Whilst this route can be ridden at any time of the year, without doubt the best time is during May, when the orchards (famous for their Bramley apples) which line many of the quiet roads are in full bloom.
| County | Armagh |
| Nearest Town | Loughgall |
| Distance | 33 miles miles |
| OS Map | 19 |
| Route Type | Parkland and Grassland, Riverside |
| Route Shape | Circular |
| Public Roads | On Public Road |
| AONB | Other Area |
| Grid Ref (Start) | H908522 |
| Grid Ref (End) | H908522 |
Medium gradient route. Well surfaced tarmac roads.
Loughgall Country Park
Peatlands Country Park
Blackwater River
Starting at Loughgall’s Country Park the route
heads north towards the National Trust property of Ardress House, just off to your right on the B28. After crossing the B26 you cross several bridges over the former Great Northern, Portadown to Omagh railway line and climb to pass close to a windmill stump from where the landscape south of Lough Neagh lies before you. Continuing northwards, the route meets
the Loughshore Trail close to where the River Bann flows into the Lough and turns west towards Maghery and on to Peatlands Country Park. You then head south and follow quiet roads past the NT property of The Argory (pay a visit to Aunt
Ida’s tea room) and through the villages of Charlemount and Blackwatertown. Here the route follows the line of the former Ulster Canal on the river Blackwater before returning to Loughgall. After the cycle ride take a while to explore the park with possibly a walk round the lake and grounds.
Loughgall is situated North West of Armagh. The Ballygasey B77 road leaves Armagh town centre and passes through Loughgall. Look out for signs for Loughgall Country park.
Route is mainly on quiet country roads however care must be taken crossing B28 and B26 roads.
Refreshments and toilet facilities are available at Loughgall Country Park.
This route has accessible toilet facilities.
Loughgall Country Park caters for people with disabilities. For more information contact Armagh and Down Tourism on 028 91822881
Armagh and Down Cycling Leaflet
Sustrans Shop
www.sustransshop.co.uk
www.armaghanddown.com
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.