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Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Moderate

4.2

(23)

120

riders

Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

02:03

54.4km

100m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

12.7 km

Lottie's Café

Highlight • Cafe

quick service with plenty of space

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Tip by

12.9 km

Scarva Village

Highlight • Historical Site

Village on the Newry cycle path. There is also a Scarva pilbox - one of many left over from the 2nd World War. Worth seeking out if you've got the time.

Tip by

14.9 km

This largely flat and completely traffic-free path winds through the heart of counties Armagh and Down, along the tranquil waterway that once formed the lifeline for transporting coal to the Irish Sea. As you pedal over the well-maintained asphalt or fine gravel, you'll be surrounded by lush green embankments, historic stone bridges, and the monumental remains of eighteen locks that bridge the elevation difference in the landscape. A mix of smooth asphalt and easily rideable fine gravel, suitable for almost all types of bicycles.

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19.8 km

Crack Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Crack Bridge, also known as Fearon’s Bridge, is one of the most characteristic stone arch bridges over the Newry Canal. This historic structure is located on a beautiful, secluded section of the towpath between Poyntzpass and Jerrettspass. This robust, semi-circular arch bridge from the 18th century is built from locally quarried stone and forms an iconic image along the Newry Canal Towpath. The bridge was originally built to give local farmers and their livestock access to the farmlands on both sides of the canal without hindering navigation.

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19.8 km

Newry Canal Towpath

Highlight • Cycleway

A very flat and reasonably scenic cycle from Newry to Portadown and back. A round trip of about 18 miles. Cycling along the route of the old Newry Canal you get a chance to look at the old canal lock gates and gatekeepers cottages. A recommendation refreshment stop in Poyntzpass is Petty Sessions coffee shop, they have an excellent selection of food, sweet and savoury. You can also do sections of the route or in the opposite direction.

Tip by

27.3 km

Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins

Highlight • Structure

Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

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29.9 km

Newry Canal Towpath

Highlight • Historical Site

Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.

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31.1 km

Towpath Coffee

Highlight • Cafe

Open Saturdays and Sundays

Tip by

54.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

53.3 km

599 m

259 m

147 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

54.2 km

147 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 24 August

19°C

12°C

29 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Lottie's Café

Scarva Village

Newry Canal Path

Crack Bridge

Newry Canal Towpath

Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins

Newry Canal Towpath

Towpath Coffee

Nearby routes

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