A companion who shares their interests, in Craigavon

Somewhere to go

Lough Neagh shore paths and bird hides

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon

A nature reserve on the south shore of Lough Neagh with about four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland and meadows, plus a discovery centre and loughside cafe. A carer can drive over, pick one short loop to a hide and build in a tea stop rather than attempting the full network.

Getting around: The discovery centre is described as fully accessible and the hides are spread around the shore paths.

Source: discovernorthernireland.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Parkland circuits by the lake

Lurgan Park, Lurgan

Ireland's second largest urban park, with around 5km of paths through mature woodland and open grassland around a large man-made lake, overlooked by Brownlow House. A carer can walk a short section at an easy pace and turn back at the lake, or arrange one of the park's mobility scooters for a longer outing.

Getting around: Mobility scooters can be borrowed free of charge for those less able to get around the park.

Source: getactiveabc.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Bowling green and courts in the park

Lurgan Park, Lurgan

Lurgan Park has a bowling green, tennis courts, a cricket wicket and football pitches alongside its walking paths. A carer can arrange a quiet hour at the green or simply take someone to watch a match from a bench.

Getting around: Mobility scooters can be borrowed free of charge for those less able to get around the park.

Source: getactiveabc.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Council activity sessions in Lurgan

Lurgan

The council's Get Active ABC programme lists sessions in the Lurgan area including walking football, Bat and Chat table tennis, walking netball and swimming. A carer can check the current timetable, book a place and go along for the first few weeks until it feels familiar.

Source: getactiveabc.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Coarse angling on the park lake

Lurgan Park, Lurgan

The large lake in Lurgan Park is used for coarse angling and sits within a park that also has paths, benches and open grassland. A carer can carry the tackle from the car park, set up a chair on a level bank and stay nearby for company.

Getting around: Mobility scooters can be borrowed free of charge for those less able to get around the park.

Source: getactiveabc.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

A stocked lake in the public angling estate

Craigavon City Park Lake North, Craigavon

Craigavon City Park Lake North is part of the public angling estate managed by DAERA, so it is fished under a rod licence and permit like other official waters. A carer can sort the licence and permit in advance, drive to the lakeside and keep the session to an hour or two.

Source: daera-ni.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Bird hides for wildlife shots

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon

Five birdwatching hides sit around the shoreline at Oxford Island, with woodland, ponds and wildflower meadows in between and wintering wildfowl on the lough. A carer can drive to the nearest car park, carry the camera bag and settle someone in a hide where the shooting is done sitting down.

Getting around: The discovery centre is described as fully accessible, with footpaths leading to the hides around the shore.

Source: discovernorthernireland.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Still water in the middle of the town

Craigavon Lakes, Craigavon

Two large lakes in Craigavon City Park with waterside paths, watersports and open views, easy to reach from Lurgan and Portadown. A carer could plan an early evening visit when the water is calm, then drive round to a second viewpoint rather than walking the whole circuit.

Source: discovernorthernireland.com. Check opening times and access before you go.