Days Out NI
Greenway & cycle trail Strabane

Strabane to Cloghcor Greenway

A free, flat canal towpath along the old Strabane Canal to the River Foyle

5 photos
Open accessRide it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
StrabaneGreenway & cycle trail
Get directionsOfficial website
1.2kmDistance
1 hourHow long
FreeCost
TarmacSurface
Buggy okBest for

Strabane to Cloghcor Greenway — A free, flat canal towpath along the old Strabane Canal to the River Foyle.

  • Distance: About 1.2km / three quarters of a mile each way (roughly 2.4km / 1.5 miles return); check before you go as listings vary.
  • Surface: Tarmac for the upgraded section, turning to compacted gravel and earth near the bird hide.
  • Gradient: Flat to gently rolling.
  • Traffic-free: Yes, fully traffic-free along the canal towpath.
  • Bike hire: No bike hire here; bring your own bikes or scooters.
  • Buggy / scooter: Yes on the tarmac near the start; bumpier on the gravel and earth at the far end.
Plan your visit

A flat towpath to the Foyle

The towpath runs about 1.2km (three quarters of a mile) from the Greenlaw Road car park out to a bird hide on the River Foyle, an out-and-back of roughly 2.4km (about 1.5 miles). It is flat or very gently rolling, following the line of the old canal the whole way. The towpath was resurfaced with tarmac, then becomes a compacted gravel and earth track closer to the river end. You pass Devine's Lock near the entrance and Crampsie's Lock further along, cross the canal on two footbridges, and finish at a bird hide with wide views over the Foyle towards Donegal. It is fully traffic-free, so no roads to cross.

Free Traffic-free Flat Mostly tarmac About 1.2km each way River Foyle views
Good to know before you go:

Greenways across NI host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger-led nature events through the year. Check local listings for dates near Strabane.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.
  • 🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.
  • 💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.
  • 🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free
Start / parking
Dedicated car park, Greenlaw Road, Ballymagorry (off the A5, about 2.5 miles north of Strabane)
Distance
About 1.2km / three quarters of a mile each way (roughly 2.4km / 1.5 miles return); check before you go as listings vary
Surface
Tarmac for the upgraded section, turning to compacted gravel and earth near the bird hide
Gradient
Flat to gently rolling
Traffic-free?
Yes, fully traffic-free along the canal towpath
Bike hire
No bike hire here; bring your own bikes or scooters
Buggy / scooter friendly
Yes on the tarmac near the start; bumpier on the gravel and earth at the far end
Toilets / food
None at the trailhead; nearest options in Strabane town
How long to allow
About 1 hour for the return walk, less on a bike
Address
Greenlaw Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane, Co. Tyrone (Grid Ref C360025)
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How long is the route?
About 1.2km / three quarters of a mile each way (roughly 2.4km / 1.5 miles return); check before you go as listings vary
Is it traffic-free?
Yes, fully traffic-free along the canal towpath
Can I hire a bike?
No bike hire here; bring your own bikes or scooters
Is it buggy and scooter friendly?
Yes on the tarmac near the start; bumpier on the gravel and earth at the far end
Getting there

Strabane to Cloghcor Greenway starts at Dedicated car park, Greenlaw Road, Ballymagorry (off the A5, about 2.5 miles north of Strabane). Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around StrabaneSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle
The story

About this trail

The Strabane Canal was a short four-mile navigation built to link Strabane town with the River Foyle and the major port downstream at Londonderry. It officially opened on 21 March 1796, when, as the Londonderry Journal reported, the boats on the river gathered at the mouth of the canal to try their skill on the still water.

The canal was abandoned last century, but its towpath survives. Derry City and Strabane District Council resurfaced the 1.2km of towpath from Greenlaw Road to the Foyle to greenway standard in 2020, adding a tarmac surface, new fencing, seating and interpretive signage. The roughly £225,000 scheme was part-funded by the council, the Loughs Agency and the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme.

There are long-term plans to extend the greenway a further 3km into Strabane town centre, which would create a continuous route from the town out to the Foyle. For now the walk runs from Ballymagorry, past two old locks, to a bird hide on the riverbank.