Craigavon Lakes Circular
County Armagh
Craigavon's balancing lakes were created as part of the planned city's 1960s design, and today the parkland around them forms one of the area's most popular open spaces. This roughly 4.8km circular route follows wide, traffic-free paths around both lakes, easy going for a dog off the lead on the quieter stretches, starting and finishing at the South Lake Leisure Centre, with the going flat throughout on tarmac and gravel suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The water attracts a wide variety of birdlife, making it a reliable spot for casual birdwatching, and the open parkland setting gives long, uninterrupted views across the lakes. The paths are shared with cyclists and runners, so it can be busy, especially at weekends and in the evenings.
This dog friendly walk is easy and level, with moderate off-lead potential on the quieter stretches away from the leisure centre and busiest path junctions, since there is no livestock anywhere on the route. The lakes give a dog the chance to cool off at the water's edge in several places, and the open parkland offers little shade, so a warm day walk is best done earlier or later. Dogs should be kept under close control given how well used the paths are by cyclists and runners. The South Lake Leisure Centre has a cafe, toilets and bike hire, and ample free parking is available there.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets and bike hire at South Lake Leisure Centre.
- Parking
- Free parking at South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craigavon Lakes Circular dog friendly?
Craigavon Lakes Circular is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The flat, traffic-free paths make for easy going, there's no livestock on the route, and dogs can cool off at the water's edge in several spots around the lakes. It's a popular spot with walkers, runners and cyclists, so it's worth keeping that in mind on busier days.
Can dogs be off lead at Craigavon Lakes Circular?
There's moderate off-lead potential here, particularly on the quieter stretches away from the leisure centre and the busiest path junctions. Since there's no livestock anywhere on the route, you have a reasonable amount of freedom, but the paths are well used by cyclists and runners, so close control is advisable, especially at weekends and during evenings when it gets busiest.
What should I know before visiting Craigavon Lakes Circular with my dog?
The 4.8km circular route is entirely flat on tarmac and gravel, starting and finishing at South Lake Leisure Centre where you'll find free parking, a cafe and toilets. The open parkland offers very little shade, so on warm days it's worth heading out earlier in the morning or later in the evening to keep your dog comfortable. The shared paths mean you should be prepared to keep your dog close when cyclists or runners pass.
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