Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Meets, places, trips and reviews => Topic started by: Dowser on July 16, 2013
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I've been doing most of my paddling/canoe sailing in Strangford Lough, since I restored the Canadian last year, so I've decided to try and explore some of the inland waterways of Northern Ireland and all they have to offer for a bit of variety.
My first outing was going to be a short paddle on the River Bann, from Shillington's Quay in Portadown, but a local resident put me off a bit as he warned me that there are certain parts that would take me close to a housing development where the sight of a canoe in the water would attract the youth in their droves armed with catapults and bottles :(
This was disappointing because I had recced the area a couple of times by car and foot and thought the river looked fantastic.
This would have been my launch site:
(http://i.imgur.com/GA1uPVJ.jpg)
Shillington's Quay, Portadown
If anybody on here knows the area well or has any experience of canoeing in the area please could you let me know your thoughts on paddling from Shillington's Quay. I really do like the look of it as a launch site and paddling through an urban area and getting to view it from a different perspective appeals to me.
So, instead of the Bann, I chose the River Blackwater instead and a bit of Googling seemed to suggest that if I got myself to Moy there would be decent access to the river for getting the canoe launched.
When I got to Moy I pulled into a car park purely by chance to do a U-turn and found that it had a public slipway and jetty and that turned out to be my starting point from where I could get the canoe wet and loaded up my ship mates and a picnic.
(http://i.imgur.com/8KP0OaL.jpg)
The route I was going to follow is shown below with my destination being The Argory (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory/), a National Trust property on the banks of the River Blackwater which I never new existed.
(http://i.imgur.com/fbnkFyy.jpg)
It turned out to be a fantastic route for the canoe. The river was wide, scenic, tree lined, slow moving and teeming with fish. Every 200 yards, or so, we would startle a fish which was swimming just below the surface and in turn it would make a large splash, trying to dive deep, making us jump too! Next time I set out on that river I think I will be trailing a trout spinning rig from the back of the canoe while paddling along and hopefully I'll get a trout to BBQ for lunch ;)
Here's a few photos to let you see the peaceful stretch of water from Moy to The Argory:
(http://i.imgur.com/3YYclnf.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/apGaRjN.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/PtH9gTn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/i5RNWI3.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hdEmrKU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Fer49J1.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/GMNYslU.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/nannPDa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/31Fhe1Z.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Dm2UuPD.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/YKazFXh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1vcm6Ci.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/UInuWRm.jpg)
My trip to The Argory, up the River Blackwater, is only my second Northern Ireland river adventure, with the first being the Quoile River last year from Jane's Shore to Inch Abbey.
I'm definitely going to explore more of our inland waterways before the end of the summer and I'm open to suggestions. Guide Books and "Set Routes" are all very well but it's great to be given a heads up to somewhere a bit more interesting and not so well known.
Dowser
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tbh I don't think you'd have had issues passing by woodside/churchhill, by the time they'd have got their catapults you would have been miles away!!! did you consider going the other direction on the bann? I know your paddling uphill sort of, into banbridge?? or don't know if you could take the cusher into tandragee or canal to newry (think the canal is overgrown now). check these out with better sources, its years from I have been that direction
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Great looking trip and envious of the Canadian.
but a local resident put me off a bit as he warned me that there are certain parts that would take me close to a housing development where the sight of a canoe in the water would attract the youth in their droves armed with catapults and bottles
Crossbow..... 8)
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tbh I don't think you'd have had issues passing by woodside/churchhill, by the time they'd have got their catapults you would have been miles away!!! did you consider going the other direction on the bann? I know your paddling uphill sort of, into banbridge?? or don't know if you could take the cusher into tandragee or canal to newry (think the canal is overgrown now). check these out with better sources, its years from I have been that direction
I think your right. The guy I was talking to is an angler and he's maybe had a bad experience once. I'll maybe give it a go on my own sometime when I don't have company on the boat.
If the natives did try to have a go I think they would find they are picking on the wrong Guy ;) It looks like a crackin' stretch of water! I'll let you know how I get on.
I'll defo check out those other routes you mentioned too, Thanks T18con.
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Great looking trip and envious of the Canadian.
Crossbow..... 8)
I only got the Canadian last year and it has been loads of fun. I've big plans for a bit of canoe camping around Strangford Lough this year.
I'm liking the crossbow idea although, I do have a catapult myself and I'm a pretty good shot lol
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My house is on your map! The Argory is only a couple of fields from me and i walk that stretch from the Argory upstream to where the river Calan runs into the Blackwater regularly. There is kingfishers nesting along there too. If you had carried on downstream about less than 1km there is a new canoeists campsite not long opened as part of a new canoe trail. It is a mown fenced in piece of land with great access for canoeists from the river and also has a composting toilet, the site for it has been loaned to Dungannon District Council by a mate of mine.
