Newry Canal Towpath & Canal Wood 🌱 📍Near Poyntzpass, Co. Armagh We explored the Newry Canal towpath from the Gambles Road Bridge layby on Drumantine Road to Canal Wood, then turned back. The canal stretches around 18 miles between Portadown and Newry, so you can choose your distance. Our walk took around an hour, including exploring the woodland. This is a flat, scenic and peaceful walk, ideal for a relaxed countryside stroll. It was much quieter than I anticipated which was lovely. The wide, paved towpath is easy-going, with good visibility and plenty of space to step aside. It's a linear route rather than a loop, and the flat surface is suitable for little legs and prams. There's plenty to sniff along the way, with swans on the canal adding extra interest for curious noses! Off-lead time may be possible for dogs with reliable recall, but please remember to keep on lead when approaching others. Canal Wood offers a small woodland area to explore. The terrain is rougher and less even than the towpath, but a nice change of scenery to keep the walk interesting! Be cautious that the first bridge you encounter is currently not accessible, but just keep walking and you'll find the next entrance. 🌻 Reactive-Friendly: The wide path, good sightlines and space to create distance make this a good option for dogs needing extra room. We only passed a handful of cyclists and runners on a Sunday afternoon, making it feel very peaceful, although this will vary depending on when you visit. ⚠️ TIP: Avoid letting your dog access or drink from the canal water due to the potential risk of harmful algae. 🐶 Our ratings: Cleanliness 5/5 Space 3/5 Quietness 4/5 Off-lead suitability 4/5 Fun factor 3/5 Overall 3/5 💜 Perfect For: -Peaceful weekend strolls -Reactive dogs who benefit from space -Families with prams, puppies or senior dogs -Sniffy walks -Walkers looking for a flexible-distance route #nidogwalks #dogfriendlyni #dogsofnorthernireland #newrycanaltowpath - @nidogwalks on October 19, 2026