Strabane Towpath

Pass through the kissing gate immediately to right of the vehicle entrance gate. On the right at Devine’s Lock is an interpretative panel briefly outlining the canal`s history. From here follow the trail north as it leads along the canal edge, passing two footbridges which cross the canal,   before arriving at Crampsie`s Lock (immediately after the second bridge) . Continue and pass through the kissing gate onto the earth track and follow this to its end at the bird hide. From here stunning views of the River Foyle and East Donegal can be enjoyed. Retrace your steps until reaching the second bridge crossing which features interpretation on the bio- diversity of the Foyle River System. Cross to the opposite bank and continue your walk back to the car park.  

 

History Snapshot:

Strabane canal was officially opened on the 21st March 1796, a report in the Londonderry Journal announced: “Early that morning all the boats on the river assembled at the mouth of the canal to try their skills on the still water and see which would have the great honour of arriving at Strabane first. Almost all the inhabitants of Strabane and the surrounding countryside assembled on the occasion”. The boat with the honour of arriving first at the quay in the town centre was the ‘Captain Quigley’. Its owner was a Mr Fleming.

 

Pass through the kissing gate immediately to right of the vehicle entrance gate. On the right at Devine’s Lock is an interpretative panel briefly outlining the canal`s history. From here follow the trail north as it leads along the canal edge, passing two footbridges which cross the canal,   before arriving at Crampsie`s Lock (immediately after the second bridge) . Continue and pass through the kissing gate onto the earth track and follow this to its end at the bird hide. From here stunning views of the River Foyle and East Donegal can be enjoyed. Retrace your steps until reaching the second bridge crossing which features interpretation on the bio- diversity of the Foyle River System. Cross to the opposite bank and continue your walk back to the car park.  

 

History Snapshot:

Strabane canal was officially opened on the 21st March 1796, a report in the Londonderry Journal announced: “Early that morning all the boats on the river assembled at the mouth of the canal to try their skills on the still water and see which would have the great honour of arriving at Strabane first. Almost all the inhabitants of Strabane and the surrounding countryside assembled on the occasion”. The boat with the honour of arriving first at the quay in the town centre was the ‘Captain Quigley’. Its owner was a Mr Fleming.

 

Follow the A5 Strabane Londonderry Road, north from Strabane for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto the Greenlaw Road in the village of Ballymagorry. Dedicated parking on left hand side opposite entrance.