The Yard Café – Scarva Village loop from Rathfriland

Bike touring routes & trails

The Yard Café – Scarva Village loop from Rathfriland

Hard

riders

The Yard Café – Scarva Village loop from Rathfriland

03:06

50.2km

510m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

423 m

The Yard Café

Highlight • Cafe

A great little cafe set in the bike shop, with great coffee and a nice variety of sweet goodies.

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29.1 km

Lock complex on the old Newry Canal, just south of Scarva. The stone lock walls, the narrow canal profile, and the quiet, green surroundings make this a characteristic point along the towpath. The water often stands still here, reflecting the trees along the bank, while the old lock structure is still clearly recognizable. An atmospheric, historic moment on an otherwise very relaxing canal route.

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30.5 km

Lottie's Café

Highlight • Cafe

quick service with plenty of space

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30.7 km

Scarva Village

Highlight • Historical Site

Village on the Newry cycle path. There is also a Scarva pilbox - one of many left over from the 2nd World War. Worth seeking out if you've got the time.

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32.0 km

Scarva Pillbox

Highlight • Historical Site

The thick concrete walls and roof of this World War Two defensive pillbox still stand intact at the entrance to Scarvagh House overlooking the Co. Down village of Scarva. Photo taken on 10th September 2016.

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37.1 km

Loughbrickland Crannóg

Highlight • Structure

The crannóg is a man made island dating from around the Late Bronze Age period (from approx. 2000 to 500 BC). The Island was inhabited by the Magennis family in the 17th century, who had vacated a castle that is thought to have stood on the lake shore. It was also used as a hiding place for the Irish Rebellion around 1642.

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