Life

Craigavon Lakes

Distance: 3 miles circular

Map: Sheet 20 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Services, www.dfpni.gov.uk/lps

Nearest town to start: Craigavon

Facilities: Toilets, car park and refreshments available at the Watersports Centre.

Developed by: This walk was developed and is maintained by Craigavon Borough Council.

Terrain: This walk takes place on pathways suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Trails through the forest, parkland and grassland are on varied surfaces and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Walk description:

Escape to the lakes for a pleasant three-mile stroll in Craigavon.

This walk description will focus on the three-mile Lakeland Walk which begins from the car park at Craigavon Water Sports Centre.

From here, follow the wide tarmac path which runs beside the lake walking either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. For the first half of the walk, follow the signs for Tannaghmore Gardens, which features beautiful rose gardens, a listed Georgian farmhouse, picnic and barbecue areas and a children's play area. The Barn Museum exhibits displays of farming activities in Co Armagh in days gone by.

From the gardens continue along the pathway until you reach two bridges. You will need to pass under these to complete the circuit of both lakes.

From the point where the path approaches a railway line, you can follow the signs to Craigavon Water Sports Centre car park to complete the walk or take a short detour to the land either side of the railway line.

This path follows a route through formal parkland and semi-natural grassland habitat where a wealth of wildlife can be

seen including tufted duck, mallard, mute swans, reed bunting, sedge warbler and skylark.

In addition to several small islands located on the North and South Lakes, a tern raft has recently been located on the North Lake for breeding birds. Of particular note, although not part of the main walk, is the wildflower corridor on either side of the railway line.

This area has recently been designated as a Local Nature Reserve and is rich in biodiversity. When you have spent some time exploring, return to the pathway and follow the signs back to the car park.

Responsible walking:

Please remember to practice the principles of 'Leave No Trace' when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit www. leavenotraceireland.org

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