One-Day Peace Camino Journey
Wednesday 30th September 2026
Portadown to Omeath
9.00am – approximately 5.30pm
Walking distance: approximately 8.5 miles/13.7km
Advance registration essential – spaces are limited
Bus transport throughout the journey and return to Portadown included
Following the wonderful response to our four-stage Peace Camino Summer Walk Series, we are delighted to offer one final opportunity in 2026 to experience the North South Way Peace Camino journey.
This is more than an 8.5-mile/13.7km walk. It is an opportunity to journey together – to walk, talk, reflect and share; to experience the heritage and landscape of the Peace Camino; to meet people along the way; and to take time to consider what peace means to us personally and within our communities.
The Peace Camino brings people together from different communities and backgrounds to share the journey. Everyone is welcome to join our cross-community group and walk together as one for peace.
Whether you joined us during our summer series or are experiencing the Peace Camino for the first time, we invite you to become part of this special one-day shared journey.
Our Journey Begins in Portadown
Our day begins at 9.00am at Portadown Bowling Club with registration, a welcome and pre-walk information before setting off together at 9.30am.
As part of our welcome, each participant will receive their Pilgrim for Peace pin before we begin our journey together.
From Portadown, we will join the Newry Canal Towpath and begin our walk towards Moneypenny’s Forge.
Walking together gives us time to reflect, to talk with people we may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet, and to enjoy our shared heritage and natural surroundings along the way.
Heritage and Hospitality at Moneypenny’s Forge
Our first special stop will be historic Moneypenny’s Forge.
Here, Jonny Kerr, Moneypenny’s Heritage Officer, will welcome our walkers and share the story and heritage of the Forge and its connection to the Newry Canal and surrounding area.
There will also be time to enjoy tea and biscuits together before continuing our journey.
Toilet facilities will be available at Moneypenny’s Forge.
Continuing Our Journey to Newry
From Moneypenny’s Forge, we will continue our Peace Camino journey towards Newry by bus.
The journey by bus is not simply transport between two walking sections. It will form part of the Peace Camino experience.
It is during this part of the journey that each walker will receive their Pilgrim’s Pebble.
Toilet facilities will be available when we reach Newry.
The Pilgrim’s Pebble
Each participant will be given a small Pilgrim’s Pebble to carry with them for the remainder of their journey.
As you walk, you will be invited to reflect on something you would like to release. It may be something personal that you have been carrying, something affecting your community, or simply something you feel ready to leave behind.
There is no requirement to share what your pebble represents. It is your own personal reflection to carry with you as you continue along the Peace Camino.
Later in the journey, when we reach the shoreline at Omeath, we will pause together and you will be invited to release your Pilgrim’s Pebble.
Newry to Victoria Lock
On arrival in Newry, we will rejoin the Newry Canal Towpath and continue our Peace Camino journey on foot towards Victoria Lock.
During this section, the landscape begins to change and opens towards Carlingford Lough.
At Victoria Lock, we will stop for lunch. Participants should bring their own packed lunch with them for the day.
Following lunch, we will take part in a facilitated Peace Camino reflection and reflective meditation – creating a quiet space within our journey to pause and reflect.
Bypassing Narrow Water Bridge Works and Rejoining the Peace Camino
Due to the temporary closure of this section of the route associated with the Narrow Water Bridge works, we will travel by bus from Victoria Lock to bypass the closed section.
The bus will take us to the far side of the Narrow Water Bridge works, where we will rejoin the Peace Camino route approximately 1.5 miles before Omeath.
From here, we will continue on foot along the Carlingford Lough Greenway, walking together along the shoreline of Carlingford Lough towards Omeath.
Releasing Our Pilgrim’s Pebbles
On reaching the pier and shoreline at Omeath, we will pause together.
Here, walkers will be invited to take the Pilgrim’s Pebble they have carried during the journey and release it – symbolically letting go of whatever they chose to carry and reflect upon during their Peace Camino journey.
A Community Welcome in Omeath
One of the special elements of the Peace Camino is that our journey is not simply about walking through places. It is about connecting with the people and communities along the way.
As we arrive in Omeath, we will not simply be arriving at the endpoint of our walk – we will be welcomed into the community.
Our journey will finish at the Dolmen Centre, where Omagh District Development CLG will welcome our Pilgrim for Peace group into the community for afternoon cream teas. It is an opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of Omeath, share our experiences from the day and celebrate completing our Peace Camino journey together.
Toilet facilities will be available at the Dolmen Centre.
Completing Our Peace Camino Journey
At the Dolmen Centre, each participant will receive their Pilgrim for Peace certificate and Camino shell to mark the completion of their Peace Camino journey.
We will share our final Pilgrim for Peace messages before pilgrims are invited to leave the Peace Camino with peace in their heart.
Our bus will then return everyone from Omeath to Portadown, arriving at approximately 5.30pm.
Additional Event Information
Participants should bring their own packed lunch and suitable footwear and clothing for walking and for the weather conditions on the day.
Toilet facilities will be available during the journey at Moneypenny’s Forge, Newry and the Dolmen Centre in Omeath.
What Your £20 Registration Includes
Your £20 registration helps us meet the costs of delivering this special one-day Peace Camino experience and includes:
– Bus transport during the Peace Camino journey, taking our group between the different walking sections, and return transport from Omeath to Portadown at the end of the day
– Pilgrim for Peace pin
– A heritage experience as part of your Peace Camino journey
– Tea and biscuits at Moneypenny’s Forge
– Afternoon cream teas at the Dolmen Centre
– Pilgrim’s Pebble experience
– Pilgrim for Peace certificate
– Camino shell
A Little Note About Cancellations
We understand that sometimes plans change and you may find that you are no longer able to join us.
As places on our One-Day Peace Camino are limited and we need to confirm and pay for transport, catering and other arrangements in advance, we kindly ask that you let us know as early as possible if you are unable to attend.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the event will unfortunately be non-refundable, as by this stage we will have committed to the costs for your place.
If the event has to be cancelled by the REACT, your registration fee will of course be refunded.
Photography
Please be aware that photography will take place throughout this North South Way Peace Camino event.
Photographs may be used by REACT and the North South Way Peace Camino to document and promote the Peace Camino and our peacebuilding work, including on our websites, social media, publications, reports and publicity.
If you have a particular concern about photography, please contact REACT before registering so that we can discuss this with you.
Join Us
Come and experience the North South Way Peace Camino journey for yourself.
Experience our shared heritage and natural surroundings, carry and release your Pilgrim’s Pebble, connect with others along the way and experience the welcome of the communities that form part of the Peace Camino.
Walk Together as One for Peace.
Advance registration is essential as spaces are limited.
Register through Eventbrite, found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998669346819?aff=oddtdtcreator