Orchard County

Starting at Loughgall’s Country Park the route

heads north towards the National Trust property of Ardress House, just off to your right on the B28. After crossing the B26 you cross several bridges over the former Great Northern, Portadown to Omagh railway line and climb to pass close to a windmill stump from where the landscape south of Lough Neagh lies before you. Continuing northwards, the route meets

the Loughshore Trail close to where the River Bann flows into the Lough and turns west towards Maghery and on to Peatlands Country Park. You then head south and follow quiet roads past the NT property of The Argory (pay a visit to Aunt

Ida’s tea room) and through the villages of Charlemount and Blackwatertown. Here the route follows the line of the former Ulster Canal on the river Blackwater before returning to Loughgall. After the cycle ride take a while to explore the park with possibly a walk round the lake and grounds.

Public roads: On Public Road

Getting to the start: Loughgall is situated North West of Armagh. The Ballygasey B77 road leaves Armagh town centre and passes through Loughgall. Look out for signs for Loughgall Country park.

Traffic: Route is mainly on quiet country roads however care must be taken crossing B28 and B26 roads.