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You are in Out and About: Walking Routes
The Banbridge district covers about 179 square miles in the heart of Country
Down from the former Newry/Portadown Canal in the west to the rolling Dromara
hills in the east - designed as an area of outstanding Natural Beauty.
The routes combine public rights of way and public paths with on road walking
to give circular routes. The public paths may be used alone as liner routes.
Off road paths are signposted and way marked.
Surfaces can be muddy and uneven and some of the routes pass through open fields.
Boots or sensible shoes are required and it is advisable to bring something
to eat and drink. The walks are not suited for children under 10 due to the
uneven ground and on-road walking.
You will encounter signs reading 'Public Footpath' and others reading 'Bridleway'.
A public footpath is a right of way for the public by foot only; a bridleway
may be used by walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Most of the paths are in
agricultural use so expect to meet tractors, etc.
A public right of way is a right of passage only and does not give any other
right. Please stay on the way marked paths and follow the country code.
Please choose from the selection of Walking Routes below for more details on
each:
Route 1: The Twelve Cairns
Two walks, one a linear walk along a metalled road which leads to the summit
of Slieve Croob, the other an on-road extension.
Route 2: Ballyroney
This walk combines public rights of way and on-road walking. The route crosses
Lackan Bog Area of Special scientific interest famed for its dragonfly population.
Care should be taken on this path.
Route 3: Adders Loanin and The Moat Pad
Follow green lanes and country roads within the Mourne AONB between Dromara
and Rathfriland. This walk involves some steep climbs.
Route 4: Bronte Homeland Country
Patrick Bronte, the farther of the famous literary sisters, was born in this
area on 17 March 1777. This walk takes in public rights of way and roads in
the lovely countryside between Loughbrickland and Rathfriland.
Route 5: Windy Gap Pad
This walk follow a farm lane and public roads in an area describe as 'on
e of the finest undiscovered landscape in Ireland' in the country between Dromara
and Rathfriland.
Route 6: Newry/Portadown Canal
The Newry Canal was an engineering feat of its day. It opened in 1742 and
was abandoned in the 1940's. Presently the four Councils along the Canal are
working towards its restoration. This section of the towpath is in public ownership.
The walk is linear and is around 6 miles return, a supplementary or alternative
walk is also suggested.
Route 7: Near Drumkeeragh Forest
A trip through lanes in the Mourne Area of Outstanding National Beauty in
the countryside between Dromara and Ballnahinch. This walk of around 5 miles
follows 2 public rights of way and roads in the rolling Dromara Hills. A walk
for clear weather when the views can be enjoyed.
Route 8: Strolling in Dromore
This is an interesting, mainly on road walk, in and around the historic
town of Dromore, taking in some very pleasant countryside.