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Walking Guide - Discover Lough Neagh

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<strong>Walking</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it it for yourself!<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>...<br />

In the heart of Northern Ireland you will<br />

find <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>, the largest lake in the<br />

British Isles. <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> captivates<br />

visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, unspoilt<br />

scenery, secluded bays and skyward<br />

views. <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> is a haven for wildlife<br />

with many viewpoints around the<br />

shoreline.<br />

Coney Wood<br />

Why not come and explore the <strong>Lough</strong><br />

<strong>Neagh</strong> Region for yourself... try one of<br />

our unique walking routes... a place apart,<br />

just waiting to be discovered!


Car<br />

Park<br />

Ballyronan Wood Walk<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Start/Finish<br />

Small<br />

Car Park<br />

Picnic Area<br />

& Camp Site<br />

Ballyronan wood is beautiful walk through a small<br />

5 acre wet woodland on the shores of <strong>Lough</strong><br />

<strong>Neagh</strong>. The area boasts a wealth of wildlife easily<br />

viewed from the woodland path, such as mute<br />

swan, whooper swan, great crested grebes and<br />

tufted duck.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Marina<br />

Centre<br />

Main<br />

Entrance<br />

Play<br />

Area<br />

Main<br />

Car Park<br />

County Londonderry<br />

Distance 1/2 mile (0.8km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Ballyronan Village<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>, Ballyronan<br />

Marina, fishing & watersports<br />

Terrain Good flat woodland paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) H994855<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) H994855<br />

Ballyronan Wood Walk<br />

Route Description<br />

Start from Ballyronan Marina Car park and<br />

head in the direction of the caravan park at the<br />

north of the site. Located at the entrance to the<br />

caravan park is the Ballyronan Wood Sign. Follow<br />

the yellow way markers on a circular path along<br />

the <strong>Lough</strong> Shore past the picnic areas. The return<br />

part of the walk is via a woodland trail that leads<br />

back around to the start/finish point at the<br />

caravan park.<br />

How to get there<br />

Located beside Ballyronan Marina, in the village<br />

of Ballyronan, on the shores of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>.<br />

Approximately 12 miles from Cookstown.<br />

Facilities<br />

Facilities include a picnic site, caravan and<br />

camping, marina, childrens play area and toilets.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Kinturk<br />

Heritage Centre<br />

Kinturk<br />

Gort Moss Walk<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Coyles<br />

Cottage<br />

Annaghmore<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Annaghmore Road<br />

Cluntoe<br />

This is a linear walk of 5 miles, along old moss<br />

roads and between leafy hedgerows close to the<br />

village of Ardboe. It passes the Kinturk Cultural<br />

Centre and Coyle's Cottage - a 300 year old<br />

fisherman’s cottage, made of mud, clay and<br />

wood, thatched with reeds.<br />

County Tyrone<br />

Distance 5 miles (8km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Ardboe<br />

Route Shape Linear<br />

Points of Interest Kinturk Cultural Centre, Coyles<br />

Cottage, local wildlife<br />

Terrain Good sandy ramparts, muddy<br />

after rain<br />

Grid Ref (Start) H960800<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) H960800<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Battery Road<br />

Abbey &<br />

Ardboe Cross<br />

Moortown<br />

Gort Moss Walk<br />

Route Description<br />

Starting at Kinturk Cultural Centre car park,<br />

walk along Kinturk Road 200m to Coyles<br />

Cottage. Enter Gort Moss via a concrete lane and<br />

turn left and travel south for 1 mile via Galiagh<br />

Rampart to Ardboe and Battery Road, retrace<br />

your steps (2 miles) and continue through Gort<br />

Moss, north to Sandy Rampart, Kinturk Road<br />

(3 miles). Follow the blue markers through farm<br />

lane fields to the cot bridge and cot lane to<br />

Ballylifford. Return to Coyles Cottage via Cot<br />

Lane, footbridge, Kinturk Road, Gortmoss and<br />

Curran Quay.<br />

How to get there<br />

Starting point opposite Coyle's Cottage, off the<br />

A73, 10 miles east of Cookstown.<br />

Facilities<br />

Public toilets are located at the Kinturk Cultural<br />

Centre.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Rea’s Wood<br />

<strong>Lough</strong>shore<br />

Park Antrim<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Forum<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

