Top 6 Lakes around Derryhubbert South

Near Derryhubbert South, you can explore a variety of lakes, including expansive freshwater bodies like Lough Neagh, amenity-rich artificial park lakes such as Craigavon Lakes, and tranquil urban park lakes like Lurgan Park Lake. Each offers distinct features and recreational opportunities.

Lough Neagh is a prime location for nature and wildlife spotting, boasting diverse habitats that support rare species of plants, insects, waterfowl, and fish. Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, located on its shoreline, is particularly excellent for birdwatching and exploring nature trails.

Yes, several lakes offer excellent walking and cycling opportunities. Craigavon Lakes feature an extensive network of well-marked, surfaced trails, including a three-mile route around both lakes, suitable for all users and part of National Cycle Network Route 9. Lough Neagh also has abundant cycling and walking trails along its scenic shoreline, and Maghery Footbridge at Lough Neagh connects to National Cycle Network Route 94. Lurgan Park Lake and Loughgall Country Park Lake also provide pleasant paths for walks.

The region's lakes are great for water sports. Lough Neagh is ideal for boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Craigavon Lakes are a hub for watersports, offering activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and various paddle sports through the Craigavon Watersports Centre.

Absolutely. Craigavon Lakes are very family-friendly, featuring a pump track, a family mountain bike trail, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and proximity to Tannaghmore Gardens with its rare breeds farm. Lurgan Park Lake, within Lurgan Park, offers a super play area, and rowing boats for hire. Loughgall Country Park Lake also has a café and facilities, making it suitable for families.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lough Neagh has a long tradition of fishing, particularly for eel, pollan, perch, and dollaghan trout. Craigavon Lakes are also popular for angling, with North Lake regularly stocked as a rainbow trout fishery. Lurgan Park Lake is stocked with Roach, Bream, and Tench, offering coarse angling with 20 newly constructed fishing stands. Loughgall Country Park Lake is also known for coarse fishing.

Lurgan Park Lake is overlooked by the grand Elizabethan Brownlow House and features the majestic cast-iron Coalbrookdale Fountain, one of only four remaining of its type in the world. Lough Neagh is also steeped in colorful myths and legends, including tales of a sunken kingdom, adding a historical and cultural dimension to its natural beauty.

For easy walks, the paths around Maghery Footbridge at Lough Neagh are mostly flat. Craigavon Lakes offer a three-mile route around both lakes on well-maintained paths. Lurgan Park provides a two-mile lap around its lake and parkland. Loughgall Country Park Lake has varied gravel, concrete, and cobbled paths through quiet woodland, and Dungannon Park Lake offers serene views on an easy circuit.

To experience Lough Neagh, visit Maghery Footbridge at Lough Neagh for great views of the largest body of freshwater in the British Isles. Bannfoot Picnic Area offers a quiet waterside stop at the confluence of the River Bann and Lough Neagh. Additionally, View of Coney Island from Maghery provides a unique perspective of Coney Island within the lake.

Yes, efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. The trails around Craigavon Lakes are suitable for disabled users. Lurgan Park, home to Lurgan Park Lake, offers mobility scooters free of charge for those with reduced mobility, ensuring wider access to the park's amenities and paths.

Beyond exploring the lakes themselves, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking routes, including easy loops like "Dungannon Park loop" and "River Walk at The Argory," as well as moderate options like "Derryadd Lake loop." For cyclists, road cycling routes such as "View of Lough Neagh – Lough Neagh loop" offer longer excursions. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the hiking guide and road cycling guide for Derryhubbert South.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for water sports, walking, and cycling. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage, particularly in areas like Loughgall Country Park. Birdwatching at Lough Neagh can be rewarding in various seasons, especially during migration periods.