The Lagan Towpath

Distance:

11 miles

Start Point:

J342712

Finish Point:

J264629

Point of interest:

Historical canal, tranquil riverside habitats

Nearest town:

Stranmillis, Belfast

OS map:

Sheets 15 & 20

Terrain:

Off road quiet surfaced paths

Route:

From Stranmillis, Belfast - go onto the tarmaced towpath with the river to your left. Continue for approx. 2kms.

Cross canal at Lock Keepers cottage (past red footbridge).

At Shaws Bridge (old stone bridge), walk up the zigzag path to your left, cross the bridge taking you back to right hand side of the river. Continue with the river on your left until Drumbridge, here the path takes you over the river via a narrow footbridge and you can continue with the river and canal on your right till you reach Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.

The route takes you under the motorway via a walkway, under the sandstone Ballyskeagh bridge and crossess first the Tullynacross road and then the Hilden road. At Lagan Valley Island, cross the canal and keep alongside the river until you reach the road. To continue on towards Union Locks you will have to cross three roads using the crossings. When back on the river continue with river to your left for the final stretch to Union Locks.

Facilities:

Refreshments at Stranmillis; Cutters river grill and bar. Toilet and café facilities at Lock Keepers Cottage. Restaurant at Ramada Hotel, access from laneway opposite Lock Keepers Cottage. Refreshments and toilet facilites at Malone House, set in Barnetts Demesne above Shaws Bridge. Toilet and cave facilites in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, follow paths from Drumbridge. Resturant and toilet facilites at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.

Accessible toilet facilities:

Yes

Accessible terrain:

Tarmac path with road crossings

Publication:

Towpath Leaflet, Lagan Valley Regional Park

Publication availability:

Available from local Tourist Information Centers, libraries or call 02890 491922

Getting to the start by public transport:

From Belfast the towpath can be accessed from Lockview Road, Stranmillis. The roundabout at Stranmillis College is signed for Lagan Valley Regional Park, parking is available on the left at the bottom of Lockview Road next to the boat clubs and tennis courts. Alight from 8A Metro bus at Stranmillis College or approx 1 mile walk from Central Station along Laganside to Stranmillis.

From Lisburn the towpath at Union Locks can be accessed from Blaris Road, off Hillsborogh Road which is near the M1 Sprucefield turn-off. The Hillsborough Road is on a number of bus routes in and out of Lisburn and the train can be used as a link to Belfast from Lisburn. Lisburn Station is at the bottom of Station Road.