The Newry Canal Towpath stretches from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry.  This route follows the towpath on the western bank of this historic Canal and provides a 20-mile trip on part of Route 9 of the National Cycle Network.

Route Factfile

Distance:	20 miles
Advice:	The Newry Canal towpath is a shared use path and can be busy at times in places.  Please give way to walkers and be prepared to dismount if necessary.
Start and Finish:	Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry
Refreshments:	Available in Portadown, Tandragee, Scarva Visitor Centre, Poyntzpass, Jerretspass and Newry.

Route Finder
Start the Route in Portadown at The Bann Bridge in Bridge Street.  After one mile you will meet the Point of Whitecoat, which marks the end of the Canal and the point where the River Bann and River Cusher meet. Continue for approximately 1 mile to visit Moneypenny’s Lock and Musuem, which highlights the magnificent flora and fauna that brings the Canal and towpath to life.  Continue on passing Knock Bridge and continue to the next landmark of Terryhoogan Lock.  Approximately one mile further along, you will enter the village of Scarva.

Points of Interest

Point of Whitecoat	At the beginning of the route in Portadown.  At the end of the Canal and the confluence of the Bann and Cusher rivers.  The latter is crossed by a distinctive bridge.
Moneypenny’s Lock	The last lock on the Canal before it reaches the River Bann and the location for a small museum about the history of the Canal, a lock-keeper’s job and the flora and fauna surrounding the towpath.
Scarva Visitor Centre	Located on the banks of the Canal adjacent to the original basin, which has been partially excavated and where vast quantities of coal were unloaded for use in the local linen industry.  Interpretative boards within the Centre help to explain the building of the Canal, its trade and Scarva’s role within this.
Acton Interpretative Centre	Situated on the site of a former sluice keeper’s cottage beside Acton Lake.
Acton Lake	This small lake was used to top-up the water level in the Canal in times of drought. It is now designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a small flock of whooper swans roost here every winter. The lake also enjoys a reputation as a welcome home for other rare winter migrants including the goosander.
Gamble’s Bridge	Also known as the ‘Crack Bridge’ due to either the crack in its wall or as a meeting point to share a bit of craic.
Steenson’s Bridge	A picturesque stone bridge incorporating 3 arches.
Art	Several sculptures which reflect the former work and nature of the Canal and millennium milestones can be seen along the route.

Accommodation
Mountpleasant  - Bed and Breakfast

Cycle Hire
The Cycle Centre
31a Church Square
Banbridge
Co. Down
T: 028 4066 2863