Mullingar Canal Path

_Brian

Hi guys.
Is there much of the canal path suitable for family cycling with a decent surface. We often cycle the Newry canal path and fancy a change of scenery.
Cheers

siochain

Here ya go http://irishcycle.com/2015/08/26/images-athlone-to-mullingar-greenway-set-to-open-within-weeks/

kildarecommuter

_Brian wrote: »

Hi guys.
Is there much of the canal path suitable for family cycling with a decent surface. We often cycle the Newry canal path and fancy a change of scenery.
Cheers

The Royal Canal towpath is tarmacced from the Meath border to the Longford border all the way thru Co Westmeath
Its a nice route with kids pretty flat and fairly quiet except maybe around Mullingar where you'll meet others on bikes walking etc

dermur

kildarecommuter wrote: »

The Royal Canal towpath is tarmacced from the Meath border to the Longford border all the way thru Co Westmeath
Its a nice route with kids pretty flat and fairly quiet except maybe around Mullingar where you'll meet others on bikes walking etc

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's tarmacced all through Westmeath - there are plenty places where the path is either a loose fine gravel or grass surface. Not really suitable for thin tyres/road bikes if that's a factor.

surball

There is loose fine gravel along the canal from Longford town to Cloondra/Shannon. Around 16km. Great quiet route.

http://www.longfordtourism.ie/wp-content/uploads/Royal-Canal-Cycle-Route.pdf

Prior to that it's fairly bad around keenagh. Grassy and mucky when wet

_Brian

Thanks guys.
Longford to Cloondra looks perfect.

Just need to toss a coin between this and going back to Newry.

TheBody

Did a cycle this afternoon along the road from Mullingar to Ballinacarrigy and then back to Mullingar along the canal. They have done a great job on the back since I travelled it last. Tarred all the way. Here are a few pics I took.

marvin80

Looks fantastic. Great asset for the Midlands.

TheBody

It really was a really relaxing cycle. Lovely scenery. Not having to worry about getting hit by a car or lorry.

It is a wonderful asset.

marvin80

Just as an FYI for people, here's the Greenways in Westmeath and Longford with maps:

Royal Canal Greenway:

http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/tourismartsrecreation/greenway/royalcanalgreenwayroutemap/

Mullingar to Athlone Greenway:

http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/tourismartsrecreation/greenway/dublingalwaygreenway/

http://www.lakesidewheelers.ie/westmeath-greenway

Longford Royal Canal cycle route:

http://www.longfordtourism.ie/wp-content/uploads/Royal-Canal-Cycle-Route.pdf

TheBody

@Marvin: Have you cycled any of the canal yourself?

marvin80

TheBody wrote: »

@Marvin: Have you cycled any of the canal yourself?

Not yet, but will definitely give them a go in a few weeks. Have to get the mileage into the legs for the Tour of the Midlands sportive first!!

TheBody

I'm only a leisure cyclist. Hiking is more my thing. The lack of mountains in Westmeath means I need alternatives to stay somewhat fit!

The great thing about the canal bank is that it's so flat. Very little effort required.

_Brian

Thanks for the info folks..
We headed to Newry today, 28k to Pointzpass and back, very enjoyable family cycling along the canal..
Smashing afternoon for it too, the canals pass through the heart of the country which makes for pleasnt going.. 7YO is very happy as she made it all the way and back herself without needing the trail gator..

kildarecommuter

Cycled from Mullingar to Ballynacargy this morning great surface stopped for cup of tea and scone at Coolnahay Harbour
I'd recommend it great with kids