com
www.banbridge.com
www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
This information is provided by Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett's Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5PB.
Tel: 028 9030 3930
Fax: 028 9062 6248
info@cycleni.com
www.countrysiderecreation.com
Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information. We cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, the information will be amended accordingly.