The best cycling routes around Lisserboy
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521
riders
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Touring cycling routes around Lisserboy offer access to the diverse landscapes of County Down, Northern Ireland. The region features varied topography, from the dramatic Mourne Mountains to the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough. Numerous forest parks provide dedicated trails through woodlands and along rivers. The area also includes traffic-free canal paths, offering a range of cycling experiences.
Best touring cycling routes around Lisserboy
- The most popular touring cycling route is Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Lurganare…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
1
riders
70.2km
04:50
1,080m
1,080m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
52.6km
03:06
350m
350m
Cycle the moderate 32.7-mile Newry Canal Way Loop, enjoying canal views, rolling hills, and charming villages like Scarva.
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1
riders
39.6km
02:26
380m
380m
Cycle the moderate 24.6-mile Newry to 'The Old Oak' Kilbroney Park loop, a touring bicycle route offering scenic views and challenging terra
107km
06:54
1,290m
1,290m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.6km
01:15
210m
210m
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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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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Added to the collection: komoot.com/de-de/collection/3600632/-naturdenkmaeler-besondere-baeume-und-weitere-schaetze-der-natur
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Silent Valley Reservoir, nestled in the Mourne Mountains, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by sweeping granite peaks and heathered slopes. Built in the early 20th century to supply water to Belfast and much of County Down, the reservoir combines striking engineering with natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along well-kept paths, admire the Victorian-style dam and impressive Mourne Wall, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere by the lakeshore.
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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The well-maintained trails take you through impressive scenery, surrounded by the striking peaks of the Mournes. The view of the Mourne Wall, which stretches for 35 kilometers and connects 15 peaks, is particularly impressive. However, some sections can become slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. A highlight is a visit to Ben Crom Reservoir, which can be reached via an extension of the route. Note that there is a fee to enter the park.
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The gently ascending road winds through a wide, open landscape, surrounded by grassy hills and breathtaking silence. Only the wind and the quiet hum of the tires accompany you here as your gaze wanders into the distance. The climb may be challenging, but the view that opens up with every meter of altitude is worth the effort. Once at the top, you feel free and rewarded, as if you have conquered a piece of nature and then the reward comes with the descent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Lisserboy?
There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Lisserboy, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews.
What types of landscapes can I expect to see on touring cycling routes near Lisserboy?
Touring cycling around Lisserboy offers incredibly diverse landscapes. You can experience the dramatic views of the Mourne Mountains, the tranquil shores of Strangford Lough, lush forest parks like Tollymore and Castlewellan, and peaceful, traffic-free canal paths along the Newry Canal. The region provides a mix of coastal scenery, mountain backdrops, and verdant woodlands.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed ride?
Yes, Lisserboy offers several easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Newry, which is 10.5 miles (16.9 km) long and leads through green landscapes along the Newry Canal. Another easy choice is the Newry Canal Towpath – Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins loop from Mullaghglass, an 8.2 km route also along the canal.
Where can I find challenging touring cycling routes with significant elevation gain?
For a more challenging experience, consider routes that venture towards the Mourne Mountains or offer extensive views. The Lily Finnegan's – Lookout Post 1, Ballagan Point loop from Newry is a difficult 53.5 miles (86.1 km) path with significant elevation, potentially including coastal scenery. Another demanding option is the Bagenal's Castle – Newry Ship Canal Fountain loop from Newry, which covers 57.7 km with over 600 meters of ascent.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Lisserboy?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Lisserboy are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the popular Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Lurganare is a moderate 31.9 miles (51.4 km) circular trail. The Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Newry is another excellent circular option.
What points of interest or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Many routes incorporate interesting landmarks and natural features. You can cycle along the historic Newry Canal Towpath, pass by the impressive Craigmore Viaduct, or explore the ruins of the Lock Keeper's Cottage. For scenic views, look for viewpoints like Gordons Lane. The region also offers sights like the Bessbrook War Memorial.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lisserboy?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free sections along the Newry Canal, the extensive views offered by more challenging routes, and the diverse natural beauty ranging from coastal scenery to mountain backdrops. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Lisserboy area?
Yes, the traffic-free sections of the Newry Canal Towpath are particularly well-suited for family cycling. These routes offer a safe and gentle environment away from road traffic, allowing families to enjoy the scenic landscapes and historic canal at a leisurely pace. Look for the 'easy' graded routes along the canal.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Lisserboy?
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for touring cycling around Lisserboy, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the region's diverse landscapes, including forest parks and canal paths, can be enjoyed in autumn with vibrant foliage, and even in winter on clearer, drier days, though some mountain routes might be more exposed.
Are there opportunities for birdwatching or wildlife spotting along the cycling routes?
Absolutely. The region is rich in wildlife. Cycling along Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with chances to spot herons and other waterfowl. The lough is also home to seals. Forest parks like Tollymore and Castlewellan offer diverse ecosystems where you might encounter various woodland creatures and birds.
Can I find routes that combine cycling with views of the Irish Sea?
Yes, several routes in the Lisserboy area offer stunning coastal views. Routes that venture towards Ballagan Point or along the County Down coastline will provide extensive vistas of the Irish Sea. The Mourne Mountains, visible from the coast, also offer breathtaking views across patchwork fields to the sea on clear days.
Are there any forest parks with cycling trails near Lisserboy?
Yes, County Down boasts several picturesque forest parks. Tollymore Forest Park, the first state forest park in Northern Ireland, features lush woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls with numerous cycling trails. Castlewellan Forest Park also provides extensive trails around a scenic lake, offering a mix of terrains suitable for various cycling abilities.
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