Newry Canal Way

The Newry Canal Way is 31.34 km long with only 160 m of elevation gain, so it is generally a straightforward full-day walk for strong walkers or an easy two-day outing at a gentler pace. Because it is a linear route between Portadown and Newry, timing also depends on transport plans at the finish.

The Newry Canal Way is rated easy and follows the old canal towpath, so gradients are minimal across the route. Discover Northern Ireland describes it as a flat, level shared-use path, which makes it one of the more approachable long-distance walks in County Armagh for beginners building up to 30 km-plus days.

The Newry Canal Way runs between Portadown and Newry along the restored towpath of the former Newry Canal. The canal corridor links the Portadown area near the Point of Whitecoat with Newry, and the route follows the old Newry Portadown Canal line for roughly 20 miles, or 31.34 km.

A practical parking option near the Portadown end is the car park behind The Meadows Shopping Centre delivery area off Meadow Lane, beside Portadown Boat Club. That access point connects with the marked Newry Canal Way and the Bann Boulevard section, which follows a flat tarmac path toward Point of Whitecoat and Knock Bridge.

The Newry Canal Way is known for flat canal-side terrain rather than steep climbing, with only 160 m of total ascent over 31.34 km. Sections near Portadown are described as wide tarmac, and the wider route follows the old towpath, so it suits walkers looking for a long but low-gradient outing.

Yes. The Newry Canal Way is a shared-use greenway-style route used by both walkers and cyclists, and it forms part of National Cycle Network Route 9. The towpath is generally broad and level, but mixed use means walkers should expect bikes on the path, especially on easier-access sections near towns.