<strong>Lough</strong> Road<br />

Rea’s<br />

Wood<br />

Dublin Road<br />

Rea’s Wood extends along part of the shore of<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>. It is a great example of a wet<br />

woodland and has a rich diversity of wildlife to<br />

see, so please keep dogs on leads. The path forms<br />

part of the <strong>Lough</strong>shore Trail.<br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 3 miles (5km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Antrim<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Views of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>,<br />

wildfowl and woodland birds<br />

Terrain Off road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J139869<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J139869<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

Rea’s Wood<br />

Route Description<br />

To get there; follow the signs to the <strong>Lough</strong> Shore<br />

Park off the Dublin Road in Antrim. On reaching<br />

the Park, turn left and continue to the car park<br />

that looks over <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>. Rea’s Wood lies to<br />

your left as you look out over the <strong>Lough</strong>. Follow<br />

the path into the Wood, ignoring all tracks off to<br />

the left and right. After 750m you reach the<br />

National Nature Reserve, and after a further<br />

kilometre before you reach the iron gate that<br />

delineates the southern limit of the Reserve, a<br />

path veers off to the left, leading to the Dublin<br />

Road. You can then either take this route turning<br />

left onto the Dublin Road, then left again into<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> Road and back to your starting point, or<br />

alternatively, simply retrace your steps back to<br />

the <strong>Lough</strong> Shore Park.<br />

How to get there<br />

From Antrim town, follow signs for <strong>Lough</strong> Shore<br />

Park.<br />

Facilities<br />

Toilets and refreshments are available in the<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> Shore Park.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Cidercourt Road<br />

Crumlin Glen<br />

Crumlin Road<br />

Crumlin Glen<br />

Main Street<br />

Rising to the east on the slopes of Divis<br />

Mountain, the Crumlin River has carved a short<br />

but deep glen as it approaches the waters of<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>.<br />

Mill Road<br />

Start/Finish<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Nutts Corner Road (A52)<br />

Crumlin River<br />

Railway Station<br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 1.8 miles (3km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Crumlin<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Cockle House, herons, waterfall<br />

and otters<br />

Terrain Off-road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J154765<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J154765<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

Route Description<br />

To start this short walk, follow the path at the far<br />

(west) end of the car park over a footbridge and<br />

uphill where you then turn left. The walk passes<br />

through some beautiful woods, and then you<br />

soon turn left and follow the sign down to the<br />

Cockle House. Then, continue down to the<br />

riverbank and follow the path along its side.<br />

You soon reach a footbridge over the river to<br />

your left. Cross it and follow the path leading<br />

away from the river. This section of path leads<br />

to the Cidercourt Road. Turn right here, crossing<br />

Cidercourt Road almost immediately to join a<br />

public right of way leading to Main Street. Turn<br />

left onto Main Street and then left again onto<br />

Mill Road, and proceed back to the starting<br />

point. Please note: some steep sections.<br />

How to get there<br />

Crumlin Glen is signed off to the left on the<br />

Nutt's Corner Road in Crumlin, just before the<br />

railway bridge as you head out of the town.<br />

Facilities<br />

Toilets, Fishing stands.<br />

Crumlin Glen<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Moira<br />

The Broad Water<br />

Moira<br />

Railway<br />

Station<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Glenavy Road<br />

Soldierstown<br />

Broad Water<br />

The Broad Water is a towpath walk of some<br />

3 miles between Aghalee and Moira Railway<br />

Station and takes you along the route of the<br />

original Lagan Canal through Soldierstown. Keep<br />

an eye out for the large variety of breeding and<br />

wintering wildfowl.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Bank Rangers<br />

House<br />

Lock-Keepers<br />

House<br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 3 miles (5km)<br />

OS Map OSNI sheet 20, Craigavon<br />

Nearest Town Moira Village<br />

Route Shape Linear<br />

Points of Interest Soldierstown Church &<br />

Graveyard<br />

Terrain Flat towpath<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J157618<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J124649<br />

