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Home , Aghagallon, Ballyronan, Bann Bridge, Benbradagh, Benone, Carnfunnock Country Park

cycle northern pedal quiet laneways through stunning scenery

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accessible fun Fly from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in less Have fun with your family, clear your mind, or enjoy than one hour. Drive from in less than two hours. quality time with friends on the many cycle routes. compact breathtaking Cycle the entire length or breadth of Northern Ireland in The backdrop to your cycle will be nothing short of less than one week. The is breathtaking, as you pass undulating glens, stunning clearly signposted, making your cycling experience as coastline and quiet villages. easy as possible.

FRONT COVER: HERITAGE RAILWAY PATHWAY, , COUNTY . BACK COVER: BEACH, . LOUGH NAVAR FOREST VIEWPOINT, . COUNTY VIEWPOINT, FOREST NAVAR LOUGH

01 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 02 1

4 contents 1 05 Welcome to Cycling in Northern Ireland

Downhill Demesne and Causeway Coastal Route A county by county guide of cycling St Patrick’s 07 Antrim • Antrim Town Loop • • 19 17 Giant’s Causeway to Benone • Lower Bann Cycleway 21

2 22 11 18 3 Loughgall Country Park • Family Cycling Trail • Craigavon Cycle Trail • Craigavon Lakes Family Mountain Bike Trail • Towpath • Canal Cycle Trail 20

5 15 Down 27 28 2 Cycle Route • Forest Park Family Cycling Trail • Legananny Cycle Route • Knockchree Cycle Route • 3 35 23 26 19 Londonderry 24 33 34 Foyle Valley Cycleway • Country Park • Eagle’s Glen Cycle Route • Moyola Cycle Route •

25 11 Faughan Valley Cycleway • Banagher Cycle Route

9 30 23 Tyrone 10 8 White Hare Cycle Route • Riverside Path to Gortnagarn • 4 6 14 Park • Lough Fea Cycle Route • Gold Cycle Route • 16 Derg Valley Cycle Route 29 31 7 27 Fermanagh 13

Murlough Castle to Castle • Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail • Nature Reserve West Fermanagh Loop • Crom 32 30 5 • Greenway • 12 Lagan and Lough Cycleway ABCDE15 F G 33 National Cycle Network and Long-Distance Routes Details of the network of signed cycle routes throughout Northern Map Reference Ireland, ideal for long-distance touring 47 Directory of Cycle Routes ANTRIM 10 Towpath (p14) D4 20 Moyola Cycle Route (p21) D3 FERMANAGH A list of all cycle routes in Northern Ireland 01 Rathlin Island (p7) E1 11 Cycle Trail (p14) D4 21 Faughan Valley (p21) B2 29 Castle to Castle (p27) B4 02 Antrim Town Loop (p8) E3 Cycleway 30 Castle Archdale (p28) A4 DOWN 49 Practical Information for Cyclists 03 Carnfunnock Country Park (p8) E2 22 Banagher Cycle Route (p22) C2 Family Cycling Trail Bicycle hire, safety and cycle tour companies 12 Rostrevor Cycle Route (p15) E5 04 Giant’s Causeway (p9) D1 31 West Fermanagh Loop (p29) B4 13 (p16) E5 TYRONE to Benone 32 Crom (p29) B5 51 Planning your trip in Northern Ireland Family Cycling Trail 23 White Hare Cycle Route (p23) C3 05 Lower Bann Cycleway (p10) D3 14 Legananny Cycle Route (p17) E4 BELFAST Whether you visit by land, sea or air find all the information you will need 24 Omagh Riverside Path (p24) B3 ARMAGH 15 Knockchree Cycle Route (p17) E5 to Gortnagarn 33 Ormeau Park (p30) E3 06 Loughgall Country Park (p11) D4 16 Castle Ward (p18) F4 25 Dungannon Park (p24) C4 34 Comber Greenway (p31) E3 For detailed information on each of the routes check out 07 Gosford Forest Park (p12) D4 26 Lough Fea Cycle Route (p25) C3 35 Lagan and Lough (p32) E3 LONDONDERRY Family Cycling Trail Cycleway 27 Gold Cycle Route (p25) B3 08 Craigavon Cycle Trail (p12) D4 17 Foyle Valley Cycleway (p19) B2 18 Claudy Country Park (p20) C2 28 Derg Valley Cycle Route (p26) B3 CycleNI.com 09 Craigavon Lakes Family (p13) D4 Mountain Bike Trail 19 Eagle’s Glen Cycle Route (p20) D2 Your guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

03 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 04 Antrim: Armagh: Down: welcome to cycling in northern ireland... 1 Dramatic Coastlines 2 Rolling Countryside 3 Stunning Mountains Cycle through Northern Ireland and you will be rewarded with incredible views of vast and varied landscapes, from dramatic coasts to patchwork fields that blanket the rolling hills.

Come to to cycle through the The ‘orchard county’, as Armagh is often Exploring by bike is the perfect stunning rugged coastline that merges referred to, is a beautiful cycling destination way to experience the dramatic mountainscape seamlessly into a landscape of historical and one of the true hidden treasures of rural and coastline. Two spectacular cycle routes of glens. There is no better way to see some Ireland. Explore the country roads by checking note are Knockchree (p.17) and Rostrevor of Northern Ireland’s top tourist spots out the cycling guide on Armagh & Down (p.15). The long distance trail around including the Giant’s Causeway and (p.48). May is a great time to visit when the Lough (p.41) is picture perfect and Distillery (p.9) than from two wheels. orchards are a mass of pink and white flowers. great for spotting wildlife – look out for brent geese and seals. These bike rides are not to Why not take a ferry over to explore Rathlin Alternatively, go off-road in Gosford Forest be hurried! Island (p.7) by bike? If you are lucky, this Park (p.12) or on the Craigavon Lakes Family tranquil setting will provide a chance Mountain Bike Trail (p.13), two great Also explore the woodland areas in the pretty encounter with puffins and seals. destinations for those seeking an adventure estates of Castlewellan (p.16) and Castle Ward by bike. (p.18) which provide great off-road routes.

