4.8
(20)
300
riders
28
rides
Touring cycling around Kilmore features diverse routes through rolling hills and varied terrain. The region offers access to significant rail trails and local creek paths, providing a mix of sealed and gravel surfaces. Historical streetscapes and natural reserves like Monument Hill add cultural and scenic interest to the routes. These landscapes provide options for both leisurely rides and more challenging long-distance cycling.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
9
riders
139km
08:08
560m
560m
Embark on the difficult Lap the Lough loop from Portadown, a touring bicycle route that spans 86.4 miles (139.0 km) with 1828 feet (557 metres) of elevation gain. This journey…
5.0
(1)
1
riders
56.6km
03:18
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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54.8km
03:20
400m
400m
This moderate 34.0-mile (54.8 km) touring cycling loop from Portadown to Dromore offers scenic countryside, historical sites, and riverside
46.7km
02:55
430m
430m
Cycle the Newry Canal and Loughbrickland Loop, a 29.0 miles (46.7 km) touring route with canal paths and rolling countryside views.
5.0
(14)
102
riders
55.0km
03:05
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kilmore
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.
7
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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
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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.
5
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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.
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Along the picturesque route near the River Bann, you'll find the Moyallan Pillbox. Built around 1940 as part of Britain's coastal and inland defences, this compact bunker served as an observation post and machine gun nest. Strategically positioned to guard the river crossing and nearby roads, this robust structure is a reminder of a time when this peaceful landscape was on high alert. For the passing cyclist, it's an intriguing stop; its moss-green walls blend almost seamlessly with the surrounding nature, revealing the bunker's secrets only at the last moment. A raw piece of military heritage that sharply contrasts with the tranquility of the present-day countryside.
6
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The entrance to Lisnamintry Rath (located on Ballygargan Road, near Portadown) is the gateway to one of the few officially protected archaeological monuments in this part of County Armagh. A rath is an early medieval fortified farmstead (c. 500–1000 AD) that formerly offered protection to families and their livestock against raiders. Not visible from the road.
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Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
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Kilmore offers a diverse range of touring cycling experiences. You'll find everything from leisurely local paths like the Kilmore Creek Trail, which meanders along the creek through parks, to longer, more challenging routes that incorporate rolling hills and varied terrain. The region also provides access to significant rail trails, such as the Great Victorian Rail Trail, for extensive cycling adventures.
Yes, Kilmore has options for easier rides. The Kilmore Creek Trail, also known as the Kilmore Creek Heritage Art Walk, is a peaceful and scenic path suitable for all fitness levels, including families. It features artist-designed panels and sculptures. Another local option is the Kilmore Community Bank Walking Trail, a 3.2 km return loop around the Kilmore Racecourse, which is also generally easy.
The terrain around Kilmore is quite varied. You'll encounter undulating hills and long, winding roads, characteristic of the region's landscape. Routes can feature a mix of sealed roads, gravel sections, and dedicated paths, offering different experiences for touring cyclists. Some routes, like the 'Kilmore loop via 3-Chain Rd and Kilmore East', are mostly gravel, ideal for gravel or mountain bikes.
Kilmore's routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. You can explore the Monument Hill Reserve, a significant bushland area with panoramic views from the Hume and Hovell Monument. The town itself boasts historic 19th-century bluestone buildings, including the Old Kilmore Post Office and Kilmore Courthouse, which add a cultural dimension to your ride. Nearby natural spaces like Kilmore East Bushland Reserve also provide opportunities for exploration.
Absolutely. For those seeking longer adventures, the region provides access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail, one of Victoria's longest rail trails at 134 km. While not directly within Kilmore, it's easily accessible from the broader Mitchell Shire. There are also routes like the 'Explorers Bike Ride' from Kilmore to Attwood, a substantial 104.1 km route incorporating various surfaces and points of interest.
Kilmore generally offers good cycling conditions through much of the year. Spring and autumn typically provide pleasant temperatures for touring. While specific seasonal advice isn't available, the diverse terrain means you can find suitable rides in most conditions, though summer can be hot and winter might bring cooler, wetter weather.
Kilmore is well-equipped to support touring cyclists. The town has local amenities such as 'Wheel House Bikes' for sales and servicing. You'll also find various options for rest and refreshment, including cafes, bakeries, and classic country pubs, making it convenient to refuel during your cycling tour.
Yes, the Monument Hill Reserve, located east of Kilmore, offers tracks for bushwalking and horse riding, and provides panoramic views from the Hume and Hovell Monument. While cycling is permitted on formal tracks, this area is excellent for taking in the surrounding landscape.
While specific public transport connections directly to all route starting points are not detailed, Kilmore is part of the broader Mitchell Shire. For information on public transport options within the Mitchell Shire, including potential connections to Kilmore, you may find details on the local council's website. For general information on the area, you can visit Mitchell Shire's Kilmore page.
The touring cycling routes around Kilmore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 19 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's rolling hills, varied terrain, and the blend of scenic natural areas with historical streetscapes, offering engaging rides for different ability levels.
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, the Kilmore Community Bank Walking Trail is a 3.2 km return loop. For those seeking a mixed-surface ride, the 'Goldie loop' near Kilmore provides a predominantly paved route with some unpaved sections, offering a good circular option.
Komoot features over 25 touring cycling routes around Kilmore. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy local loops to more challenging long-distance tours.


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