Aghalee<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

The Broad Water<br />

Route Description<br />

The route begins in the Village of Aghalee and<br />

follows the line of the towpath of the old Lagan<br />

Canal to Moira Railway Station. A concealed<br />

entrance is located just off the Soldierstown<br />

Road. From here you can see the surviving lockkeeper’s<br />

house at No 18 lock. As you proceed<br />

along the towpath you will see a small property<br />

formerly owned by the Lagan Navigation<br />

Company.<br />

Since the canal was abandoned in 1954 the banks<br />

have become overgrown and an array of colour is<br />

provided by a variety of trees, shrubs and wild<br />

flowers. Just over half way along the route you<br />

will see the picturesque Soliderstown Church on<br />

your right. The final section of path takes us to<br />

Moira Railway Station, with the canal and<br />

towpath passing under the railway bridge which<br />

was built in 1833.<br />

How to get there<br />

Aghalee Village bridge, Station Road, Moira.<br />

Facilities<br />

Car parking available at Soldierstown.<br />

Refreshments available in Moira. Picnic area<br />

en-route.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


A6<br />

Randalstown Forest<br />

Moneynick Road<br />

Staffordstown Road<br />

M22<br />

Mount<br />

Shalgus Lane<br />

Randalstown<br />

Forest<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Randalstown<br />

River<br />

Main<br />

Randalstown Forest is a mixed conifer forest that<br />

contains an owl conservation centre, deer park,<br />

and several walking routes, with two small<br />

adjacent Nature Reserves at the forest edge on<br />

the shores of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

M22<br />

Shane’s<br />

Castle<br />

A6<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 2.5 miles (4km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Randalstown<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest The rich birdlife of <strong>Lough</strong><br />

<strong>Neagh</strong> and wild deer<br />

Terrain Off-road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J082886<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J082886<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

Randalstown Forest<br />

Route Description<br />

While there is the option of following several<br />

trails within the forest, this one follows the route<br />

indicated by the arrows on the map. From the<br />

parking area, follow the path into the forest, past<br />

the World of Owls and through the turnstile.<br />

Immediately after passing through the turnstile,<br />

turn right and follow the path around the<br />

western side of the forest. Continue following<br />

this path for approximately 1 mile until you reach<br />

a 'cross-roads' of tracks. The arrow indicates that<br />

you turn left but, for a small diversion, turn right<br />

at this point and follow the track through<br />

another turnstile to the Randalstown Forest and<br />

Farr's Bay Nature Reserves. Then, return to the<br />

'cross-roads' of tracks and continue following the<br />

red route. The track soon leads you back to the<br />

starting point where you turn right, pass through<br />

the turnstile and walk back to the car park.<br />

How to get there<br />

Follow New Street in Randalstown onto the<br />

Moneynick Road. Then turn left onto the<br />

Staffordstown Road, following the signs for<br />

Toome, before turning left again following the<br />

signs for Randalstown Forest.<br />

Facilities<br />

Car parking and picnic facilities.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Six Mile Water<br />

(Incorporating The Mill Race Trail)<br />

<strong>Lough</strong><br />

<strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Start/Finish<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> Road<br />

Dublin Road<br />

Castle Way<br />

Belmont Road<br />

The Mill Race Trail is a site of importance in terms<br />

of its industrial heritage and wildlife value.<br />

Follow the way markers and information panels<br />

as they tell the story of the Six Mile Water. There<br />

is no entrance fee and leaflets on the Trail are<br />

available from Antrim Information Centre.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Greystone Road<br />

Belfast Road<br />

Oldstone Road<br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 6 miles (10km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Antrim Town<br />

Route Shape Linear<br />

Points of Interest Kingfishers, otters and the<br />

river’s industrial heritage<br />

Terrain Off road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J149863<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J166853<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