Fermanagh: Londonderry: Tyrone: 4 Lakeland Treasures 5 City and Sea 6 Peaceful Valleys

Fermanagh is renowned for its lakelands and A county of unparalleled beauty, cycle along The top attraction for cyclists in Tyrone are laid back pace of life. The iconic Kingfisher the coastline and discover award winning the Sperrin Mountains. A designated Area Trail (p.35) takes you through some wild and beaches and stunning seascapes. The walled of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region is beautiful country, over bridges and past old City of is of enormous historic interest a natural blend of peaks, forests, valleys, cottages. You will experience great views of and it can be explored by bike on the Foyle lakes and rivers. The Derg Valley (p.26) and as well as some of Fermanagh’s Valley Cycleway (p.19). the Gold cycle routes (p.25) are two of the top attractions including the Marble Arch many stunning routes where you will Caves and numerous National Trust properties. In the south of the county, meander through frequently find yourself cycling in solitude. the Sperrin Mountains and you will discover The lush forests also provide wonderful a unique landscape, rich in natural and Tyrone offers some interesting locations for opportunities to cycle in tranquility. Check archaeological heritage as well as folklore. safe cycling and an entertaining family day out Castle Archdale (p.28) for a family Banagher Cycle Route (p. 22) is one of the out. Check out Dungannon Park (p.24). adventure by bike. most beautiful to explore.

Belfast: tell me more 7 Urban Oasis Armagh and Down Tourism www.armaghanddown.com

Our county by county guide will give you a flavour of the variety on offer as well as a brief Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau description of some of the top cycle routes and . www.gotobelfast.com This victorian city, steeped in culture and Tourism industrial heritage, is just waiting to be www.causewaycoastandglens.com ...the adventure begins! discovered by bike. Also, the city's many parks and green spaces, such as Ormeau Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau Park (p.30) provide family-friendly bike rides. www.derryvisitor.com

Belfast boasts two mainly traffic-free routes. Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism The Comber Greenway (p.31) follows the www.findfermanagh.com CAAN is grateful to the following for providing photography for this publication: trail of a disused railway line as far as the edge of and the 21 mile Tourism Alan Pentland • Armagh City and District Council • Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council • Mourne Heritage Trust • Lagan and Lough Cycleway (p.32) passes www.sperrinstourism.com NITB • Sperrins Tourism • 10on12.com • – Lorcan Doherty • The National Trust • www.thinkstudio.co.uk along the and ,

right into the heart of the city. ANTRIM. CASTLE,DUNLUCE COUNTY

05 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 06 antrim town loop antrim... The lapping water of and a fast flowing mill race create a perfect contrast through Antrim's ancient heart.

From Antrim Lough Shore Park look across Nearest Town: Antrim the massive expanse of water towards the Distance: 4.5 miles (7km) circular Sperrin Mountains on the western shore. Traffic : Mostly traffic-free with linking Travel along Lough Neagh into Rea’s Wood main roads on a forest gravel path. Points of Interest: Antrim Lough Shore Park, Rea’s Wood, Clotworthy Arts Centre Periodical lowerings of Lough Neagh has Map: The Loughshore Trail – formed one of the largest unspoilt areas of www.sustransshop.co.uk natural woodlands in the country. Pedal Start Point: Lough Shore Park, through the willow and alder into the Antrim J 135 867 stillness of the wood and then make your Finish Point: Lough Shore Park, way to Mill Race Trail, a traffic-free section Antrim J 135 867 along the Six Mile Water river. The fast flowing water pulls you along the firm This section of National Cycle Network track at a brisk pace before joining traffic Route 94 uses the natural boundary of the briefly on High Street. Further on, the Lough Shore and the Six Mile Water to ruined tower, motte and magnificent water form a flat, mostly off-road looping route. gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens are all worth investigating. Call into Clotworthy Perfect for a family outing, the route can Arts Centre for exhibitions before crossing facilities be completed in a few hours, including Deerpark Bridge and following the flow of Shop, café, toilets, arts centre, stops at various attractions along the way. the river back into the Lough Shore Park. caravan park, railway station carnfunnock country park CHURCH BAY, RATHLIN ISLAND, COUNTY ANTRIM. COUNTY ISLAND, RATHLIN BAY, CHURCH Nearest Town: Distance: 0.6 miles (1km) linear Traffic: Mostly traffic-free, some slow rathlin island moving traffic Points of Interest: Adventure playground, No cycle along the North Coast is complete without island hopping to Rathlin. maze, family fun zone Map: Park map - available at visitor centre roads is scarce, ensuring peaceful cycling. rocks below is simply unforgettable. Nearest Town: Ballycastle Catch the ferry from Ballycastle and into Backtrack towards Church Bay again, Start Point: Car Park D 385 066 Distance: 12 miles (19km) circular Church Bay, Rathlin's main hub. From here, descend through the village and head Finish Point: Drains Bay Car Park D 385 066 Traffic : Very infrequent traffic cycle west past the harbour and the south on a less challenging route past Points of Interest: RSPB Seabird Centre, Manor House B&B, owned and leased Ushet Lough. The track ends close to This 191 hectare estate has been transformed into a wonderful park with all manner Church Bay, Rue Point, lighthouses out by the National Trust. Initially there Rue Lighthouse. Look out for the seal Map: Causeway Coast & Glens Cycling are two steep hills, but soon the gradient colony by the ruined Coastguard’s house. of attractions, activities, mature woodland and magnificent coastal views. Routes – see page 48 levels off. Take a breather and Back at Church Bay, call into the visitor This short route takes you to the centre of see a National Cycle Network milestone Ireland, woodland walks, beautiful walled Start Point: Church Bay D 145 510 appreciate the wonderful coastline. centre, the pub, café or restaurant before the action where you can explore all the directing you to turn left onto a mature garden with sundials and the Carnfunnock hopping on the ferry back to Ballycastle. Finish Point: Church Bay D 145 510 park has to offer. tree-lined avenue. Continue towards Family Zone should keep your family busy Further on, the track at Kebble National Booking in advance on the ferry is another children’s activity centre, and then for most of the day. To exit, retrace your Nature Reserve reveals Rathlin's main advised (Tel: 028 2076 9299). Carnfunnock Country Park lies 4 miles north right onto the park’s main road. This is tracks back to Drains Bay or continue Six miles off the Irish coast and 15 miles attraction, the RSPB Seabird Centre. of Larne on the Causeway Coastal Route. shared with cars and walkers. along the main exit onto the Causeway from Scotland, this small island is one of From April to August thousands of facilities Approach from Drains Bay Car Park on Coastal Route. Ireland's most important bird sanctuaries. kittiwakes, puffins, guillemots and Pub, restaurant, toilets, accommodation Route 93 or further north through the main At the visitor centre just ahead, pick up a Around 100 inhabitants currently live on razorbills gather on Rathlin's rocks. park entrance on the A2. From Drains Bay leaflet and begin exploring all the facilities Rathlin, meaning traffic on the island’s The cacophony rising from the basalt the route starts with a colourful children’s attractions at your leisure. The unique Shop, café, toilets, visitor centre, caravan playground, then continues along until you hornbeam maze in the shape of Northern park, campsite 07 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 08 giant’s causeway to benone lower bann cycleway

Nearest Town: Distance: 45 miles (72 km) linear Traffic: Light traffic, busier through towns Points of Interest: , Hezlett House, Mountsandel Fort, Cistercian Monastery Map: Lower Bann Cycleway - www.cycleni.com Start Point: Toome H 988 905 Finish Point: C 772 361

Pack up your panniers and push off for a lazy day by the banks of the Bann.

