4.7
(23)
1,063
riders
121
rides
Road cycling routes around Ballyvarley offer a varied landscape for cyclists in Northern Ireland. The region is characterized by gentle hills and tranquil waterways, providing accessible cycling experiences. A prominent feature is the Newry Canal Towpath, which offers a flat and scenic cycleway. The area also includes natural features such as the Cusher River and the picturesque Clare Glen Stone Bridges, contributing to a pleasant outdoor environment.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
43
riders
89.9km
03:44
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
37
riders
36.1km
01:42
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

26
riders
57.2km
02:26
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
93.0km
04:05
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
32.3km
01:24
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Small coffeeshop right by the river Bann, directly next to Sustrans Route 9 / Newry Canal Towpath. The cafe is practically on the roadside, making it a logical stop for cyclists following the canal path. The old brick building has a relaxed atmosphere; inside and out it's a place where cyclists and walkers cross paths. Ideal for a coffee, a small snack and a short break before you cycle back into the canal landscape towards Craigavon Lakes. Enjoyed the stop, but forgot the photo.
7
0
The Newry Canal Towpath is a 32-kilometer-long, almost entirely traffic-free green corridor connecting the towns of Portadown and Newry. It follows the towpath of the oldest canal in the British Isles, opened in 1742 to transport coal from County Tyrone to the sea. The Newry Canal Towpath offers an unparalleled cycling experience through the tranquil heart of County Armagh and County Down. This historic route, part of the National Cycle Network Route 9, takes you along a flat and largely asphalted path past fourteen monumental locks and characteristic lock-keeper's cottages. As you follow the waterway, you'll traverse a varied landscape of dense forests and open meadows, passing through welcoming villages like Scarva and Poyntzpass along the way. The path is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and otters that inhabit the reed beds. Whether you cycle the full 32 kilometers or explore just a section, the combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this one of the absolute gems of Irish cycling routes.
5
0
Nice little cafe in the village of Scarva right alongside the Newry canal towpath, great for brekkie, lunch or just topping up the hydration.
1
0
Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
0
1
A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.
0
0
There are over 130 road cycling routes around Ballyvarley, offering a diverse range of options for cyclists. These include 30 easy routes, 81 moderate routes, and 27 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
Road cycling around Ballyvarley features a varied landscape with gentle hills and tranquil waterways. The region is known for accessible cycling experiences, including very flat sections like the Newry Canal Towpath, alongside routes with more challenging ascents.
Yes, the Ballyvarley area offers several family-friendly road cycling options, particularly along the Newry Canal Towpath. This very flat and scenic cycleway is ideal for a relaxed ride with children. Routes like the Roadbike loop from Banbridge are also rated as easy, making them suitable for families.
Cyclists can explore several interesting points. The Newry Canal Towpath offers views of old canal lock gates and gatekeepers' cottages. You can also pass through historical sites like Scarva Village. For natural beauty, the tranquil Cusher River and the picturesque Clare Glen Stone Bridges are nearby attractions.
Along routes like the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll find options for refreshment. Petty Sessions coffee shop in Poyntzpass is a recommended stop, offering both sweet and savory options. Many routes also start or pass through villages like Scarva, which may have local cafes or pubs.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Ballyvarley offers difficult routes. An example is the Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Scarva, which covers over 95 km with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding ride.
The road cycling routes in Ballyvarley are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 19 reviews. More than 1,100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic and accessible nature of the routes.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Ballyvarley are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the The Yard Café – Loughbrickland Crannóg loop from Banbridge and the Scarva Village – Lackan Road loop from Scarva.
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't detailed, the region's gentle terrain and scenic waterways suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn would offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, with milder weather and vibrant landscapes.
Absolutely. The Ballyvarley area has 30 routes classified as easy, perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. The Scarva Village – Lottie's Café loop from Banbridge is an easy route that takes you through pleasant scenery.
Many routes in the Ballyvarley area, especially those starting from towns like Banbridge or Scarva, will have public parking facilities available. For routes along the Newry Canal Towpath, specific parking areas are often designated at access points in towns like Newry or Portadown.


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