Six Mile Water<br />

(Incorporating The Mill Race Trail)<br />

Route Description<br />

Starting from the <strong>Lough</strong> Shore Park at Antrim<br />

alongside the small café, follow the path along<br />

the banks of the river, away from the <strong>Lough</strong>.<br />

Keeping on the same bank of the river, follow<br />

the path as it leads to Antrim Forum. The path<br />

then leads under the Dublin Road and continues<br />

under a footbridge, before you climb some steps<br />

to Bridge Street. Turn left and then right onto<br />

High Street. Turn right onto Riverside and<br />

continue until you see where the road forks.<br />

Follow the gravelled left fork uphill onto the<br />

Mill Race Trail passing a green metal fingerpost.<br />

Then, follow the path under the Belmont Road<br />

and old railway viaduct before reaching the<br />

Salmon Leap Bridge. After the site of the former<br />

Boghill Mill and village, the walk passes by some<br />

beautiful woodland, past the remains of the<br />

Moylinny Bank Mill and Waterwheel, finishing at<br />

the Shakey Bridge. You can then exit the trail at<br />

the Oldstone Road or retrace your steps back to<br />

the <strong>Lough</strong> Shore Park.<br />

How to get there<br />

The trail can either be accessed from <strong>Lough</strong><br />

Shore Park or Antrim Town Centre. Alternatively,<br />

you can park your car at Kirby’s Lane (follow the<br />

brown tourist signs from Dublin Road or Oldstone<br />

Road into the car park), then walk in either<br />

direction.<br />

Facilities<br />

Information panels, picnic tables, and bike stands<br />

are available along the walk.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


To A6<br />

B18<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Toome Canal<br />

Creagh Road<br />

River<br />

Bann<br />

This is a short walk to the shores of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>,<br />

along the banks of Toome Canal.<br />

B18<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Toome<br />

Start/Finish<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Toome<br />

By-pass<br />

Moneynick RoadA6<br />

County Antrim<br />

Distance 1.25 miles (2km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 14, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Nearest Town Toome<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Wide panoramic views over<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Terrain Off road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) H991452<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) H991452<br />

Reproduced by kind permission of Antrim Borough Council<br />

Toome Canal<br />

Route Description<br />

From the parking area, walk south towards the<br />

loughshore along the banks of Toome Canal.<br />

To your right are the remains of the old railway<br />

bridge over the Bann. As you continue towards<br />

the loughshore, you pass, again to your right,<br />

one of the Lower Bann sluice gates. The path<br />

soon reaches the shores of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>. To<br />

finish this short walk, simply retrace your steps<br />

along the canal bank to the parking area or<br />

follow the loop to the right, back to the car park.<br />

How to get there<br />

As you approach Toome from Antrim, the road<br />

veers left just past the bus stop. Turn left<br />

immediately as this road swings right and park in<br />

the small area opposite the lock-keepers cottage.<br />

Facilities<br />

Information panels are available along the walk<br />

as well as picnic facilities public toilets in the<br />

village.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Peatlands<br />

Park<br />

Wetlands Way<br />

Birches & Maghery<br />

River Blackwater<br />

Derryane<br />

Derrywarragh<br />

Island<br />

Peat Works<br />

Maghery<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Ennismore House<br />

Milltown Rectory<br />

Old Police Barracks<br />

Derrycaw<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Coney Island<br />

Disused Quarry<br />

Derrycarran<br />

The <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> Wetlands, up until the turn of<br />

the century, was regarded as the most extensive<br />

region of fenland in the islands of Britain and<br />

Ireland. The region is characterised by fen, cut<br />

over peat bog, woodland, small <strong>Lough</strong>s, and<br />

drumlins, and is dissected by two major rivers, the<br />

Bann and Blackwater.<br />

County Armagh<br />

Distance 12 miles (19km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheets 19, Armagh<br />

Nearest Town Maghery<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Coney Island and River Bann<br />

Terrain 90% minor roads<br />

Grid Ref (Start) H897630<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) H897630<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Wetlands Way<br />

Birches & Maghery<br />

Route Description<br />

The starting point to the walk is Maghery<br />

Country Park. Exit the car park and turn left onto<br />

the road towards St Mary’s Church. Continue<br />

walking along the road and you will pass the<br />

19th Century Ennismore house with spectacular<br />

views of <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong>. Continue along the<br />

route past the disused quarry which is a seminatural<br />

habitat where you can view a vast array<br />

of wildlife, as you walk further along the route<br />

you will pass the old police barracks, which has<br />

been restored into residential townhouses.<br />

Continue walking past the old Milltown Rectory,<br />

the Peatworks and then back into Maghery.<br />

How to get there<br />

Take the turn-off for Junction 12 on the M1 and<br />

follow signs to Maghery, Bus Station, Portadown<br />

Train Station, Lurgan and Portadown, Cycling,<br />

NCN Route 94.<br />

Facilities<br />

Carpark and picnic facilities are available in<br />

Maghery.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Peatland Walk<br />

Derryhubbert<br />

Bog<br />

M1 Junction 13<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Entrance<br />

One of five walks through the bogland of the<br />

Peatlands Park.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Derryadd<br />

Lake<br />

County Tyrone<br />

Distance 5.5 miles (8.8km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 19, Armagh<br />

