クルナのおすすめライド

Poyntzpassの南にある静かな運河区間で、水路沿いの道が狭い水路に沿ってまっすぐに伸びています。岸辺は低い木々や生け垣でわずかに覆われており、この区間に親密で緑豊かな印象を与えています。水はほとんど静止しており、開けた農地の風景を直線に横切っています。均一で交通のない区間で、水路沿いの道でのんびりとした距離を走るのに理想的です。

gravel paths and a tarmac road up the middle, also has public toilets

In the middle of the quiet residential area of Annagh Meadows, just a stone's throw from Tandragee Road, the Annagh Pillbox suddenly appears - a relic from the dark days of the Second World War. Its massive concrete walls and narrow loopholes tell of a time when defence along the River Bann was a top priority here. Today it seems a little out of place, surrounded by manicured gardens and modern houses, but that is precisely what gives it a special aura. The interpretive panel next to the bunker is worth a look - it brings you a little closer to the events of that time and reminds you how close the war was here too. The pillbox itself is in remarkably good condition, which is probably thanks to the care taken by the local council. It is worth a short detour to explore this historic corner and pause for a moment. You might wonder what it must have been like back then, when the view from here still extended unobstructed to the river, where you once had to keep an eye on the course of the Bann Line.

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 Craigmore Viaduct is an impressive structure, with its 18 arches spanning the Camlough River Valley, dominating the landscape of south Armagh. As I cycled along the gently curving roads, the viaduct suddenly appeared on the horizon - a massive but elegant sight. The tall stone arches seem to effortlessly support the train traffic that runs between Dublin and Belfast. I stopped for a moment to take a closer look at the structure. It is fascinating to know that this structure has been standing here since 1852, designed by Irish engineer John Benjamin Macneill. The highest arch rises 126 feet, and standing under it you can really appreciate the scale and importance of this structure to the region. The surroundings are just perfect for putting your bike down and taking some time to look at the view. Perhaps a small lookout point with information about the history of the viaduct would be a nice addition, but even without it it is a worthwhile stop along the way. We continue, but the image of the arches remains in our minds.

Derrymore House has been built in the 18th century by MP Isaac Corry. It has been built in the style of a cottage and less of a manor and therefore nicely fits into the green and lush countryside. Today the building is owned by National Trust. The park around Derrymore House is open to public all year round, while the so called Treaty or Drawing room in the house itself only opens at certain times. More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/derrymore-house

The bridge was designed by John Benjamin Macneill, an eminent Irish civil engineer, with construction beginning in 1849 and the viaduct formally opening in 1852. The highest of the arches is 126ft, making Craigmore the highest viaduct in Ireland. It is around a quarter of a mile long and is a prominent feature in the south Armagh landscape, visible for instance, from much of the surrounding upland.

This cycle and walking route from the Bann Bridge in Portadown to the Town Hall in Newry is a 20 mile trip on part of route 9 of the National Cycle Network. The route follows the towpath on the western bank of the, now non-navigable, Newry Canal. Here's a bit about the Canals history. Built to transport coal from Coalisland in County Tyrone to Dublin via Lough Neagh, Portadown, Newry and the Irish Sea, the Newry Canal was opened in 1742. It operated for almost 200 years until it fell into disuse following the growth of the railway network. Frequent interpretation boards along the way give information about the history of the canal. You will also find lots of art pieces along the route including Sustrans commissioned Millennium Mileposts and a series of pieces which reflect the former work and nature of the Newry Canal.