The best running trails around Ballywilly

Small coffeeshop right by the river Bann, directly next to Sustrans Route 9 / Newry Canal Towpath. The cafe is practically on the roadside, making it a logical stop for cyclists following the canal path. The old brick building has a relaxed atmosphere; inside and out it's a place where cyclists and walkers cross paths. Ideal for a coffee, a small snack and a short break before you cycle back into the canal landscape towards Craigavon Lakes. Enjoyed the stop, but forgot the photo.

The paths are wide and perfect for families, as there are no cars to disturb you. As you glide along the car-free cycling and hiking trails, you can enjoy the view of the water - especially when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a very special atmosphere, almost mystical. The route is mostly asphalt, but there are also some gravel sections that provide some variety. These single-track paths add a certain challenge to the route without being really demanding. Ideal if you prefer to take it easy, but still don't want to just walk on smooth asphalt. If you want to take a break, the lake offers many corners to catch your breath and have a picnic. There is enough space on the banks to rest a bit and enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.

Ground Espresso Bars Café is located right on the road, making it an ideal stop for cyclists travelling along the Newry Canal Towpath. Just a stone's throw from the River Bann, the small café offers a welcome place to take a quick breather. Here you can recharge your batteries with a cup of coffee or a small snack before continuing on. The atmosphere around the old, charming brick building is relaxed and inviting. Its proximity to the cycle path makes it a meeting point for cyclists and walkers alike. You can have a good conversation here or just watch the cyclists go by while sitting outside. Those who continue along the river soon find themselves in a rural landscape, accompanied by the Craigavon Lakes in the distance.

At Loughgall Country Park you can expect a varied mix of gravel, concrete and cobbled paths that meander through quiet woodland. The trees cast long shadows on the ground, especially in autumn when the leaves glow in warm tones and crackle under your tires. The nearby lake with its still waters invites you to linger - it is often full of anglers trying their luck at coarse fishing. For a short breather, it is worth stopping at the café, which offers you the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a cup of tea. The golf course on site provides additional variety if you want to experience a little nature away from the cycle paths. A quiet place that impresses with its variety and is ideal for a relaxed round on the bike without being too demanding.

At the meeting point of the Upper Bann River and the Newry Canal stands this striking signpost - a simple yet interesting construction that shows you the way. It points to places like Scarva, Newry, Portadown and Oxford Island, while the water flows quietly, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's a moment to pause and take in the surroundings. The flow of the river, the gentle murmur and the green of the banks invite you to leave the path for a while and enjoy the view. You notice that it's not just routes that are described here, but also the connections between the towns and nature - a little reminder that every walk is more than just the path you take.

On the picturesque banks of the Newry Canal, not far from Portadown, lies a historical gem: Moneypenny's Lock. This lock house, whose history goes back to the beginning of the 19th century, has stood the test of time and today offers visitors a special insight into the past. When you enter the canal museum you feel like you have been transported to another era. The walls bear witness to the days when the lock house was still in full operation and run by the Money family. The constant rippling of the water, the passage through the lock chambers and the hustle and bustle of yesteryear are almost tangible. The exhibition tells the story of Moneypenny's Lock from its early days to the mid-20th century. Through lovingly compiled exhibits and information material, you get a feel for the importance of this place and the people who worked and lived here.

A mixture of wooded, paved, and gravel trails will lead you through the wonderful Lough Gall Country Park in Loughgall, County Armagh. There's a wealth of things to discover here such as bluebell and orchid-filled woodlands, a golf and football pitch, an outdoor gym and a coffee shop.

Refresh your senses at this beautiful lake situated in the Lough Gall Country Park.