Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές ποδηλασίας δρόμου Drumlin

Το μονοπάτι Newry Canal Towpath είναι ένας πράσινος διάδρομος μήκους 32 χιλιομέτρων, σχεδόν εντελώς απαλλαγμένος από αυτοκίνητα, που συνδέει τις πόλεις Portadown και Newry. Ακολουθεί το μονοπάτι του παλαιότερου καναλιού στα Βρετανικά Νησιά, το οποίο άνοιξε το 1742 για τη μεταφορά άνθρακα από το County Tyrone στη θάλασσα. Το μονοπάτι Newry Canal Towpath προσφέρει μια απαράμιλλη ποδηλατική εμπειρία μέσα από την ήρεμη καρδιά των κομητειών Armagh και Down. Αυτή η ιστορική διαδρομή, μέρος του National Cycle Network Route 9, σας οδηγεί σε ένα επίπεδο και σε μεγάλο βαθμό ασφαλτοστρωμένο μονοπάτι δίπλα σε δεκατέσσερις μνημειώδεις κλειδαριές και χαρακτηριστικές κατοικίες των φυλάκων των κλειδαριών. Καθώς ακολουθείτε την υδάτινη οδό, διασχίζετε ένα ποικίλο τοπίο από πυκνά δάση και ανοιχτά λιβάδια, περνώντας από φιλόξενα χωριά όπως το Scarva και το Poyntzpass. Το μονοπάτι είναι καταφύγιο άγριας ζωής· κρατήστε τα μάτια σας ανοιχτά για αλκυόνες, κύκνους και ενυδρίδες που ζουν κατά μήκος των καλαμιών. Είτε κάνετε ποδήλατο και τα 32 χιλιόμετρα είτε εξερευνάτε μόνο ένα μέρος, ο συνδυασμός βιομηχανικής ιστορίας και φυσικής ομορφιάς το καθιστά ένα από τα απόλυτα στολίδια των ιρλανδικών ποδηλατικών διαδρομών.

Nice little cafe in the village of Scarva right alongside the Newry canal towpath, great for brekkie, lunch or just topping up the hydration.

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

The Newry Canal Path offers exactly what many cyclists want on a tour: a relaxed route that runs through green landscapes and is shielded from any city traffic for almost 25 km. The path is smooth and well maintained throughout, which makes it ideal for longer stretches without a break - you can really rack up the miles here and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at the same time. A highlight is that the canal path is not only easy to ride, but also allows some charming glimpses of the surrounding area. The trees form a green roof over the path in places, and the silence is only occasionally interrupted by the rippling of the water or a passing bird. Here you have the feeling that with every meter you get further away from the noise of the city and instead find a little more nature. A good alternative for commuters and recreational cyclists alike to get to your destination stress-free or just switch off and let yourself drift.

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.

On the cycle path between Newry and Portadown, the gentle idyll of Northern Ireland unfolds in all its splendor. The route winds its way past lush green meadows where cows graze peacefully, through a wonderfully quiet landscape. The gentle rise and fall of the fields, the vastness of the sky and the gentle rustling of the wind create a unique atmosphere of relaxation. Here you can let your gaze wander into the distance while the path runs picturesquely between fields and hedges. A perfect place to let your bike roll and unwind.

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.

At the meeting point of the Upper Bann River and the Newry Canal stands this striking signpost - a simple yet interesting construction that shows you the way. It points to places like Scarva, Newry, Portadown and Oxford Island, while the water flows quietly, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's a moment to pause and take in the surroundings. The flow of the river, the gentle murmur and the green of the banks invite you to leave the path for a while and enjoy the view. You notice that it's not just routes that are described here, but also the connections between the towns and nature - a little reminder that every walk is more than just the path you take.