Boyne Valley – Lakelands Greenway

Boyne Valley Lakelands

Distance

29.6km

Elevation

81m

Time

Cycling: 1h 58m

Walking: 5h 55m

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

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Map of Boyne Valley – Lakelands Greenway

Overview

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway is a developing 30km off-road route connecting the heritage-rich town of Navan in County Meath with Kingscourt in County Cavan. Following the disused Navan–Kingscourt railway line, the Greenway creates a traffic-free corridor through farmland, woodland and drumlin landscapes. The route provides a seamless link between the internationally significant heritage of the Boyne Valley — with its passage tombs, castles and historic battlefields — and the tranquil lakes and forests of Cavan.

Trailheads in Navan, Nobber and Kingscourt give multiple entry points, making it suitable for shorter family outings or full-day adventures. Along the way, the Greenway passes through small towns and villages that offer opportunities for refreshments and cultural exploration. The corridor is largely level, with wide surfacing for both walking and cycling. As part of Ireland’s expanding Greenway network, this project brings new life to a railway abandoned in the late 20th century. It also delivers a valuable active travel spine for local communities. With its blend of heritage, rural beauty and accessible design, the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway is poised to become a flagship attraction in the northeast, bridging two distinct cultural landscapes.

Navan – Wilkinstown

7.8 km

Beginning in Navan, the Greenway departs from the town’s bustling centre and quickly enters open countryside. This first stage is level and accessible, with hedgerows and farmland providing a calm start. Wilkinstown serves as a community hub and rest point.

Wilkinstown – Nobber

Nobber – Kingscourt

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Amenities

Café
Bike Hire
bus-stop
Monastic Site
Train Station
Restaurant
Toilets
Accommodation
Historic Attraction
Refreshments
Water Fountain
Parking
bike-repair
Historic Home
picnic-area
Historic Church
Station House

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway crosses a range of habitats including farmland, hedgerows, woodland and wetland margins. Hedgerows provide an important ecological network, supporting pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies, and nesting birds like blackbird, yellowhammer and stonechat. Pockets of woodland shelter red squirrel, pine marten and bats, while lakes near the route, such as Whitewood Lake, are habitats for mute swan, great crested grebe and tufted duck.

Amphibians such as common frog and smooth newt occur in the damp margins, while dragonflies and damselflies thrive near ponds and streams. The Boyne catchment itself is internationally important for salmon, lamprey and otter, linking the Greenway to riverine ecosystems of high conservation value. Seasonal changes bring different highlights, from spring wildflowers along verges to autumn migrations of wildfowl. The Greenway thus acts as both a recreational route and a biodiversity corridor, connecting fragmented habitats across Meath and Cavan. Conservation-sensitive landscaping, including wildflower planting and hedgerow management, enhances this role, while interpretation boards help raise awareness of the area’s natural heritage. Respect for wildlife by users is essential, ensuring the Greenway remains a safe and thriving space for biodiversity.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

There is no direct rail routes to get to the greenway.

Can I access the route by bus?

Bus services pass a number of the main access locations to the Boyne Valley Lakelands Greenway. Visit https://www.transportforireland.ie/ for details of bus services.

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

There are no public use EV stations on the greenway.

News and Updates

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Offaly County Council Opens Ballycommon Trailhead Linking Grand Canal Greenway and Lough Boora

Offaly County Council proudly marked a significant achievement in its sustainable mobility and tourism strategy with the official opening of the new Ballycommon Trailhead as...

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Route Updates

02 Oct 2025

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Cork County Council has officially opened extensions to two segregated pedestrian and cycle routes in West Cork. The ribbons were cut on the walkways in...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...