The Broad Water is a towpath cycle/walk of some 4 miles between Moira Railway Station and Aghalee and takes you along the route of the original Lagan Canal through Soldierstown. Keep an eye out for the large variety of breeding and wintering wildfowl.
| County | Antrim |
| Nearest Town | Moira or Aghalee |
| Distance | 4 miles miles |
| OS Map | 20 |
| Route Type | Riverside |
| Route Shape | Linear |
| Public Roads | Off Public Road |
| AONB | Other Area |
| Grid Ref (Start) | J124649 |
| Grid Ref (End) | J157618 |
Flat gravel towpath
Lock-keepers house (privately owned)
Moira Railway Station (oldest surviving building from the original Ulster Railway)
Wildlife - great variety of wildfowl
The entrance to the route is clearly visable and signposted from the car park of Moira Railway Station. As this is a linear towpath running parallel with the old Lagan Canal the route is obvious. From the car park the path goes under the railway brige which was built in 1833 and contiues on towards the main Broad Water itself after passing under Soldierstown Bridge. From here you will see the picturesque Soldierstown Church up on your left where the engineer responsible for the Lisburn-Lough Neagh section of the canal, Richard Owen, was buried in 1830. The Broad Water is a man made feature, built in a natural valley in order to retain a sufficient head of water to accommodate the navigation. Today this area acts both as a breeding and wintering ground for a great variety of wildfowl. The path continues behind the lock-keepers house (privately owned) and eventually emerges into the village of Aghalee.
Access route from car park of Moira Railway Station, Station Road, Moira
Traffic free except for occasional vehicle accessing lock-keepers house
Refreshments available in nearby village of Moira. Public toilets located in Moira Demesne. Car park with picnic tables located at Soldierstown Car Park.
This route does not have accessible toilet facilities.
Relatively flat except for slight incline leading from car parks at Moira Railway Station and Soldierstown and at the section of the route at the back of the lock-keepers house.
Lough Neagh - Discover it for yourself! Promoted in both "The Loughshore Trail" and Walking Guides
Lisburn TIC Tel: 028 92660038
The Loughshore Trail - Route 1
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.