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I saw the Kingfishers..! First time I ever saw one in real life. They are amazingly fast and shoot up and down the banks like little blue streaks of lightening :)
How popular is the campsite... Have you heard much about it and can you light a fire? Some places don't allow campfires and camping without one just isn't the same.
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do a search for knock bridge over the bann , the lock keepers cottage etc. have all been restored and there's supposed to be excellent fishing there. knock bridge is about 2 or 3 miles upstream from shillingtons and you encounter very little of the town enroute.
Newry Canal Way
The Newry Canal Way is a 20 mile long distance route running from Portadown to Newry along the restored towpath of the former Newry Canal. This linear walk/cycle, provides a flat, level surface suitable for walkers and cyclists of all abilities. The Towpath has now been upgraded and is part of Route 9 National Cycle Network. It one of the Way Marked Ways, an initiative which way marks and provides information on high quality long distance walks in Northern Ireland. The Newry Canal, completed in 1742, was Britain’s first summit-level canal. The canal runs for 18 miles/28.96 km from the Point of Whitecoat on the Upper Bann 0.93 mile /1.5 km south of Portadown to Victoria Locks at the sea 3.41 miles/5.5 km south of Newry. It was originally built to transport coal from a coal deposit in Tyrone via the Tyrone Navigation and Lough Neagh to the Upper River Bann to Point of Whitecoat and then along the canal to the important port of Newry to Dublin.
The canal runs through the Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne council areas on its journey from Lough Neagh to the sea at Carlingford Lough. The inland canal ceased to operate over 60 years ago. In recent times the four councils have taken on ownership and management of the towpath and manage it jointly through the Newry Portadown Canal Committee. They have undertaken a major restoration programme on the towpath and created a popular recreational facility once again ensuring that the Newry Canal benefits the local communities along its length.
Route Fact File
Distance: From Knock Bridge to Scarva approx. 4.5 mile/7.24 km
From Scarva Visitor Centre to Lough Shark/Acton Lake – approx. 1.5 mile/2.41 km
From Scarva Visitor Centre to Poynzpass – approx.3 mile/4.82km
Grade: Easy
Advice: The canal enters the Banbridge area at Knock Bridge to the north and leaves it at Poyntzpass to the south but throughout its length the border between Armagh and Down criss-crosses the canal.
Start and Finish: Either at Knock Bridge or at Scarva Visitor Centre
Parking: Car parking is available at Scarva Visitor Centre. There is no formal car park provision at Knock Bridge but limited parking in an informal lay-by on bridge off busy B2 road, and at bridge over River Bann before you come to the canal.
Grid Reference: J065439 – Scarva Visitors Centre
J039508 – Knock Bridge
Ordnance Survey of NI Discoverer Series Craigavon 1:50 000 Sheet 20
Terrain: Level, surfaced path
Accommodation: Contact Banbridge Tourist Information Centre
T: 028 4062 3322
E: tic@banbridge.gov.uk
Refreshments: Scarva Visitor Centre Tearooms is open during the summer season from Easter to the end of September (closed Mondays). Local shops and pubs in Scarva and Poyntzpass.
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I saw the Kingfishers..! First time I ever saw one in real life. They are amazingly fast and shoot up and down the banks like little blue streaks of lightening :)
How popular is the campsite... Have you heard much about it and can you light a fire? Some places don't allow campfires and camping without one just isn't the same.
The campsite is only finished max 2 months ago, I dont know much about it other than that. As for fires, it is almost half a mile from the nearest road, who is going to see you! I tried unsuccessfully to find any info on it on the dungannon council website.
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http://www.outdoorrecreationni.com/project/blackwater-canoe-campsite/
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Excellent...
I imagined the usual council run setup with loads of rules and regs.
From the link you've posted it does seem to be a mowed field in the middle of nowhere and is unmanned.
It's designed to allow canoeists to paddle the length of the waterway over two days with a secure spot to camp half way with no road access so it won't be full of kids with their carry-outs... Just me with mine ;)
Only leaves one last question to be asked... Who all has a canoe and fancies a two day paddle and an overnighter. That's maybe two questions lol
Thanks Phil_b for letting us know about this.
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Hey Dowser,
Followed your restoration of the red canoe and I'm glad to see you're ejoying the fruits of your labour!
The Blackwater is a lovely stretch of river, and I paddle it quite regularly.
You can also put in at Blackwatertown and this doubles the length of the journey to the Argory/Bond's Bridge. We usually use Moy for a lunch stop (there's a chip van that parks close by).
There is another put in point on the Blackwater - Verner's Bridge. This is just off the motorway. It's further down toward Lough Neagh and is easily found.
If you're looking an overnighter on the Blackwater, could I suggest the below?
