Trail Overview

The 58km Lower Bann Canoe Trail is a unique way to experience this beautiful river and is suitable for canoeing enthusiasts of all abilities.

The river is steeped in history dating back to Mesolithic times. From the trail’s head at Toome, the river flows into Lough Beg – a beautiful area that is rich in wildlife. From Lough Beg it narrows at Newferry and acts for most of its length as the boundary between counties Londonderry and Antrim. On entering its last stretch towards the Atlantic Ocean it passes through the town of Coleraine. The trail finishes at Ballywoolen – beside a beautiful nature reserve owned by the National Trust and approximately 1.5 km from the Barmouth.

We hope this guide will be a useful trip-planning tool, highlighting the access/egress points and useful facilities ranging from parking to toilets.

Enjoy the trail! Happy paddling!

Please note: There are 5 weirs and 3 sluice gates on the river which can be extremely dangerous. However, at all times it is possible to safely paddle into the navigation channels to avoid the weirs and sluice gates. All of these are clearly indicated on the map.

Also, be aware that sea-going vessels use the stretch of river between the Atlantic Ocean and Coleraine docks.