⚡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.
Your journey begins just outside Portadown, where Moneypenny’s Lock. Continuing onward, you’ll encounter Terryhoogan Lock, an almost intact stone-built lock with remnants of its gates still in place.
North of Scarva, at Washbridge, the towpath narrows to skirt around the abutment of a former railway bridge that once carried the Banbridge–Scarva line. Nearby stands the Terryhoogan Aqueduct, which once channelled water from the Cusher River into the canal.
The charming village of Scarva is famous for its summer floral displays. During the warmer months, in Scarva there are places for refreshments, while information panels detail the area’s history. On summer Sundays, band concerts fill the air beside the bandstand, where the outline of the old canal basin can still be seen — once a bustling hub for loading butter, coal, and other goods bound for Banbridge and Gilford.
From there, rejoin the towpath and continue toward Acton Lake (Lough Shark), a haven for wildlife. The Acton Lake Interpretive Centre, run by volunteers restoring the canal, sits on the site of the former Sluice Keeper’s Cottage. The lake’s waters once helped regulate the canal’s level.
The canal rose to 78 ft (24 m) above sea level at Poyntzpass, with the stretch between Poyntzpass and Terryhoogan forming the summit level. Fourteen locks were constructed along the route: 11 between Poyntzpass and Newry to lift boats upward, and 3 north of Scarva to aid the descent toward Lough Neagh.
Linenhall Arch
👉 Linenhall Arch: Built in 1783, the Linen Hall was in the early 19th century converted into a large and permanent military barracks, which survived until 1923 when the Army moved to the nearby village of Bessbrook. In its glory days, Newry Barracks had a complement of 600 men. After the military withdrawal, the barracks became an inner-city working-class housing estate. In recent decades, these run-down dwellings have been replaced by modern houses.
📜 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.
🛟 “In Case of Emergency” Code 🛟
For this trail series, you’ll find that on every 10th cache (i.e., #10, #20, #30, …) I have planted a special three‑word code. This code uses the what3words system, which maps every 3m×3m square on Earth to a unique triple of words.
Why: If you ever need to call for help or signal your exact location, these three words exactly identify the spot. (Note: While what3words can help, always keep your standard coordinates/map skills in hand too.)
📍 Location Information
The what3words address for this cache is:
///punk.soap.grit
🚩 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!