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Bike touring routes & trails
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Lisburn
Ballycanal

Shaw's Bridge – Lagan Towpath loop from Moira

Moderate

4.6

(5)

55

riders

Shaw's Bridge – Lagan Towpath loop from Moira

04:15

73.2km

300m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 27.1 km for 96 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

19.5 km

Lagan Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • River

The path, which is part of National Cycle Route 9, offers a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for relaxed bike rides - but walkers, joggers and dog owners also appreciate the route.

The contrast between the quiet river and the partially flooded sections that can appear after heavy rain is particularly exciting. Sometimes the path leads directly to the water and it almost seems as if the Lagan wants to reclaim a bit more space. The trees are reflected in the calm waters, which creates an almost mystical atmosphere in cloudy weather.

Another highlight are the small, branching mountain bike trails that bring a bit of adventure to the tour. If you want a change and don't just want to follow the river, these trails offer a welcome change.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

21.6 km

The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is one of the most popular green spaces in Belfast. The park covers a huge area – 130 acres (52 ha) in total.

The park has lots of diverse landscapes including woodland, formal rose gardens, meadows, riverside fields, a Japanese garden and a walled garden.

Tip by

3

28.6 km

Lagan Meadows Nature Reserve

Highlight • Natural

Just of the towpath is the Meadows. A really peaceful part of the stretch, especially considering how close it is to the town centre.

This route in the meadow itself explores a beautiful Local Nature Reserve in the Lagan Valley with varied wildlife habitats. Including the odd adventurous Seal and Kingfishers.

Spent many a time just sitting on a tree here, having not seen a soul for hours. A real gem.

Tip by

4

31.6 km

5

34.0 km

Ormeau Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Ormeau Park - the perfect place for a relaxing bike ride in the middle of Belfast. As the oldest city park in the city, opened in 1871, it offers a pleasant mix of history, nature and leisure activities. The spaciousness and the dense green of the old trees create an atmosphere that immediately brings a bit of peace to hectic everyday life.

Here you will find a surprising variety: from BMX and bicycle paths to basketball and tennis courts to bowling greens and a beautifully designed flower garden. For me as a cyclist, the appeal lies particularly in the gentle curves and the wide paths that lead through the green area. In some corners you can still feel the touch of the Victorian era, especially along the beautiful avenues.

The park offers many entrances - be it from the Ormeau Road, the Ormeau Embankment or the Ravenhill Road.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

35.4 km

Lagan

Lake

7

41.1 km

Lock Keeper's Cottage and Lock Keeper's Inn coffee shop is a perfect spot to take a breather and rehydrate and refuel. The coffee shop is situated in a beautiful riverside setting and will be serving up delicious food and drinks daily between 9am-4pm.

Tip by

8

42.5 km

Shaw's Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

The bridge is named after Captain John Shaw of Oliver Cromwell's army, who built an oak bridge here in 1655. A stone bridge was built by Thomas Burgh in 1691, although this was destroyed by flooding, which led to it being replaced by the present bridge in 1709.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9

50.0 km

Lagan Towpath

Highlight • Forest

One of the most popular outdoor spots in the province. The Towpath is part of the Ulster Way. You can walk, run or cycle completely traffic free from the Castlereagh hills to Lisburn.

Tip by

B

73.2 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

38.0 km

25.6 km

7.78 km

1.14 km

516 m

127 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

70.9 km

1.82 km

376 m

100 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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

Highest point (60 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Friday 8 May

12°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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

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Nearby routes

Moderate

12

National Cycle Network Route 93: Woodburn Reservoir Loop

03:19h

43.4km

320m

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