The Lower Bann Cycleway connects two of site at Mountsandel is well worth parking National Trust, before pedalling the last the country's great touring routes, the the bike for a trek to the summit. Back in few miles into Castlerock on the coast. Atlantic Challenge and the Loughshore the saddle, cycle through Christie Park to Trail. You can always trust a river to find the outskirts of where you pick facilities the flatest route through the countryside up Route 93 to Castlerock. If you've time, Car parking, shops, cafés, restaurants, and Route 96 cuts a flat 45 miles between stop at Barmouth Nature Reserve and toilets, campsites Toome and Castlerock. Nature reserves, Hezlett House, which is owned by the ancient forests and settlements all line the river banks.

For millions, the Causeway Coast needs Branch off from the Loughshore Trail at Toome, take Route 96 north with the flow no introduction… but this route might be of the river to the shores of Lough Beg. A National Nature Reserve for migrating

the best way to get better acquainted. ANTRIM. CASTLE, COUNTY DUNLUCE birds, Church Island is its focal point, a single white steeple pushes through the trees on the far side. A few miles on, the From the Giant's Causeway's 40,000 Just beyond is the view across Nearest Town: Bushmills river narrows again and cuts through the interlocking stones, follow Route 93, the Barmouth, where the Bann flows into ancient forest at . Carpeted Distance: 22 miles (35km) linear beside the heritage railway line, towards the Atlantic with Mussenden Temple on with bluebells in spring it offers fantastic Traffic: Busy traffic on weekends Bushmills, a few miles south. The distillery the horizon. This might just force another shade and a beautiful diversion off the Points of Interest: Giant's Causeway, here offers tours and tastings. From dismount. To cross the Bann requires a main route. The marina in town is awash Bushmills Distillery, , Bushmills the road swings back towards short, flat, 4 mile cycle along the Bann with scores of boats. Away from the town Benone Beach the coast, avoiding the busier main road, Estuary to Coleraine's Millennium Bridge. the only sound is the clicking of chain over Map: Cycling in the Borough of Coleraine and travelling along a higher, quieter road. sprockets and rubber rolling on tarmac. - www.cycleni.com A few miles farther on at Castlerock the Start Point: Giant's Causeway Visitor Just below, the ruins of Dunluce Castle drip road rises past Hezlett House on its way Over a dozen small stone bridges and past Centre C 944 438 wax-like over the sheer rock face it has sat past Downhill Estate, home to Mussenden Portna Locks brings you briefly onto the on for over 500 years. Away again from Temple, both owned by the National Trust. Finish Point: Benone Strand C 719 358 Bann Road. The restaurant at McLaughlins' the coast and over the rolling back-roads A quick detour to Mussenden is essential. Corner is roughly half way and an ideal into . Cycle paths run along the From inside, each window frames a near place to call in for lunch and some 22 miles by bike shouldn't take that long, outskirts of the town towards the West perfect view – east towards Portstewart, refreshments. Set off again on Vow Road, however, you'll spend more time out of the Strand and out along the Portstewart Road, west across Benone and Donegal and using Route 96 signs, the road still saddle than in, as the attractions and where the terrain becomes steeper before forward to the sweeping ocean. The sharp meandering in tune with the river. scenery constantly bring you to a halt. levelling out along the golf course. Another descent to Downhill will take you onto the At you have the option of going This route follows National Route 93 along few miles of incredible coastline rolls past firm strand and the final few miles to the into , a lively town, or staying Ireland's most famous stretch of coast, before dropping into Portstewart, an ideal journey's end at Benone. with the river and letting it guide you up to starting at the National Trust's Giant's place to park up for 20 minutes. Grab an the Cutts Weir, where the thrash of water Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ice cream and people-watch on the prom, facilities signals the start of busy Coleraine. Nearby, and ending on 7 miles of golden sand before saddling up for the second half. Shops, accommodation, toilets, cafés, pubs the impressive Norman Fort and mesolithic at Benone. LONDONDERRY. COUNTY COLERAINE, PARK, CHRISTIE

09 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 10 gosford forest park family cycling trail

Nearest Town: Not only a fantastic cycle trail but a wonderful forest armagh... Distance: 4 Miles (6.6km) circular filled with incredible flora and fauna.

Traffic: Traffic-free Gosford Forest Park is a centuries old way vehicle traffic at this point and be Points of Interest: Greer’s Fort, woodland, owned and managed by Forest prepared to stop. arboretum, conservation pond, rare Service (Department of Agriculture and breeds, deer Rural Development). The family cycling Just past Greer's Fort the waymarkers Map: Gosford Forest Park Family Cycling trail uses well established paths through direct you onto the first section of trail card – www.cycleni.com wooded, drumlin landscape on gravel singletrack. Test your off-road skills Start Point: Wheel Car Park H 964 405 surface forest roads, linked with sections of between the trunks and over the roots of Finish Point: Wheel Car Park H 964 405 purpose-built singletrack. broadleaves and conifers. On the final leg of the journey the deer park and rare The trail is marked by green discs mounted breed enclosures add interest before you on wooden posts and directs you initially arrive back at the car park for a through the archway at the old gate well-earned rest. houses before heading towards the arboretum. Here you pass under towering These cycle trails are situated in a working specimen trees where huge branches forest environment and may be subject to plunge towards the ground, then sweep diversion and closure from time to time. majestically up to the sky again. facilities Once out of the arboretum cross Castle Car parking, café (summer & weekends), Avenue, which leads to the privately campsite, interpretation panels, owned . Be aware of two- visitor information

