Craigavon Cycle Trail

About

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.

Public roads: On Public Road

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.

Start Point:
J013540

Finish Point:
J013540

Distance:
35miles

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

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.

Publication:
Walking and Cycling in Craigavon Craigavon Cycle Trail

Publication availability:
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre Tourist Information Point; telephone 02838 322205

Nearest town:
Portadown

OS map:
20

Accessible toilet facilities:
Yes