Put in at Blackwatertown
Paddle the remainder of the Blackwater to Maghery Slip
Cross over to Coney Island and wild camp
Back over to Maghery Slip in the morning, or paddle on towards the mouth of the Bann and up the river until you hit Shillingtons yard (the same one in your post)
The above is a fairly lengthy trip and wouldn't recommend it to those that couldn't easily paddle 12-15 miles in a day.
However, the trip can be trimmed down easily by putting in at the Argory or Verner's Bridge instead.
Coney Island is well worth a visit.
Up the Bann from Shillingtons is a nice stretch of the river, although you'll struggle with low river levels any further upstream than Moneypennys lock. The Canal and Cusher are incredibly overgrown at the moment.
I have paddled from Shillingtons yard to Coney Island many times and I have never had any sort of bother with the natives- although it only takes that one time to turn you off for good.
I would however strongly advise AGAINST leaving your car anywhere near Shillingtons yard. While it is a lovely place to put in, your car will be vunerable to theft and vandalism while you're gone. There's a car park behind Tesco's just beside Shillingtons that you can use - they also have canoe steps for easy put in. It's the home of Portadown Rowing Club if you're looking for it.
I'm doing three days of canoeing/wild camping on the river Barrow at the start of August, but I'd more than be up for doing the Blackwater and Coney Island thing with you at some stage when I got back?
Anyways - health to enjoy the canoe!
PS. Not me, but some will point out the lack of anyone wearing PFDs/Buoyancy Aids in your pics! I'm sure you're both very good swimmers, but we have to think about what example we're setting for the kids. Think of the kids Dowser - think of the kids!
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PS. Not me, but some will point out the lack of anyone wearing PFDs/Buoyancy Aids in your pics! I'm sure you're both very good swimmers, but we have to think about what example we're setting for the kids. Think of the kids Dowser - think of the kids!
Thank you velvetmonkey... Really appreciate the advice on where to put in. You just can't beat local knowledge! I'll set up a thread to organise a trip for Blackwater or Coney Island and hopefully we can get a wee flotilla together for a paddle/camp :)
You are so so right about the Buoyancy Aids. That is the first time I have ever been on the water without wearing it and I was very conscious of the fact we weren't wearing them when I was taking the photos. We did have two PFDs with us in the boat at all times (You'll probably see them lying on the floor at our feet in the photos) but the water was so flat, and the sun was so hot, that I broke from the norm and decided to catch a few rays instead.
So kids, don't be fools... Here's a little poem to help you remember:
Life-Vest
by Roger W Hancock
Never go onto a boat,
without a safety life-vest.
Should you, happen overboard,
a life-vest will keep you afloat.
TBH, I don't think Roger should give up his day job because I'm struggling to get that to rhyme in my head :D
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Dowser !!!
That looked one amazing day never to forget !!
well done mate.
P.S amazing pictures
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That's a grand trip Dowser, cracking weather and a beautiful location. I don't own a canoe but i'll be up for an outing if there's any spare seats going, can't beat messing around on the water.
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I know a wee poem, There was a young girl called .................. On second thoughts maybe not but it does rhyme :o :o :o :o
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(http://i.imgur.com/YKazFXh.jpg)
did you get seasick ? or was it just the sight of your 5 bellies ;D
Nice trip, perfect weather for it, fingers crossed i may get a little canoeing done this weekend
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Was also going to note the lack of PFD's.. Tut, tut!!
My DofE group paddled from Cranfield up to Toome and camped in the Lock keeper's garden then paddled up through Lough Beg to Portglenone and then to Movanagher. I would definitely recommend that trip, lots of wild camp spots and fab scenery.
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did you get seasick ? or was it just the sight of your 5 bellies ;D
Oi, Mr Landyliam... That is one of the finest salads ever prepared by human hand, and less of the "Five Bellies". There's only four now that I'm eating salads like that, and paddling 5 miles in blistering heat :D
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Was also going to note the lack of PFD's.. Tut, tut!!
As for you Miss (Health and Safety) Kayakgirl... what sort of way is this to be wearing a helmet when climbing ;)
(http://i.imgur.com/qch0rD0.jpg)
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Lol, I had a hat on underneath, anyway I've replaced it with a nice pink one lol
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Dowser,
Don't bypass the wonders of Lough Erne - plenty of spots to wild camp
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Anyways at least I am wearing one lol
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Hi Dowser
i live in Portadown and don't tkink you'd get any bother from the housing areas. Theres a field or 2 between them and the bann. I've a kayak and would love a wee paddle along that part of the bann.
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Hi Dowser
i live in Portadown and don't tkink you'd get any bother from the housing areas. Theres a field or 2 between them and the bann. I've a kayak and would love a wee paddle along that part of the bann.
I'm defo going to do that stretch of river within the next couple of weeks. Probably Saturday 10th or Sunday the 11th of August.
I'll give you a shout when I know for definite.
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