The best road cycling routes around Ballymacawley

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.

Nice little cafe in the village of Scarva right alongside the Newry canal towpath, great for brekkie, lunch or just topping up the hydration.

Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva

The Newry Canal Path offers exactly what many cyclists want on a tour: a relaxed route that runs through green landscapes and is shielded from any city traffic for almost 25 km. The path is smooth and well maintained throughout, which makes it ideal for longer stretches without a break - you can really rack up the miles here and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at the same time. A highlight is that the canal path is not only easy to ride, but also allows some charming glimpses of the surrounding area. The trees form a green roof over the path in places, and the silence is only occasionally interrupted by the rippling of the water or a passing bird. Here you have the feeling that with every meter you get further away from the noise of the city and instead find a little more nature. A good alternative for commuters and recreational cyclists alike to get to your destination stress-free or just switch off and let yourself drift.

The small town of Scarva, nestled between green meadows and the quiet canal, offers a welcome break on my bike tour through Northern Ireland. Here you cycle on well-maintained paths past historic bridges and small villages that give you the feeling that time has stood still. The British flags fluttering along the side of the road remind you that you are in a culturally special area - a detail that reflects the identity of the region. The route is easy to cycle, the surrounding landscape is gently rolling, which makes for pleasant cycling. The view of wide fields and rolling hills invites you to slow down now and then and take in the peace and quiet. A special feature of Scarva is the annual Orange Order March, which transforms the village into a kind of open-air stage once a year and keeps the traditions of this region alive.

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.

In the middle of the quiet residential area of Annagh Meadows, just a stone's throw from Tandragee Road, the Annagh Pillbox suddenly appears - a relic from the dark days of the Second World War. Its massive concrete walls and narrow loopholes tell of a time when defence along the River Bann was a top priority here. Today it seems a little out of place, surrounded by manicured gardens and modern houses, but that is precisely what gives it a special aura. The interpretive panel next to the bunker is worth a look - it brings you a little closer to the events of that time and reminds you how close the war was here too. The pillbox itself is in remarkably good condition, which is probably thanks to the care taken by the local council. It is worth a short detour to explore this historic corner and pause for a moment. You might wonder what it must have been like back then, when the view from here still extended unobstructed to the river, where you once had to keep an eye on the course of the Bann Line.

The dam is easy to cross and from there you have a great view over the lake and the rolling hills that surround it. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle rippling of the water. The reservoir provides fresh drinking water to the surrounding area and the trout fishery here is controlled by the Armagh Angling Club - so it's an interesting spot for anglers. Even if you're not here to fish, the scenery is simply relaxing and it's worth stopping for a few minutes and looking around. The roads around the lake are easy to drive on but there might be a few potholes in places - nothing that would stop a real cyclist. Overall a nice stop to enjoy nature and take a quick breather before moving on.