Nearest Town <strong>Lough</strong>gall<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Apple blossom, peatland and<br />

open lake<br />

Terrain Tarmac road, woodchip paths,<br />

boardwalks<br />

Grid Ref (Start) H897604<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) H897604<br />

Peatland Walk<br />

Route Description<br />

Follow the path sign marked with red arrows.<br />

There are another four walks of varying lengths.<br />

Peatlands Park was the first of its type in the<br />

British Isles and was specifically established to<br />

promote and facilitate peatland awareness and<br />

issues. Visitors can explore the 680 acre site on<br />

foot along its many paths and wooden walkways.<br />

In fact there are over 10 miles of paths leading<br />

the visitor through the many and varied habitats<br />

within the park. At 5.5 miles the Peatland Walk is<br />

one of the longest walks within the Park<br />

providing opportunities to see insectivorous<br />

plants, newts, hen harrier, dragonflies and<br />

Scottish wood ants (found nowhere else in<br />

Ireland). For further information visit<br />

www.ehsni.gov.uk/peatlands or email<br />

peatland@doeni.gov.uk.<br />

How to get there<br />

Take the turn-off for Junction 13 on the M1 and<br />

follow the signs for Peatlands Park.<br />

Facilities<br />

Reception area, car park, toilets, Education<br />

Centre and small gauge railway.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Coalisland Canal Walk<br />

Coalisland<br />

Start/Finish<br />

Dam Lock<br />

Macks Lock<br />

Moor Lock<br />

Coalisland Canal<br />

River<br />

Torrent<br />

Channel Maghery<br />

High Bridge<br />

Start/Finish<br />

River Blackwater<br />

The Coalisland Canal Walk is steeped in history,<br />

being an important industrial heritage site as<br />

well as boasting diverse flora and fauna and is an<br />

important industrial heritage site. The Canal was<br />

opened in 1789 to bring coal from Coalisland to<br />

Dublin via the River Blackwater, <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

and the Newry Canal. Coalisland acted as an<br />

inland port with lighters carrying grain for the<br />

mills and provisions for the surrounding towns.<br />

County Tyrone<br />

Distance 4.5 miles (7.2km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 19, Armagh<br />

Nearest Town Coalisland<br />

Route Shape Linear<br />

Points of Interest The Lockhouse<br />

Terrain Off road paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J844663<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J887626<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Derrywarragh<br />

Island<br />

Coalisland Canal Walk<br />

Route Description<br />

The walk starts at the Cornmill in Coalisland<br />

town centre. As you walk along the 4.5 mile<br />

canal stretch, you will see that it had seven locks<br />

each 15ft wide, including a staircase lock at<br />

Macks Bridge. Most of the structures still exist.<br />

Of the three lock houses on the Canal, just one<br />

remains intact (situated below the High Bridge).<br />

Between Macks Bridge and Moor Bridge the River<br />

Torrent is on one side of the towpath and the<br />

Canal on the other. The canal path ends at<br />

‘The Point’ where it meets the Blackwater River.<br />

How to get there<br />

Park your car at Cornmill car park in the centre of<br />

Coalisland. Exit the car park opposite Dorman’s<br />

chemist, turn left and walk 100 yards until you<br />

come to the dam lock.<br />

Facilities<br />

There are public toilets in the Cornmill car park.<br />

The walk also has seating and litter bins along<br />

the towpath.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Craigavon Lakes<br />

Aghacommon<br />

Craigavon<br />

Lakes<br />

Start/Finish<br />

An extensive network of walking and cycling<br />

paths are set within the Parkland around the<br />

Craigavon Lakes and are suitable for disabled<br />

users and families and incorporate the National<br />

Cycle Network Route 9. The route around the<br />

two lakes is 3 miles.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Silverwood<br />

Brownlow<br />

Gilpinstown<br />

County Armagh<br />

Distance 3 miles (5km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 20, Craigavon<br />

Nearest Town Craigavon<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Craigavon Watersports Centre,<br />

Tannaghmore Gardens<br />

Terrain Varied surfaces & shared paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J048569<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J048569<br />

