4.3
(31)
1,469
riders
127
rides
Road cycling routes around Cloghinny traverse a varied landscape, encompassing canal towpaths, forested areas, and coastal roads. The region features routes with moderate elevation gains, providing diverse experiences for road cyclists. Terrain includes flat sections along waterways and undulating paths through rural settings. This mix of environments offers a range of road cycling opportunities.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4
riders
72.2km
03:07
470m
470m
This moderate 44.9 miles (72.2 km) road cycling loop from Newry offers scenic views around Gosford Forest Park, including Gosford Castle.
4.3
(12)
132
riders
58.4km
02:19
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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64
riders
80.4km
03:22
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
57
riders
56.9km
02:30
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
41
riders
43.6km
01:53
300m
300m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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chance to see statue of Newry born , first manager of Celtic F.C.
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Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
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This largely flat and completely traffic-free path winds through the heart of counties Armagh and Down, along the tranquil waterway that once formed the lifeline for transporting coal to the Irish Sea. As you pedal over the well-maintained asphalt or fine gravel, you'll be surrounded by lush green embankments, historic stone bridges, and the monumental remains of eighteen locks that bridge the elevation difference in the landscape. A mix of smooth asphalt and easily rideable fine gravel, suitable for almost all types of bicycles.
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Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.
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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
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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1
Cloghinny offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 130 tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to more challenging rides.
Yes, Cloghinny has several options for beginners. There are 9 easy road cycling routes, providing a gentle introduction to the region's diverse landscapes. These routes often feature flatter sections, such as those along canal towpaths.
For more experienced road cyclists, Cloghinny offers 16 difficult routes. These often include greater elevation gains and longer distances, such as the Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry, which covers over 100 km with significant climbing.
Road cycling routes in Cloghinny feature varied terrain. You'll find flat sections along historic canal towpaths, undulating paths through rural settings, and coastal roads offering scenic views. Some routes also traverse forested areas, providing a mix of environments.
Many of the popular road cycling routes in Cloghinny are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Gosford Park loop from Newry and the Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Bessbrook.
Road cycling routes in Cloghinny often pass by beautiful natural and historical sites. You can cycle along the Newry Canal Towpath, enjoy views of Camlough Lake, or explore the Killevy Churches Ruins. The Carlingford Lough Greenway also offers picturesque coastal views.
The road cycling experience in Cloghinny is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied landscape, which includes canal paths, forested sections, and coastal roads, offering diverse and engaging rides.
Yes, some routes are known to pass by local establishments. For example, the Basecamp Coffee – Strandfield Coffee Shop loop from Newry is specifically designed to include stops at popular cafes, making it ideal for a leisurely ride with refreshment breaks.
While road cycling is possible year-round, the spring and summer months generally offer the most favorable weather conditions in Cloghinny, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.
Absolutely. The Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry is an excellent example, leading cyclists through dense forested areas before transitioning to scenic coastal roads along Warrenpoint Shore, offering a dynamic and varied ride.
The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and your pace. Moderate routes like the Gosford Park loop from Newry (72.2 km) typically take around 3 hours, while longer, more challenging routes can extend to 4 hours or more.
While popular routes are well-loved, Cloghinny's extensive network of over 130 routes means there are many less-traveled paths. Exploring routes slightly off the main popular trails, such as the Fairy Glen – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Newry, can offer a more secluded experience while still providing beautiful scenery.


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