craigavon cycle trail

For some it's a good stretch of the legs but for many it's an opportunity to bridge the gap between fun, family cycling and full-on cycle touring. loughgall country park You can join this 35 mile circular route at Nearest Town: It feels more like an outdoor leisure centre boasting an 18 hole golf course, horse any point; however a convenient starting point is at Portadown. Following National Distance: 35 miles (56km) circular riding, coarse fishery, ecotrail, running trails, children's activity areas and most Route 9 signposts and then Regional Route Traffic: 12 miles traffic-free, busier importantly… great cycling trails. 10 signposts, make your way through traffic through villages small bustling villages and along Lough Points of Interest: Oxford Island, conifer woodland. There are 3 walking trails join up with the Orchard Walk using blue Nearest Towns: Armagh, Portadown Neagh's shoreline. The circular trail is a Craigavon City Park, Lough Neagh within the Park - Bridle, Orchard and squares. This takes you around the Old Distance: 5 miles (8 km) circular great blend of flat, traffic-free towpaths Map: Craigavon Cycle Trail leaflet – Lakeside, all waymarked on a mix of smooth Cope Estate through forests and meadows. and rolling country back-roads and lanes. www.cycleni.com Traffic: Traffic-free paths on tarmac and gravel surface forest tracks. It's quite hilly but the views from above Start Point: Bann Boulevard, Portadown mixed surfaces The Lakeside Trail is unsuitable for bikes but overlooking Armagh's orchards are Push off from the Bann Bridge in Portadown, J 013 540 Points of Interest: Play area and junior the remaining 2 can be combined to form a just magnificent. Descend again, crossing head south on the towpath along the River Finish Point: Bann Boulevard, Portadown adventure trail fantastic 5 mile cycle route. the park's towering lime tree avenue to Bann to the Point of Whitecoat Bridge where J 013 540 Map: Map - available at Loughgall the picnic area and car park beyond. the Newry Canal Towpath begins. Shortly Country Park Follow the red triangles where the Bridle Trail after crossing the footbridge you will pass and the . Ireland. From here, join Routes 9 & 94 Start Point: Loughgall Car Park cuts through the golf course, cross the 6th These cycle trails are situated in a working Moneypenny's and Lightermen's Bothy Going north from , cycle towards Craigavon and the City Park. H 911 519 tee by the old lime kiln and enter the shade forest environment and may be subject to before reaching Knock Bridge where you through pretty countryside passing near to Craigavon is served by an extensive of the trees alongside the wall of the Drumilly diversion and closure from time to time. Finish Point: Loughgall Car Park leave the towpath. Heading north, you pass the villages of Dollingstown and . network of cycle paths taking you back to H 911 519 Road. Remember the trail is used by horse the ancient Lisnamintry Rath before skirting Oxford Island Nature Reserve on Lough Portadown to the finish. riders, so be prepared to pull over and stop. facilities around the edge of Craigavon. From here, Neagh's shore is further on. The view Loughgall Country Park is a mature parkland Pedal back into mature woodland and follow Car parking, shop, toilets available at main head east on minor roads to Waringstown, from here is one of the best across the facilities set in 188 hectares, with areas of commercial the red triangles right through the trees and car park with a chance to experience great views of largest freshwater lake in Britain and Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets LOUGHGALL COUNTRY PARK, . COUNTY PARK, COUNTRY LOUGHGALL 11 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 12 craigavon lakes family mountain bike trail newry canal towpath

Nearest Town: Craigavon A flat 20 miles on a towpath with a train station at each end… Distance: 6.5 miles (10.6km) circular no more excuses! Traffic: Off-road The 20 mile linear route is part of the gradually opens up as you glide effortlessly Points of Interest: Nearest Town: Portadown Tannaghmore Gardens, Craigavon National Cycle Network and is signed through the billowing countryside. Look out Watersports Centre Route 9. Being completely flat it's suitable for swans nesting in the water and huge Distance: 20 miles (32 km) linear Map: Craigavon Lakes Mountain Bike for all ages and abilities and has the bonus herons springing up from the bank. Traffic: Traffic-free but crosses A51 trail card - www.cycleni.com of having a train station not far from and A27 Start Point: Craigavon Watersports either end. Visitor Centre is a few miles further Points of Interest: Moneypenny's Lock, Centre J 048 568 on and is a cyclist's oasis, a great coffee Campbell's Lock, Scarva Visitor Centre Finish Point: Craigavon Watersports The towpath begins at Portadown and stop in grand surroundings. Off again into Map: Newry Canal - www.cycleni.com Centre J 048 568 weekends are busy, so keep the speed the small village of , then Start Point: Portadown J 014 539 down until you're a few miles up the river Jerrettspass and next into the hiving city of Finish Point: Newry J 086 271 where the Bann and Cusher rivers meet. Newry. A short walk along the quays and The exhilaration will have you plotting Here the footbridge scoops you up over you're in the centre where you can grab a the Cusher and down to the towpath cuppa and decide how you'll make the and planning on how to do it quicker, where the canal starts. return journey. A 15 minute cycle ride will take you to the train station. long before the finish! The first of 14 locks is Moneypenny's, where the delightful lock-keeper's facilities Situated within 250 acres of park land, letting the natural contours pull you around house sits. Cycle over the small bridge and Car parking, shops, cafés, restaurants, Northern Ireland's first purpose built family the tight bends over the roots and round visit the museum and interpretative centre toilets, train stations mountain bike trail weaves its way through the rocks. Out of the trees and along the inside. Back in the saddle the landscape Craigavon City Park on a mixture of off- lakeside for another spell before a longer, road singletrack, wider rough doubletrack tougher woodland section that really tests and short sections of tarmac paths. your bike skills. Back under the bridge again to the south lake, but the fun doesn't This 6 mile trail through woodlands, stop. The trail takes you through more ulster canal cycle trail meadows and along the lake-shore is trees on tight, more technical singletrack. suitable for families with children It may be cool, leafy and shady but there's competent at cycling while still presenting no time to relax as the trail throws you Nearest Town: Maghery enough of a challenge for more challenges the whole way back to the Distance: 48 miles (77 km) linear experienced riders. This route is not finish at the Watersports Centre. Traffic: Mostly quiet roads, traffic busier suitable for road bikes. 60 blue circular through Monaghan town markers with the words ‘Moderate Cycle The Watersports Centre has great bike hire Points of Interest: The Argory (National Trail’ keep you on the right track. facilities. As well as road bikes and Trust), Valley Park mountain bikes, the centre has tandems, Map: Ulster Canal Trail - www.cycleni.com Kick off from the Craigavon Watersports trikes (suitable for people with limited Centre along the water's edge on smooth cycling ability or balance difficulties), Start Point: Maghery H 923 636 tarmac before crunching into your first piggyback bikes and trailers suitable for Finish Point: Clones H 498 259 section of rough singletrack. The trail young children. It’s best to check widens on the long straight, parallel to the availability in advance (Tel: 028 3834 2669). This forgotten link between west and east, has a treasure trove of historic sites and rail track, but keep your wits and your spellbinding scenery. hands on the brakes, as the surface can A word of caution for families, in summer, be loose. nettles through the woodland can get quite The Ulster Canal once linked Lough Erne and follows the river through Charlemont and the Great Famine. The long straight from rampant, so it's best to deck your kids out Lough Neagh, through 48 miles of waterways where you cross into County Glaslough leads into a buzzing Monaghan Dip under the rail track via the bridge at in a pair of full length trousers. It'll save and 26 lock gates. The cycle route uses Tyrone. Pace yourself on the climb up town and Route 91 treks over the hilly back the far side and back along the north lake you rooting around the undergrowth for National Cycle Network Routes 11, 91 and 95 through Benburb Valley and enjoy the roads towards Clones. The canal stores, for about 500 metres. Up ahead, at the docken leaves. on quiet roads through historic towns and endless view down to the Cathedral steeples further on, make for a fitting end of one right turn, prepare for a roller-coaster villages. Branching off the Loughshore Trail and beyond. The river cuts a deep gorge journey and perhaps the beginning of through the rough. More experienced facilities at Maghery, pick up Regional Route 11 and through the landscape at Benburb Priory. another as 230 miles of Kingfisher Trail snake riders can attack this section, while those Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets, instruction, follow the Blackwater River south. The wild off in the distance. and wonderful Peatlands Park and the From Benburb push on toward Tynan on CRAIGAVON LAKES FAMILY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL, ARMAGH. COUNTY MOUNTAIN LAKES FAMILY CRAIGAVON less so, can treat it with a bit more caution, bike hire at the Watersports Centre National Trust property ‘The Argory’ are a Route 95, where the road squeezes into facilities few miles further on and well worth a County Monaghan between the high estate Car parking, shops, cafés, restaurants, toilets dismount. From here an orchard-filled ride walls of Caledon and Glaslough, built during 13 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 14 down... castlewellan forest park family cycling trail CASTLEWELLAN LAKE, COUNTY DOWN. LAKE,CASTLEWELLAN COUNTY

