Top 5 Lakes around Gortrea

For cyclists following the 'Lough Neagh Cycle Way' (National Cycle Route 94), the Maghery footbridge is an iconic resting point and an essential link. This elegant, modern bridge spans the mouth of the Upper Bann as it enters the lough.

The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.

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.

From the shore at Maghery, the view falls directly on Coney Island, which lies quietly in Lough Neagh. The rough waters of the lake, which are constantly in motion, create a special atmosphere that alternates between calm and turmoil. The cool breeze carries the scent of the wild vegetation on the shore, while the sound of the waves sets the tone for the moment. Coney Island itself seems almost untouched, a small spot in the vastness of the lake that seems to tell stories of times gone by. It may be tempting to imagine what it would be like to row there and explore the island. But from here it remains a place of longing in the distance - close enough to arouse curiosity, but far enough to keep a certain mystery. The view is impressive, but on stormy days you realize that nature can be rough here. Perhaps not the ideal place for a long rest, but a place that is worth a moment's pause before continuing on the path.

Enjoy serene views of still waters and wading fishermen as you circumnavigate the lake at Dungannon Park.

Enjoy serene views of still waters and wading fishermen as you circumnavigate the lake at Dungannon Park.

Small bridge with great views of Lough Neagh - the largest body of freshwater in all Ireland and in the UK.

Loughgall Country Park with gravel, concrete and paved paths through beautiful woodland and a lake for some coarse fishing, with toilets/coffee shop onsite and a golf course.