Coalisland Canal Walk
This is a walk along the towpath of the Coalisland Canal.
The Canal was opened in 1789 to bring coal from Coalisland to Dublin via the River Blackwater, Lough Neagh and Newry Canal. Coalisland acted as an inland port with lighters carrying grain for the mills and provisions for the surrounding towns.
Between Macks Bridge and Moor Bridge the River Torrent is one side of the Towptath and the canal is on the other.
County Tyrone
Distance 3.9 miles
OS Map Sheet 19
Terrain Part Tarmac /Part unsurfaced
Nearest Town Coalisland
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference H844663
Route Type Riverside
The walk begins at the Cornmill in Coalisland town centre. The towpath is a straight walk along the 4.5 mile stretch.
However, it has three sections after about 1 mile walkers will have to cross the Gortgonis Road at Macks bridge to access the second section of the walk .A further half mile along this pathway will lead to the busy Moor road at McAliskeys lock ,once again you must cross this road to connect to the last part of the walk, the final 3miles will lead to the Reenaderry Road where the canal path ends , this is known as The Point where the canal meets the Blackwater river.
Seven locks including a staircase lock at Macks Bridge.
Take turn off for junction 14 on the M1 motorway and follow the A45 to Coalisland. Park at Cornmill carpark in the centre of Coalisland.Exit the carpark opposite Dorman’s chemist, turn left and walk 100 yards until you come to the dam lock.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control.
Refreshments are available in a number of cafes and restaurants in Coalisland. PublicToilets are also available in the town centre and have disability access.
Disabled car parking is also available at the Cornmill .
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Walk Route
Coalisland Canal Walk
This is a beautiful, flat walk from the Town of Coalisland to the River Blackwater along the disused canal and River Torrent. It starts with a tarmac path for the first half and then dirt track beyond that. Easily walkable in all weathers. There is lots of wildlife – Kingfishers, Dippers and even Otters if you are lucky. There are three roads to cross. The second, at the Moor Road is on a dangerous corner, so be careful, especially coming back towards Coalisland. There is also a car park here and at either end, so plenty of options.
I totally agree the canal walk in Coalisland is a beautiful walk, its flat and accessible until you come to the third lock at the busy moor road, where it is a bit uneven. It would be ideal if it was paved to the end. Because the scenery throughout the seasons are beautiful where you will see finishers, otters, ducks and other wildlife. Unfortunately, the dogwalkers don’t clean up after their pets but apart from that it truly is a beautiful walk to clear the cobwebs