Nearest Town: Castlewellan A fairy tale castle set in a wonderful Forest Park makes Distance: 2.5 miles (3.8km) circular this family cycle trail a must-do. rostrevor cycle route Traffic: Traffic-free Castlewellan is situated on the A50 Outstanding Natural Beauty, has lots to Points of Interest: Castlewellan Castle, between and Newcastle with offer. From the cycle route there If the hills don’t leave you breathless, the views to the Mourne Mountains and Ice House, Autumn Wood, the forest park signposted from are splendid views of Castlewellan Castle, across certainly will. Peace Maze, arboretum, walled garden Castlewellan’s main street. This 2.5 mile built in 1856, and very much a focal point Map: Castlewellan Forest Park Family circular trail follows the same route as one within the park. Along the route you can some of Northern Ireland’s more the bridge into Hilltown which has a Cycling trail card - www. cycleni.com Nearest Town: Rostrevor of the main forest walking paths pull in and investigate the Ice House, an challenging and rewarding cycling terrain. thriving livestock market on alternate Start Point: Castlewellan Forest Park circumnavigating Castlewellan Lake and is early form of refrigeration, and the Distance: 17 miles (27km) circular Saturdays. The weather-vane on the local J 335 364 suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. delightful Autumn Wood just below the Traffic: Busy traffic in both Rostrevor and Route 7 begins in the picturesque village hotel is a fish, marking the town’s link with Finish Point: Castlewellan Forest Park Castle on the return leg. When finished, Hilltown, light traffic on the minor roads of Rostrevor and it draws you up between the source of the Bann. Through Hilltown’s J 335 364 Set off from the car park and pedal down the wonderful Peace Maze above the main Points of Interest: Rostrevor, Hilltown, and Crotlieve Mountain main street, follow the signpost onto the towards the lake, where the route is car park, should keep everyone baffled Glenmore Viewpoint, Rostrevor towards the source of the Bann River in Yellow Road and prepare for another waymarked every 300 yards by green and entertained for another hour. Forest Park Hilltown. Rostrevor Forest is an Area of steep climb to Glenmore Viewpoint. discs with a white bicycle in the centre. Maps: Mourne & Slieve Croob Cycle Special Scientific Interest and offers It’s rewarded with spectacular views The trail is on wide forest track with well These cycle trails are situated in a working Routes - Route 7 (see page 48) numerous stops to take in both natural across Carlingford Lough and along the compacted stone and is carefully forest environment and may be subject to Start Point: Rostrevor Village J 177 183 and ancient history and a well earned coast to Dublin. From here gradually maintained, with no overhanging branches diversion and closure from time to time. Finish Point: Rostrevor Village J 177 183 break. Gigantic dolmens, ruined castles descend again to Rostrevor on the coast. or obstructions. By and large, it's a flat and a mass rock all nestle in a landscape easy cycle with one gentle slope on the facilities unchanged for thousands of years. facilities north side of the lake. Car parking , café, toilets, Bluelough This 17 mile circular route between Car parking, accommodation, café, Adventure Centre (including bike hire and Rostrevor and Hilltown, in the foothills of A left turn at the top of the Newtown picnic areas Castlewellan Forest Park, set among the canoe hire), picnic areas, caravan, campsite the Mourne Mountains, introduces you to Road sweeps around Leitrim Hill and over magnificent Mourne Mountains, an Area of ROSTREVOR VILLAGE, COUNTY DOWN. VILLAGE, COUNTY ROSTREVOR 15 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 16 legananny cycle route castle ward

Nearest Town: Strictly for the mountain climbers - your legs, lungs Distance: 20 miles (32km) circular and better judgment will be screaming at you to do Traffic: Light traffic on minor roads, busy the sensible thing and get off! through Castlewellan Points of Interest: Legananny Dolmen, The Legananny Route leaves from the through Clarkhill Wood. Castlewellan's Leitrim village, Castlewellan small village of Finnis just south of tree-lined squares make for a perfect Maps: Mourne & Slieve Croob Cycle Dromara on the B7. Named after the huge halfway stop. Routes - Route 3 (see page 48) dolmen on the return section, it stretches for 20 miles through the Mourne Area Of From Castlewellan the hills come thick and Start Point: Finnis J 284 477 Oustanding Natural Beauty on good fast to Leitrim village. A tough climb Finish Point: Finnis J 284 477 surfaces. This route will test your climbing around Benbraw Mountain takes you to credentials to the full. the massive Legananny Dolmen, perched precariously by the roadside. Leaving Finnis, follow Route 3 onto the Clanvaraghan Road. The pressure is piled on A last drag over Windy Gap is rewarded instantly. Within a mile you've climbed over with one of Northern Ireland's best views… 300 metres: remember there's no simply breathtaking cycling in every sense. embarrassment in dismounting… well, not The road descends and throws you a few much. Focus on the great views to Slieve more challenges on the way back to the Croob at the top, where the River Lagan rises finish at Finnis. and flows to Belfast. Catch your breath on the freewheel and climb again over the facilities Road, where the land begins to fall Car parking, accommodation, café, shops towards Castlewellan on a fast descent

An architectural curiosity set in a natural wonderland, Castle Ward is knockchree cycle route quite simply a jaw-dropping location for a cycle ride. TEMPLE WATER, CASTLE WARD, COUNTY DOWN. COUNTY WARD, CASTLE TEMPLE WATER,

