Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές τρεξίματος Killycomain

Μικρό καφέ πολύ κοντά στον ποταμό Bann, ακριβώς δίπλα στη διαδρομή Sustrans 9 / Newry Canal Towpath. Το καφέ βρίσκεται πρακτικά δίπλα στο μονοπάτι και αποτελεί έτσι μια λογική στάση για τους ποδηλάτες που ακολουθούν το μονοπάτι του καναλιού. Το παλιό τούβλινο κτίριο έχει χαλαρή ατμόσφαιρα. Τόσο μέσα όσο και έξω, είναι ένα μέρος όπου ποδηλάτες και πεζοπόροι συναντιούνται. Ιδανικό για καφέ, ένα μικρό σνακ και μια σύντομη παύση πριν ξαναμπείτε στο τοπίο του καναλιού προς τις λίμνες Craigavon. Απόλαυσα τη στάση, αλλά ξέχασα τη φωτογραφία.

Κατά μήκος της γραφικής διαδρομής κοντά στον ποταμό Bann βρίσκεται το Moyallan Pillbox. Χτισμένο γύρω στο 1940 ως μέρος της βρετανικής παράκτιας και εσωτερικής άμυνας, αυτό το συμπαγές καταφύγιο χρησίμευε ως παρατηρητήριο και πολυβολεία. Στρατηγικά τοποθετημένο για να επιβλέπει τη διάβαση του ποταμού και τους κοντινούς δρόμους, αυτή η στιβαρή κατασκευή υπενθυμίζει την εποχή που αυτό το ειρηνικό τοπίο βρισκόταν σε ύψιστο συναγερμό. Για τον ποδηλάτη που περνά, αποτελεί μια ενδιαφέρουσα στιγμή στάσης· οι τοίχοι με το πράσινο του βρύου σχεδόν συγχωνεύονται πλήρως με τη γύρω φύση, αποκαλύπτοντας τα μυστικά του μόνο την τελευταία στιγμή. Ένα ακατέργαστο κομμάτι στρατιωτικής κληρονομιάς που έρχεται σε έντονη αντίθεση με την ηρεμία της σημερινής υπαίθρου.

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

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.

Located on the southern shore of Lough Neagh, the trail takes you through a tranquil landscape that is home to a diverse range of wildlife. If you're lucky, you might spot a shy badger, a heron on the bank, or even an otter gliding through the water. The sounds of buzzards circling above the treetops add an almost mystical touch to the setting. The Derrytrasna Cycle Route starts and ends right here, taking you on a relaxed loop that's perfectly integrated into the nature reserve. The paved path changes to a natural path that takes you through dense vegetation. The route is not demanding, but offers just the right mix of relaxation and a slight challenge. In the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and casts golden light over the lake, the island unfolds its very special charm. The scenery is almost picturesque - a nice opportunity to stop and simply enjoy the moment.

The paths are wide and perfect for families, as there are no cars to disturb you. As you glide along the car-free cycling and hiking trails, you can enjoy the view of the water - especially when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a very special atmosphere, almost mystical. The route is mostly asphalt, but there are also some gravel sections that provide some variety. These single-track paths add a certain challenge to the route without being really demanding. Ideal if you prefer to take it easy, but still don't want to just walk on smooth asphalt. If you want to take a break, the lake offers many corners to catch your breath and have a picnic. There is enough space on the banks to rest a bit and enjoy the surroundings to the fullest.

Ground Espresso Bars Café is located right on the road, making it an ideal stop for cyclists travelling along the Newry Canal Towpath. Just a stone's throw from the River Bann, the small café offers a welcome place to take a quick breather. Here you can recharge your batteries with a cup of coffee or a small snack before continuing on. The atmosphere around the old, charming brick building is relaxed and inviting. Its proximity to the cycle path makes it a meeting point for cyclists and walkers alike. You can have a good conversation here or just watch the cyclists go by while sitting outside. Those who continue along the river soon find themselves in a rural landscape, accompanied by the Craigavon Lakes in the distance.

The Moyallan Pillbox is an intriguing WWII relic that is an unexpected discovery along the River Bann. The old concrete structure, well camouflaged and reclaimed by nature, stands modestly on a hill overlooking the river. The views from here are particularly rewarding on a clear day when the Bann flows lazily across the landscape. It's hard to imagine that this tranquil scene was once strategically important in protecting access to the north from possible invasions. The Pillbox stands just opposite a petrol station, near the roundabout where several roads meet. The location may seem unspectacular, but with a little imagination you can glimpse the history. The concrete block quietly tells of times gone by as you pedal on, leaving the river behind. A quick stop is well worth it - not for the drama, but for the unassuming way in which history finds its place here.