Portadown to Newry

'Newry Canal Way'

The towpath of the now derelict Lough Neagh to Newry canal has been converted into an amazing 32 km Greenway that starts in Portadown and finishes in Newry City. It is part of a grand plan for a 1000km network of Greenways in Northern Ireland.

The Greenway is shared use – walkers, cyclists and joggers share the path which is nice and wide in most parts. It starts at Bann Bridge in Portadown and ends at Town Hall in Newry.The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the Newry Canal.

I have ridden this Greenway a few times and I can tell you that it is absolutely fantastic – smooth, flat tarmac surface virtually all of the way with amazing country views. Portadown and Newry are sizable towns with plenty of places to eat & drinks. 

There are lovely villages with facilities along the way – Tandragee, Scarva, Poyntzpass &  Jerretspass all offer options. 

Not wishing to favour anywhere in particular but Hollie Berrie at the Tea Rooms at Scarva takes some beating if you have just reached that point where a Flat White and a massive slice of some delicious cake is just what the Doctor ordered. We cyclists need to ‘Carb-Load’ – it goes with the Lycra. 

It’s just an excuse really – to eat cake, not to wear Lycra !

As you leave Portadown, there is a short tree-lined stretch where the roots of the trees have turned the pathway into a mini Pump-Track but aside from that, it’s smooth sailing all the way.

  I don’t know what more I can really tell you about this Greenway – it is seriously impressive and IF ONLY we can get the stretch from Omeath to Victoria Lock finished soon, we’ll have a 53km Greenway that has EVERYTHING you could possibly want – Sea views, Mountain Views, Cityscapes, lush green Countryside, rolling Hills, Canal Heritage, Railway Heritage, City Heritage, Ships, Shops, Cafes, Bistros Pubs, Toilets, Parking, the list goes on and on. 

It will, without question, be a world class leisure facility that will attract walkers, joggers and cyclists from all around the World. Let’s get it done !!