The River Lagan
The River Lagan runs along the border between Co. Down and Co. Antrim. Ravenhill Reach is a good launch spot, situated on the Ormeau Embankment opposite the Ozone Leisure Centre with a small car park, floating pontoon and slipway. On the opposite side of the river can be seen the remains of the old Belfast Weir and Lock. Heading downstream you pass under the Albert Bridge, with the Waterfront Hall coming up on the Antrim side of the river. After passing under the Queens Bridge and the Queen Elizabeth Bridge you will reach the new Belfast Weir with the Lookout Visitor Centre. There are some local land marks here such as the Albert Clock (built in memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.), the clock has a very obvious tilt and the Custom House Square.
Going upstream you follow the Ormeau Embankment and pass under Ormeau Bridge. From here you follow the Stranmillis Embankment and home of Queen's University Sports Complex. You will soon pass under King's Bridge and Governor’s Bridge. The next stretch of river is home to three Rowing clubs. This section of river ends with a weir just past the last rowing club and tennis courts. This part of the river is approximately 2.85 miles from weir to weir.
The weir can be portaged using some old steps to the left of the weir as you approach from down stream and re-enter from a grassy bank just beyond the weir.
The river narrows from this point and enters Lagan Meadows and Belvoir Park Forest a popular location for walkers and cyclists drawn to the scenic paths and peace and quiet. The river from this point is largely only used by canoeists and fishermen. It is a pleasant paddle. The river winds its way for about 2 ½ miles through the parkland until it reaches Shaw’s Bridge. The current is quite fast flowing with shallow water and submerged rocks in some places, so some effort is required on the upstream paddle but this is rewarded by the down stream run. Shaw’s Bridge is a popular spot for canoeists with a slalom course, good car parking and river access. You can continue upstream for a further 1 ½ miles past another good car park with river access at Minnowburn Beeches (National Trust) park land until you reach another weir.
Going upstream you follow the Ormeau Embankment and pass under Ormeau Bridge. From here you follow the Stranmillis Embankment and home of Queen's University Sports Complex. You will soon pass under King's Bridge and Governor’s Bridge. The next stretch of river is home to three Rowing clubs. This section of river ends with a weir just past the last rowing club and tennis courts. This part of the river is approximately 2.85 miles from weir to weir.
The weir can be portaged using some old steps to the left of the weir as you approach from down stream and re-enter from a grassy bank just beyond the weir.
The river narrows from this point and enters Lagan Meadows and Belvoir Park Forest a popular location for walkers and cyclists drawn to the scenic paths and peace and quiet. The river from this point is largely only used by canoeists and fishermen. It is a pleasant paddle. The river winds its way for about 2 ½ miles through the parkland until it reaches Shaw’s Bridge. The current is quite fast flowing with shallow water and submerged rocks in some places, so some effort is required on the upstream paddle but this is rewarded by the down stream run. Shaw’s Bridge is a popular spot for canoeists with a slalom course, good car parking and river access. You can continue upstream for a further 1 ½ miles past another good car park with river access at Minnowburn Beeches (National Trust) park land until you reach another weir.