Nearest Town: From the upper car park, cycle along the Hitch up the bikes again and break out the Nearest Towns: Strangford, Distance: 18 miles (28km) circular main tarmac avenue with the magnificent picnic at the tables situated next to the Traffic: Light traffic on minor roads, busy Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km) circular mid-Georgian mansion house on your left. fantastic playgrounds by the car park. through Kilkeel and A2 Traffic: Unsurfaced trails and The Classical and Gothic façades were a You can spend the remainder of the day Points of Interest: Cranfield Beach, tarmac avenue result of the owners’ inability to agree on a exploring the rest of the estate. A trail Greencastle Castle, Attical Points of Interest: Mid-Georgian style. Just short of the entrance gates take map, available at reception, guides you Maps: Mourne & Slieve Croob Cycle mansion house, Strangford Lough a right onto Colonel's Walk and begin the through the many attractions on the estate Routes - Route 5 (see page 48) Wildlife Centre steady climb up through the mature on three waymarked walking trails. Start Point: Kilkeel J 305 144 Map: Castle Ward Trail Map – woodland. At the top, enjoy the fantastic The magnificent house is well worth a tour www.cycleni.com view towards the Mournes beyond. and the café, gift shop and book shop Finish Point: Kilkeel J 305 144 Start Point: Castle Ward J 569 492 mean everyone goes home happy. Finish Point: Castle Ward J 569 492 Keep on track past the freshwater ponds On a bike, the mountains of Mourne don't so much sweep… they hurtle down to the sea. until you come to the old Gamekeeper's These cycle trails are situated in a working Overlooking Strangford Lough and set in Cottage. At this point you can nip back to forest environment and may be subject to The busy harbour town of Kilkeel makes a alternatively cross the river up to Ballygowan From Attical, climb steeply again around the 820 acres, Castle Ward is one of the the car park or extend the route climbing diversion and closure from time to time. colourful start to the cycle. Beginning on and across the main Newry Road. With the slopes of Slievenagore and you'll see the National Trust's most stunning locations. up through Mountain Wood keeping on the the coast the route then climbs through warm-up complete it's time to breathe distinctive stone walls knit together a lush Filled with castle ruins, wonderful forest track until you reach the viewpoints. facilities the Mourne Mountains and back to sea deeply and pace yourself up between green landscape back down to Kilkeel. architecture and walking trails, it's the ideal Strangford Lough spreads out across the Car parking, tearoom, toilets (including level for 18 miles. A beautiful few hours Slievebug and Knockchree, with the leafy The hard climb is now rewarded with a thrilling family day out. The 3.5 mile cycle trail landscape, dotted with 100 or more small disabled), information, gift shop and book for the experienced roadie and a real picnic area of Mourne Wood to the right. descent around Leitrim Hill, eventually passes the magnificent house and through islands. Descend carefully on the gravel shop, children’s play area, camping and step-up in class for the rest of us. The road follows the tight contours of squeezing the brakes just short of Kilkeel town. the estate's woodlands on a mixture of path and turn right at the Victorian Gate caravan site, picnic area, holiday cottage, Knockchree on a narrow road flanked by tarmac, natural woodland floor and gravel Lodge. Open farmland rolls down to the Clearsky Adventure Centre (including bike Follow Route 5 along the shore road. dry-stone walls, gorse and blackberry that facilities tracks. Weekends can be quite busy with estate wall on your left as you follow the hire and canoe hire) There's a short diversion to Cranfield or spill over the walls. Finally, freewheel into Car parking, accommodation, café, shops walkers and occasionally horse riders, so rough, stone road back down to the Greencastle for views across the bay, Attical village before the final assault. be prepared to pull over and give way. car park. 17 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 18 claudy country park

Nearest Towns: Claudy, Derry City Cyclists and walkers are taking to the trails and Distance: 2 miles (3 km) circular breathing fresh life into a magnificent country park. Traffic: Traffic-free The park is signposted on the Cumber Back on board, keep with the Faughan until Points of Interest: Cumber House, Road (B49), just outside the village of it meets Glenrandal River. Now follow the St. Patrick's Churches Claudy. The route follows the surfaced bank of the Glenrandal where you can see Map: None available trails through the former grounds of the ruined remains of Cumber Old Church Start Point: Claudy - Ballynameen Cumber House. A good firm surface on the far bank. Bridge C 540 069 stretches for a mile along rivers and Finish Point: Claudy - Ballynameen through woodland. The path winds along through a leafy Bridge C 540 069 tunnel of shrubs and mature trees to the Kick off at Ballynameen Bridge with the car park beside Cumber House. From here view over the Faughan river to the you can follow the upper path, back churches of St Patrick. Pedal along with through the woods to Ballynameen Bridge the river on your right and the rising but before that let the kids run riot in the woodlands on your left, full of mature new state-of-the-art children’s play area. beech, , willow and silver birch.

The wide flowing river pulls you gently facilities along by one of the many small weirs Car parking, playground, constructed across the river. Just beyond, a information panels large open space to the left provides a great spot to pull in for a picnic.

londonderry... eagle’s glen cycle route

Nearest Town: Deep in the forests of the ancient landscape hide foyle valley cycleway Distance: 14 miles (22km) circular a plethora of historic sites and a remarkable 7 metre tall Traffic: Quiet country roads stone pyramid. Points of Interest: Garvagh Pyramid, Follow the Foyle through the quiet backroads of to in the Starting in Garvagh, between and Chieftains set their feet in two large foot Errigal Old Church & souterrain, foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. Gortnamoyagh Inauguration Stone, Coleraine on the A29, this circular 14 mile holes cut into the huge stone. Garvagh Museum cycle on forest paths and lazy country and quiet country roads. The route starts down to where you cross the busy N14. Nearest Town: Derry City Maps: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 11 roads, has a lot to offer the experienced Gear up again for a gradual but steady beneath the city walls in Derry City. Just ahead is Cavanacor Historic House, and novice cyclist alike. Gentle rolling hills climb at the Five Roads End and enjoy the Distance: 21 miles (33 km) linear (see page 48) It runs parallel to the towards President Polk's ancestral home and now and gradual climbs are waymarked using descent into Bog, a 40 hectare Traffic: Traffic-free paths and quiet Start Point: Garvagh Forest C 839 154 the County Donegal border on the home to a renowned gallery and craft Route 11. lowland bog in the heart of the glen. country roads resurfaced track bed of the Great centre. It's a good excuse to dismount, Finish Point: Garvagh Forest C 839 154 Points of Interest: Derry Walls, President Northern Railway, following National stretch out and wander about for a spell. Pushing off from Garvagh Forest Car Park, Follow the route through the hamlet of Polk's ancestral home, ‘Let the Dance Route 92 signs. just off Garvagh’s main street, cycle over a Brockaghboy and roll gently back down to Begin’ sculpture, Alley Arts Centre Cycle back towards Lifford and over the mix of surfaces through the forest where Garvagh where a visit to the Garvagh Map: Foyle Valley Cycleway - The traffic-free railway section merges River Foyle into , where the 7 metre tall Garvagh Pyramid sits museum on Garvagh’s main street rounds www.cycleni.com with a minor road and takes you through you will pass the fantastic ‘Let the Dance curiously among the mature trees. off a great cycle. Start Point: Derry City C 436 170 the small village of Carrigans. Here change Begin’ sculpture on your way, before Finish Point: Strabane H 344 978 down gear as the road begins to rise high ending your journey in Strabane Leave the forest and join the Plantation facilities above the widening Foyle. The descent town centre. Road on the outskirts of the town for a Car parking, café, shops, pub This award-winning, 21 mile cycle route takes you to St. Johnston where the route long, flat spin. Before long you'll find connects the historic Walled City of Derry begins moving out into the countryside on facilities yourself in the beautiful Gortnamoyagh to the border towns of Lifford and beautiful rural roads. A few miles on, Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets Forest. Just off the route, into the forest, Strabane on a mix of traffic-free paths cycle over the section of rough track is the Gortnamoyagh Inauguration Stone.

