Lagan Two Bridges Walk
This route is through parkland in Lagan Valley Regional Park. It runs alongside the River Lagan and returns via the Lagan Towpath. A section of the National Cycle Network Route 9 also runs through the park.
County Antrim
Distance 3.4 miles
OS Map Sheet 15
Terrain Surfaced tarmac paths
Nearest Town Shaw's Bridge Belfast
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference J325691
Route Type Parkland & Grassland, Riverside, Woodland
The route begins at the car park at Shaws Bridge. Leaving the car park, follow the path leading to the right and pass the rear of the boathouse. Continue following the tow path for 1.5km until reaching the brown wooden elevated bridge. This is the Gilchrist Bridge, named after John Gilchrist, first chair of Lagan Valley Regional Park. This will take you across the eastern side of the river. Follow the path to the left, following the river along its length until arriving back at Shaws bridge.
Cross under the old Shaw’s Bridge and follow the towpath, firstly alongside the river and then by the disused canal. The canal can be crossed using the humpback bridge or the flat wooden bridge. Both lead to the front of the lock-keeper’s cottage. The Lock Keepers Inn has been open at this location since 2007 and provides lunches, teas, coffees etc. Turn left following the path to Newforge Lane via the wooden bridge over the River Lagan. This path is also part of the National Cycle Network route and is shared with bicycles.
There may be traffic on Newforge Lane. Follow the footpath for a short distance to reach Clement Wilson Park. The raised surfaced path – known locally as the Burma Road – leads back to the car park, passing under the new road bridge beside Shaw’s Bridge.
Lockkeepers Cottage, Shaws Bridge, Lagan Canal, Red Bridge
Car parking at Shaw’s Bridge, off the A55 Outer Ring.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept under control at all times
Malone House – cafe, toilets and information, opening hours applyLock Keepers Inn – open 7 days a week. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Café (wheelchair accessible) – (Lock Keepers Inn – open 7 days a week) – Disabled toilets – (Lock Keepers Inn) – Disabled parking – (Shaws Bridge)
Grade 3
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 5cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 1m wide for its entire length.
- The path will not be steeper than 6° or have a cross slope of greater than 6°.
- There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be between 12mm and 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 1km.
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Walk Route
Lagan Two Bridges Walk