The best cycling routes around Glaskermore
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Touring cycling routes around Glaskermore are situated within County Down, Northern Ireland, a region characterized by diverse landscapes. The area features rolling hills, extensive canal paths, and proximity to loughs and forest parks. These physical features provide varied terrain for touring cyclists, ranging from flat, accessible towpaths to routes with moderate elevation changes.
Best touring cycling routes around Glaskermore
- The most popular touring cycling route is Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Lurganare, a 31.9 miles…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(12)
97
riders
51.7km
02:56
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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(2)
42
riders
39.9km
02:21
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
12
riders
9.17km
00:32
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
50.4km
03:00
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
24.1km
01:28
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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Along the route of the historic Newry Canal, you'll find the Acton Lake Visitor Centre, beautifully situated on the banks of the tranquil Lough Shark. This lake, a remnant from the ice age, provides an idyllic setting for a short stop during your bike tour. The visitor centre not only offers a glimpse into the local flora and fauna – with numerous waterfowl and rare dragonflies – but also tells the story of the region's inland navigation history.
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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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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.
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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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The Newry Canal Towpath is a 32-kilometer-long, almost entirely traffic-free green corridor connecting the towns of Portadown and Newry. It follows the towpath of the oldest canal in the British Isles, opened in 1742 to transport coal from County Tyrone to the sea. The Newry Canal Towpath offers an unparalleled cycling experience through the tranquil heart of County Armagh and County Down. This historic route, part of the National Cycle Network Route 9, takes you along a flat and largely asphalted path past fourteen monumental locks and characteristic lock-keeper's cottages. As you follow the waterway, you'll traverse a varied landscape of dense forests and open meadows, passing through welcoming villages like Scarva and Poyntzpass along the way. The path is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and otters that inhabit the reed beds. Whether you cycle the full 32 kilometers or explore just a section, the combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this one of the absolute gems of Irish cycling routes.
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Glaskermore?
There are 26 touring cycling routes around Glaskermore, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are situated within County Down, Northern Ireland, known for its diverse landscapes.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Glaskermore offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Scarva Village – Newry Canal Path loop from Poyntzpass is an easy 5.7-mile (9.2 km) trail that follows the canal corridor, often completed in about 31 minutes. The broader County Down area also features family-friendly trails at locations like Castlewellan Forest Park and Castle Ward Demesne.
What kind of scenery can I expect on touring cycling routes near Glaskermore?
Touring cycling around Glaskermore offers diverse scenery, including canal paths, rolling hills, and lough-side views. The region of County Down is renowned for its majestic Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob, picturesque coastlines, and expansive Strangford Lough. You can also cycle through forest parks like Tollymore and Castlewellan.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Glaskermore area?
Yes, many routes around Glaskermore are designed as loops. Examples include the Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Lurganare, a 31.9-mile (51.4 km) trail, and the Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Loughbrickland, which is 24.8 miles (39.9 km). These routes offer a convenient way to explore the area without retracing your steps.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Glaskermore?
The touring cycling routes around Glaskermore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic canal paths and the varied terrain that caters to different ability levels.
Are there more challenging touring cycling routes available?
Yes, while there are easy options, Glaskermore also offers more challenging routes. Out of the 26 available routes, 19 are rated as moderate and 5 as difficult. The broader County Down region, particularly around the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob, provides dramatic backdrops and challenging terrain for cyclists seeking scenic climbs and expansive views.
What historical or cultural sites can be explored by bike in County Down?
County Down is rich in historical and cultural significance. Cyclists can explore Christian Heritage sites and archaeological sites, including ancient stone monuments. Notable sites along various routes include Maghera Old Church and Slidderyford Dolmen. Castle Ward Demesne also offers trails that wind through woodlands and along the shores of Strangford Lough, with a Game of Thrones® themed cycle path.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling near Glaskermore?
The best time for touring cycling in County Down, including the Glaskermore area, is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, the diverse landscapes mean that routes can be enjoyed year-round, with winter offering a different, often quieter, experience, though some routes may be more exposed to weather conditions.
Are there any specific routes that feature lakes or loughs?
Yes, several routes incorporate views of the region's loughs. The Craigavon Lakes – Scarva Village loop from Banbridge is an example that features the Craigavon Lakes. The broader County Down area is also home to the expansive Strangford Lough, with an 82-mile cycle route offering breathtaking coastal views, and Castlewellan Forest Park which features one of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes.
Where can I find more information about cycling in the wider County Down area?
For additional information on cycling and mountain biking opportunities in the broader County Down region, you can visit external resources such as Visit Ards and North Down or Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford. These sites provide details on various trails and cycling experiences beyond Glaskermore itself.
Are there routes that pass through forest parks?
While specific routes directly through Glaskermore may focus on canal paths, the wider County Down region offers excellent touring cycling opportunities through forest parks. Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park both feature cycling routes, with Castlewellan offering a variety of mountain biking trails and scenic paths around its lake.
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