⚡Power Trail Challenge ⚡
Are you a Power Ranger?
If so, it’s time to unleash your powers and take on this epic cache series!
Stretching for 20 miles, this scenic trail opened in 1742 and follows the route of an existing railway line. With its smooth, flat terrain, it’s perfect for cyclists, walkers, and adventurers of all kinds. Whether you’re on two wheels or two feet, you’re in for a great day out!
🛶 About the Towpath
The towpath forms part of Route 9 of the National Cycle Network, so please be mindful of shared use between pedestrians and cyclists.
The Newry–Portadown Canal, completed in 1742, was the first summit-level canal in Britain and Ireland, designed to transport coal from County Tyrone to the Irish Sea. The canal runs along your left-hand side, while the River Cusher and the Belfast–Dublin railway lie to your right.
Historically, horses once trotted along this very path, pulling canal boats known as lighters laden with goods.
The canal stretches for 18 miles, from the Point of Whitecoat just south of Portadown to Victoria Locks, near the sea south of Newry. It winds gracefully along the border of Counties Down and Armagh, linking Lough Neagh with Carlingford Lough. Commercial use of the canal ceased over 60 years ago, but its heritage remains alive through routes like this one.
THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE ‘NORA'
A unique piece of canal memorabilia has recently gone on display on the tow-path at Poyntzpass. The anchor from the lighter ‘Nora’ is featured in an the art-work designed by Portglenone artist Billy McCaughern commissioned by Poyntzpass and District Local History Society and Poyntzpass Regeneration Committee. The lighter Nora and the anchor were made at Portadown Foundry well over one-hundred years ago. While an anchor would not have been needed on the canal, there were times when one could have been essential on the River Bann. It is believed that the Nora was acquired around 1895 by the Campbell family, who were boatmen on Lough Neagh. Later, as well as operating the Nora on the Newry Canal, family members became the lock-keepers at Terryhoogan just north of Scarva.
The anchor was given to the Poyntzpass and District Local History Society thirty years ago by the late Jean Morris, the niece of Frank Campbell, the last lighter-man to work the Nora, and the Society members have long had the ambition to display it appropriately in the village. The Nora worked on the Newry Canal until its closure in 1936 and is believed to have been the last lighter to do so. She is certainly the last canal lighter to pass through Poyntzpass and certainly also holds the record for the longest time taken to complete the round-trip from Lough Neagh to Newry and back.
📜 Before You Begin
Please take a moment to read this information before setting off.
This series features 146 caches along the main trail — plus a few bonus hides nearby that aren’t part of the official lineup.
Keep in mind that this is not intended as a drive-by series.
The full route is suitable for bikes, prams, and dogs, making it an ideal adventure for families and solo explorers alike.
🖊️ BYOP (Bring Your Own Pen) — all caches don't contain writing implements, so come prepared!
🧰 TOTT (Tools of the Trade) may be required for a few trickier hides — a bit of creativity and the right tool can make all the difference.
🚩 Useful Information
Caches 1 – 64: No toilets available along this stretch.
Cache 35: Small parking area for 2 cars.
Cache 40: A tea & coffee cart (open Saturdays and Sundays) is located 1.138 km away.
Cache 49: Car parking available 0.13 miles from the cache.
Caches 50 – 64: Take care — this section passes through a residential access road with vehicle traffic.
Cache 64: Public toilets are located across the street beside Poyntzpass Train Station.
Cache 76 (Acton Visitor Centre): Public toilets and picnic area available.
Campbells Lock → Cache 97: Section follows a public road.
Campbells Lock (N54 20.579 W006 21.910): Parking available for 3–4 cars.
Cache 109: Parking available for 4–5 cars nearby.
Between Caches 109 and 110: Be cautious when crossing the road.
Caches 130 – 145: This section may flood during storms.
Caches 139 & 146: Both have picnic areas — great spots to take a break.
🔍 Finding the Caches
The average distance between caches is just 161 metres, so expect a fun mix of easy finds and clever hides! Some sections have slightly larger gaps where additional placement wasn’t possible — but you’ll never be far from the next adventure.
🗒️ Logging Your Finds
Copy-and-paste logs are perfectly fine for most of the series, but for your main log, we’d love to hear about your experience!
Share your route, your highlights, and any Power Ranger-worthy moments along the way.
Ready, Ranger?
Grab your GPS, hop on your bike (or lace up your boots), and power through this 20-mile geocaching adventure steeped in history, nature, and fun!