FOYLE VALLEY CYCLEWAY, NEAR CARRIGANS, COUNTY LONDONDERRY. COUNTY NEAR CARRIGANS, CYCLEWAY, VALLEY FOYLE During the crowning ceremony, Gaelic 19 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 20 moyola cycle route banagher cycle route

The Moyola Cycle Route is a picture-postcard of meandering rivers and sleepy Nearest Town: The Sperrins never fail to deliver on natural, unspoiled country roads harking back to a by-gone era. Distance: 28 miles (45 km) circular beauty, rich history and magnificent cycling terrain.

From here the route passes Tirkane Traffic: Quiet country roads, busy in and Nearest Town: Maghera out of Dungiven Route 7 and some sections of National Take a left out of the village and straight Sweathouse, an ancient type of turkish Route 93. It lies within the Sperrin Area of ahead is Umrycam Hill. Out of the saddle Distance: 11 miles (17km) circular bath, then loops away from the mountain Points of Interest: Banagher Old Church, Dungiven Priory, Banagher Glen Outstanding Natural Beauty and contains and a tough steep climb takes you over the Traffic: Busy traffic on A29 but traffic is back towards the Moyola River on some of Ireland's aboriginal forest, dating top, enjoy the freewheel and the view back light on minor roads Map: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 7 beautiful narrow, leafy country lanes. back beyond the Ice Age. down the valley towards and (see page 48) Points of Interest: St Lurach’s Church Cycle down through the of Dungiven. The route makes one last detour (Maghera), Tirkane Sweathouse Start Point: Dungiven C 689 094 Ballyhagan between the tall hedgerows Saddle up on main street, cross the Roe before dropping down through Banagher Map: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 9 with the flat patchwork of farmland ahead. Finish Point: Dungiven C 689 094 River and begin the first section along the Glen. The Glen contains some of the last (see page 48) flat valley floor. Follow the tight turns past fragments of what were once extensive Start Point: H 832 967 Stop for a spell at the river-crossing at Tucked away beneath the Gortnaghey where the road starts woods covering much of the north-west, a Lisnamuck, before joining up with the B41 Finish Point: Tobermore H 832 967 lies the welcoming town of Dungiven. climbing, passing Burnfoot and glimpse of what Ireland looked like before just outside Tobermore. Here at the foot of the Old Church on the right. Up above the man began clearing the forests to farm. Parish Church at the top of Tobermore’s Mountain the Roe, Owenreagh and crossroads in Bovevagh, join National Pull in again at Banagher Old Church, a You have the choice of starting your cycle and is signposted with the distinctive main street signals the end of the journey Owenbeg rivers all converge. Route 93 to traverse the valley uplands fantastic ruin dating from the 10th century. from the market town of Maghera or the Sperrins brown sign marked 9. as you freewheel gently back down the passing the majestic windmills at Hop back on the bike and let the road drop nearby village of Tobermore, both on the broad street into town. The Banagher Cycle Route snakes off on a Altahullion on the right. The rolling roads you back down again to Dungiven. A29 between and Coleraine. From Tobermore the route uses a mix of circular 28 miles through the flat lowlands, pass through and hug the hillsides This 11 mile circular route crosses the the busy A29 and some back roads into facilities rolling uplands and tough mountain roads. up towards the small village of Park, an facilities Moyola River and its numerous tributaries Maghera. Meaning ‘Plain of the Fort’, Car parking, accommodation, cafés, shops It's all on good surfaces using quiet ideal spot to lean the bike against a wall Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets, flowing down from the Sperrin Mountains Maghera is on the flat foothills and backroads and country lanes, following and stretch out before the trip back home. accommodation above. It's suitable for all cycling abilities explains why this is such a delightfully flat and easy spin. faughan valley cycleway

Nearest Town: Derry City Escape the stress and congestion of city life and get Distance: 24 miles (38 km) circular out into the open, rolling countryside.

Traffic: Quiet roads - busier through The Faughan Valley Cycleway boasts three On the Ardmore Road the route begins Derry City new routes between Derry City and the rising steeply at Ballyshasky and again up Points of Interest: Wood, Shoal outlying rural villages. All the routes use to the city at . Art Sculpture and Observation Point quiet or traffic-free roads and are signposted. Map: Faughan Valley Cycleway - The hard part is done and you can coast www.cycleni.com Route 1 leaves from New Buildings, south back through the city on dedicated cycle Start Point: New Buildings C 411 125 of the city and uses National Route 93 paths. Pedal along Waterside Link and Finish Point: New Buildings C 411 125 signposts along quiet, mostly flat country drop back onto the banks of the River roads through the Faughan Valley along Foyle again at the Craigavon Bridge. the river. From New Buildings cycle on Pick up Route 93 on Victoria Road and Route 93 south. The route branches off trace your way back to New Buildings, after a few miles and begins skirting stopping off at the Shoal Art Sculpture and around Slievekirk. Observation Point for great views across the river and city. Beyond is leafy Bond's Glen stretching along the roadside for a mile or so. At the facilities crossroads ahead, take a right and pull in Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets, by Killaloo Wood for a breather and a swig accommodation from your water bottle, before saddling up and gently cycling back up the Faughan Valley. BANAGHER OLD CHURCH, COUNTY LONDONDERRY. COUNTY OLD CHURCH, BANAGHER