Craigavon Lakes<br />

Route Description<br />

From the Craigavon Watersports Centre car park,<br />

start walking on the wide tarmac path beside the<br />

lake and walk in either a clockwise or anticlockwise<br />

direction, keeping the lake to one side.<br />

For the first half of the walk, follow the signs for<br />

Tannaghmore Gardens. Once you have reached<br />

the gardens, follow the signs for Craigavon Water<br />

Sports Centre to return to the car park. During<br />

the walk, you will come to two bridges. You must<br />

pass under these in order to complete the circuit<br />

of both lakes. It will take approximately 1hr to<br />

complete the walk.<br />

How to get there<br />

A recommended starting point for the walk is<br />

Craigavon Watersports Centre, where a car park,<br />

toilets, refreshments and further information are<br />

available.<br />

Facilities<br />

Toilets available at Watersports Centre and<br />

Tannaghmore Gardens. Refreshments also<br />

available at Watersports Centre.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Wetlands Way<br />

The Bann Montiaghs<br />

Charlestown<br />

or Bannfoot<br />

Derryinver<br />

River Bann<br />

Derryloste<br />

Ready Flat<br />

Charlestown Road<br />

Muckery<br />

Derrytrasna<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong><br />

<strong>Lough</strong><br />

Gullion<br />

The land to the east of the River Bann is known<br />

as the Bann Montiaghs, the latter being the<br />

Gaelic word for Bogland. It comprises numerous<br />

quiet country roads which will take the traveller<br />

in to the rural heart of this region.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Ardmore Point<br />

Emerson Sandquay<br />

& Harbour<br />

Ardmore<br />

Derryadd<br />

Ardmore<br />

Church<br />

Oxford<br />

Island<br />

Start/Finish<br />

County Armagh<br />

Distance 12 miles (19.3km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 20, Craigavon<br />

Nearest Town Derrymacash<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest Oxford Island Nature Reserve<br />

and <strong>Lough</strong> Gullion<br />

Terrain 90% minor roads<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J018615<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J018615<br />

Wetlands Way<br />

The Bann Montiaghs<br />

Route Description<br />

The starting point is just after the entrance to<br />

Oxford Island where you turn right and walk past<br />

the historic building of Ardmore Church and<br />

continue along to Emerson’s Quay and Harbour<br />

which has undergone significant re-development<br />

in recent years. The route continues along the<br />

scenic shoreline of Trowagh Bay. Follow the<br />

route past the Esky Primary School and Church of<br />

Ireland Hall, this loop takes you back onto the<br />

Charlestown Road where you head back towards<br />

the Oxford Island Nature Reserve.<br />

How to get there<br />

Take the turn off for Junction 10 on the M1 and<br />

follow the signposts for Oxford Island.<br />

Facilities<br />

Toilets and refreshments are available at the<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre and Kinnego<br />

Marina.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Oxford Island<br />

<strong>Lough</strong><br />

<strong>Neagh</strong><br />

Closet<br />

Hide<br />

Croaghan<br />

Hide<br />

This trail takes in the Oxford Island National<br />

Nature Reserve which is a haven for wildlife.<br />

Visitors can explore a range of habitats from<br />

woodlands to reedbeds. The walk also takes in<br />

a variety of bird hides which are placed along<br />

the trail.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Start/Finish<br />

<strong>Discover</strong>y<br />

Hide<br />

Kinnego<br />

Hide<br />

County Armagh<br />

Distance 1 miles (1.6km)<br />

OS Map OSNI Sheet 20, Craigavon<br />

Nearest Town Lurgan, Craigavon, Portadown<br />

Route Shape Circular<br />

Points of Interest <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre<br />

and Kinnego Marina<br />

Terrain 70% Traffic Free Paths<br />

Grid Ref (Start) J048620<br />

Grid Ref (Finish) J048620<br />

Oxford Island<br />

Route Description<br />

Starting at the <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre the route<br />

extends down the west shore following the green<br />

arrows. There is a variety of habitats as well as<br />

flora and fauna to be seen along the <strong>Lough</strong><br />

shoreline. Signposted along the trail are 4 bird<br />

hides where you can stop off for a spot of birdwatching.<br />

In the spring look out for the Great<br />

Crested Grebe with their courting display and in<br />

the summer stop and close your eyes and listen<br />

to the melodious song of the Reed Warbler.<br />

You will finish your walk at the <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre.<br />

