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

Brownlow House, Schloss in Lurgan.

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.

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.

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.