Toome Canal Walk
This shared cycle and walk begins at the car park near the Toome Canal, a serene and historic stretch of waterway in County Antrim.
From here, the route heads south along the canal, leading towards the vast expanse of Lough Neagh, approximately 1 kilometre away. The canal itself, framed by verdant banks, offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. As you set out, you’ll notice the gentle reflections of overhanging trees in the still waters and the occasional ripple created by fish or waterbirds.
As you approach Lough Neagh, the scenery opens up dramatically. The sheer scale of the lake, the largest in the British Isles, is breathtaking. The shorelines are often bustling with life, from wading birds such as curlews and lapwings to flocks of ducks and geese during migratory seasons. The reeds and wetlands around the lough provide critical nesting and feeding grounds for many species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
The walk offers not only natural beauty but also a sense of history, as the canal once played a vital role in local industry, linking Lough Neagh to the River Bann and facilitating the transport of goods.
You can continue your walking in the area by heading south west to visit the nearby Ballyronan Wood.
Postcode
BT41 3TD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsToome Canal Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Toome Canal Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head north and you could try the Portglenone Forest Walk and the Portglenone Fisherman's Walk.
To the east there's Antrim where you can try the Antrim Six Mile Water Walk. The pleasant riverside path will take you to the lovely grounds of the historic Antrim Castle.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lough Neagh at Toome.
Sustrans sign, Toome. The surrounding flora includes reeds and bulrushes lining the canal edges, providing a habitat for various aquatic species. During spring and summer, the banks are dotted with wildflowers such as purple loosestrife and meadow sweet, adding vibrant splashes of colour to the landscape. As you walk, the soundscape is alive with birdsong, including the melodic warbling of robins and wrens, while the occasional grey heron can be seen standing motionless, waiting to catch its prey.
.jpg)
Lough Neagh shore. Further along, you may spot mallards and moorhens gliding across the water, while swallows dart overhead during the warmer months. The canal is also an important corridor for otters, though they are elusive and more likely to be noticed by their tracks or signs than by direct sightings. The adjacent trees, including willow and alder, are home to squirrels and a variety of insects, particularly during the warmer months when butterflies and dragonflies add movement and colour to the scene.
Information board, Toome