4.1
(22)
1,394
riders
124
rides
Road cycling around Keady Beg offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and tranquil lakes. The region's topography, shaped by ancient glacial activity, features distinctive drumlins that create dynamic cycling paths. Many routes utilize paved surfaces suitable for various skill levels, providing a network of roads for both leisurely rides and challenging ascents. This blend of natural features makes Keady Beg a compelling destination for road cyclists.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4
riders
72.2km
03:07
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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.
43
riders
43.8km
01:53
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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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.
6
0
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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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.
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
0
Hollie Berrie is a good place for refreshments on the route at Scarva
0
1
A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.
0
0
There are over 120 road cycling routes available around Keady Beg, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The terrain around Keady Beg is diverse, characterized by rolling hills, verdant farmlands, and tranquil lakes. You'll encounter distinctive drumlins that create dynamic cycling paths, along with winding roads that meander through emerald landscapes. Most surfaces are paved, making them ideal for road bikes.
Keady Beg offers routes for various abilities. There are 6 easy routes, over 100 moderate routes, and 16 difficult routes. This blend ensures options from leisurely rides to challenging ascents.
Yes, for experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop from Jerrettspass offer significant climbs and descents, including the notable Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb. The broader Keady Mountain area also presents routes with substantial elevation gain.
Absolutely. For a gentler, more exploratory ride, sections of the Newry Canal Towpath provide a very flat and scenic experience. The Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Bessbrook is a popular choice that follows this picturesque path.
Along the routes, you can explore several interesting landmarks and natural features. Highlights include the historic Newry Canal Towpath with its old lock gates, the tranquil Camlough Lake nestled within the hills, and the impressive Gosford Castle. You might also spot the Red Deer Enclosure in Gosford Forest Park.
The road cycling routes in Keady Beg are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, from rolling hills to tranquil lakes, and the well-maintained paved surfaces suitable for road biking.
While specific 'family-friendly' routes are not explicitly detailed, the region offers 6 easy routes and many moderate options that could be suitable for families, especially those utilizing flatter sections like the Newry Canal Towpath. Always check the route's distance and elevation profile to ensure it matches your family's ability.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Keady Beg are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Scarva Village loop from Bessbrook and the Toberona River loop from Camlough.
The rolling hills and emerald landscapes of Keady Beg are beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather conditions for road cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Autumn can also be very scenic with changing foliage, though weather can be more unpredictable.
Specific parking locations are not detailed for every route, but many cycling routes in the Keady Beg area originate from towns or villages like Bessbrook and Jerrettspass, where public parking facilities are typically available. It's advisable to check local parking options near your chosen starting point.
While this guide doesn't list specific cafes or pubs, the routes often pass through or near villages and towns such as Bessbrook, Jerrettspass, and Scarva. These locations typically offer amenities where you can find refreshments and places to rest during or after your ride.


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