How to get there<br />

By car - Take turn-off for Junction 10 on the M1<br />

and follow signs to Oxford Island.<br />

Bus and Train Station: Lurgan<br />

Cycling: NCN Route 9 + 94<br />

Facilities<br />

Toilets and refreshments are available in the<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre and Kinnego<br />

Marina. Accommodation is available at Kinnego<br />

Caravan Park.<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Additional information on walking routes are available<br />

from each Tourist Information Centre listed below.<br />

Tourist Information Centres<br />

Belfast (& Northern Ireland) Welcome Centre<br />

47 Donegall Place<br />

Tel: 028 9024 6609<br />

Email : info@belfastvisitor.com<br />

Antrim Tourist Information Centre<br />

16 High Street, Antrim<br />

Tel: 028 9442 8331 Email: info@antrim.gov.uk<br />

Crumlin Tourist Information Centre<br />

Belfast International Airport<br />

Tel: 028 9448 4677 Email: info@belfastvisitor.com<br />

Craigavon Tourist Information<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> <strong>Discover</strong>y Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon<br />

Tel: 028 3832 2205 Web: www.craigavon.gov.uk<br />

Lisburn Tourist Information Centre<br />

15 Square Street, Lisburn<br />

Tel: 028 9266 0038 Email: tic.lisburn@lisburn.gov.uk<br />

Magherafelt Tourist Information Centre<br />

The Bridewell Centre, 6 Church Street, Magherafelt<br />

Tel: 028 7963 1510 Email: thebridewell@magherafelt.gov.uk<br />

Cookstown Tourist Information Centre<br />

The Burnavon, Burn Road, Cookstown<br />

Tel: 028 8676 9949 Email: tic@cookstown.gov.uk<br />

Ballymena Tourist Information Centre<br />

76 Church St, Ballymena<br />

Tel: 028 2563 8494<br />

Email: tourist.information@ballymena.gov.uk<br />

Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre<br />

190 Ballygawley Road Dungannon<br />

Tel: 028 8776 7259<br />

Email: killymaddy.reception@dungannon.gov.uk<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

Useful Contacts<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> Partnership<br />

Tel: 028 7941 7941 www.discoverloughneagh.com<br />

Email: info@loughneaghpartnership.com<br />

Northern Ireland Tourist Board<br />

Tel: 028 9023 1221<br />

Email: info@nitb.com<br />

Sperrins Tourism Limited<br />

Tel: 028 867 47700<br />

Email: info@sperrinstourism.com<br />

Countryside & Activities Network<br />

Tel: 02890 303930<br />

Web: www.countrysiderecreation.com<br />

<strong>Lough</strong>shore Trail<br />

Tel: 028 7941 7941<br />

Email : info@loughneaghpartnership.com<br />

Translink Bus & Rail Information<br />

Tel: 028 90 66 66 30<br />

Web: www.translink.co.uk<br />

Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland<br />

Tel: 028 90 255755<br />

Email: osni@osni.gov.uk<br />

Northern Ireland Self Catering Holiday Association<br />

Tel: 028 90436632<br />

Email : info@nischa.com<br />

Hostelling International Northern Ireland<br />

Tel: 028 9032 4733<br />

Email: info@hini.org.uk<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself! <strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!


Key To Maps<br />

Key to Maps<br />

Built-up Area<br />

Parking<br />

River<br />

Road<br />

M1<br />

Tarmac/Path<br />

Jetty<br />

Building<br />

Main Path<br />

Railway<br />

Trees<br />

Wood/Trees<br />

Start/Finish<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

<strong>Discover</strong> it for yourself!<br />

For further information<br />

on <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> visit:<br />

www.discoverloughneagh.com<br />

This project is supported by<br />

the <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> Partnership and is partly financed<br />

by the European Commission through the Programme<br />

for Building Sustainable Prosperity.<br />

<strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> Partnership, The Marina Centre, Unit 3,<br />

135a Shore Road, Ballyronan, Magherafelt BT45 6JA<br />

T: 028 7941 7941 F: 028 7941 7979<br />

E: info@loughneaghpartnership.com<br />

www.loughneaghpartnership.com<br />

Disclaimer: The information contained in the guide is given in good faith on the<br />

basis of information obtained. <strong>Lough</strong> <strong>Neagh</strong> Partnership cannot guarantee the<br />

accuracy of the information in the guide and accept no responsibility for the error<br />

or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other<br />

damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the<br />

event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned, or<br />

in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.

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