Oxford Island's boardwalks and woodland trails take on a different character once the leaves start to turn.
Looking for an autumn walk near Craigavon or Lurgan? Oxford Island, on the southern shore of Lough Neagh, is one of the ABC Borough's best-loved spots for exactly that — and autumn is arguably its best season.
Quick facts:
Where: Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon, BT66 6NJ (signposted from M1 Junction 10)
Trails: Four miles of flat, accessible paths — woodland, reed beds, wildflower meadow and lakeshore
Opening hours (Oct–Mar): Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
Cost: Free entry and free parking
Facilities: Loughside Café, gift shop, five birdwatching hides, playground
Where is Oxford Island?
Oxford Island sits on the southern shore of Lough Neagh, just north of Lurgan and signposted off Junction 10 of the M1 — around 30 minutes from Belfast and 15 minutes from Armagh.
What's the best walk for autumn?
The reserve's boardwalks and woodland trails wind through reed beds, wildflower meadows and lakeshore, with the walk out to Kinnego Marina making a good longer route (roughly 1–2 hours round trip). All paths are flat and buggy/wheelchair-friendly.
What will you see this time of year?
Autumn brings the first of the wintering wildfowl back to the Lough, including whooper swans arriving from Iceland, along with kingfishers and otters if you're lucky. The five birdwatching hides are a good place to sit and wait quietly.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Loughside Café inside the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre has panoramic views over the Lough — a good finish to a walk, especially once the weather turns cooler.
The details
Oxford Island National Nature Reserve
Oxford Island, Craigavon, BT66 6NJ
Open Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm (Oct–Mar)
028 3832 2205 · oxford.island@craigavon.gov.uk
By Brian, LivingABC
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