21 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 22 omagh riverside path to gortnagarn

A bustling market town, a rolling river and a quiet lovers' retreat all come together tyrone... to make a perfect family ride. Enter the leisure centre grounds and Nearest Town: Omagh continue out of Omagh, alongside Grange Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8km) linear Park. It's tranquil, leafy and very popular Traffic: Mostly off-road with walkers and local skaters. The Points of Interest: Omagh, Lovers’ "Wishbone" sculpture by local artist Niall Retreat, Ulster American Folk Park Laird, is a recent addition to the park. Map: Belfast to Ballyshannon - The path continues off-road adjacent to www.sustransshop.co.uk the B48 all the way out to Gortnagarn in Start Point: Omagh H 471 723 the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains. From here it's only a short distance to the Finish Point: Gortnagarn H 453 770 Ulster American Folk Park, documenting Irish Emigration and celebrating our Ulster Starting from Cranney Fields car park in American connections, set within a unique Omagh, this 5.5 mile flat cycle route uses a village recreating 19th century life. section of the National Cycle Network 92 long-distance route. Pedalling along the From here you can retrace your tracks back Camowen River, you pass through Lovers’ to Omagh town or the more adventurous Retreat, an outstanding beauty spot, can use this as a warm-up to a number of where herons nest in summer and fish the Sperrins Cycle Routes. leap upstream to the Sperrin Mountains. Pedal over a small wooden bridge onto facilities Privet Road which crosses the busy A505. Car parking, Tourist Information Centre

dungannon park STONE CIRCLES, COUNTY TYRONE. COUNTY CIRCLES, STONE BEAGHMORE Nearest Town: Dungannon Distance: 2 miles (3km) circular white hare cycle route Traffic: Off-road, cycle lane to Linen Green Points of Interest: Dungannon Park Lake, All manner of archaeological treasure has been discovered beneath the thick Linen Green, Windmill Wood blanket bog on the White Hare Cycle Route. Map: Map - available at Dungannon Park

Nearest Town: White Hare Cycle Route as it loops through and climb once again to Start Point: Dungannon Park Car Park this amazing, unique landscape for a hilly and then into the small town of H 804 609 Distance: 36 miles (58 km) circular 36 miles. Carrickmore. Take a breather here Finish Point: Dungannon Park Car Park Traffic: Quiet country roads before the tough return leg. H 804 609 Points of Interest: An Creagán, The route starts by heading north and east, Creggandevesky Court Tomb, Beaghmore over towards the seven stone circles at The route then climbs around A great family cycle, in a fantastic family park with a wealth of other activities thrown in. Stone Circles Beaghmore. The wide open skies, quiet Cregganconroe up to the remarkable Map: Sperrin Cycle Routes - Route 4 (see roads and the rich colour palette of the Creggandevesky Court Tomb. It was This 2 mile off-road figure of eight route is bring you to gates where Route Cross through the car park to join the second page 48) blanket bogland, make this perfect cycling revealed when the blanket bog was set in the safe family friendly surroundings 95 enters the park. Take a left and prepare leg of the trail alongside the park's playing Start Point: An Creagán H 623 788 country. From Beaghmore climb in the removed in the 1980s. Back in the of Dungannon Park, just off the M1. From to pant your way up Nunnery Hill, admire a fields. A winding downhill section takes you Finish Point: An Creagán H 623 788 direction of , crossing the saddle pull yourself to the top of the the car park the route is marked by a green splendid view over the park and brace to the far side, past the playpark to the finish Owenkillew River and passing standing climb and get a well deserved descent, dual purpose walking/cycle lane and yourself for a series of steep downhill where you can park up and explore the If you need an introduction to the Sperrin stones and cairns strewn in the finishing at An Creagán. National Route 95. The route is on a mixed sections. Take a right below for the Linen wonderful waymarked walks. Mountains, then An Creagán is probably surrounding fields. Turn south towards surface with challenging climbs and Green Complex, an award-winning your best place to begin. This fantastic Greencastle where the road rises before facilities steep downhills. ‘boutique’ shopping complex, or left, back facilities visitor centre sits at the foot of dropping down into Mountfield. Swing Car parking, cafés, restaurants, toilets, on tarmac towards the lake, dam and Car parking, caravan and camping, toilets, Mullaghacarn and marks the start of the right, taking care crossing the main road accommodation, information panel Push off from the Park Pavilion past the kids waterfall. Best to dismount here, as the hill showers, BBQ, picnic areas, café in playpark on your right. Straight ahead will rising up to the lake is quite severe. Linen Green 23 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 24 lough fea cycle route derg valley cycle route

Nearest Town: Cookstown Steep gorges, gushing rivers and seven megalithic Distance: 41 miles (66 km) circular stone circles await high in the Sperrin Mountains. If you prefer looking at mountains rather than Traffic: Quiet country roads, busier the valley. The Glenelly River cuts deep Ireland and gives a fascinating glimpse into near Cookstown into the land beneath Ireland's industrial heritage. The final few going over them…then this idyllic cycle through Points of Interest: Cookstown market sweeping up on your right side. miles roll you back into Cookstown. (Saturdays), Beaghmore Stone Circles, the Derg Valley is mapped out just for you. Wellbrook Beetling Mill Another stiff climb around Sawelabeg facilities Map: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 5 leaves you in thick alpine-like forest. Then Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets (see page 48) as the land begins to fall, make your way Start Point: Burnavon Centre, down to the Black Rock Road. Just ahead, Cookstown H 806 784 the fields around are littered with huge Finish Point: Burnavon Centre, standing stones and ancient dolmens, all Cookstown H 806 784 leading to the Beaghmore Stone Circles. 7 ancient stone circles protrude from the Not one for the faint hearted, this route peat bog, in a massive, windswept guides you for 41 miles around one of landscape untouched since Neolithic times. Ireland's great unspoiled wildernesses. Starting in Cookstown, the route climbs Descending from Beaghmore, the speed steeply up through the foothills of Slieve picks up around the foot of Corvanaghan Gallion before dropping down to Lough Mountain and down along the Fea. You can take a breather by the lake, River. The route scoots past Wellbrook and then one last effort up Glenelly Road Beetling Mill, run by the National Trust. before the route eventually flattens out in This is the last working mill in Northern

gold cycle route HOMESTEAD, LEGFORDRUM, ABOVE STRABANE, COUNTY TYRONE. STRABANE, LEGFORDRUM, COUNTY ABOVE HOMESTEAD,

Nearest Town: Gortin Begin in , a plantation freewheeling down into . It's a Distance: 31 miles (50 km) circular Nearest Town: Newtownstewart town with strong Scottish connections, great place to pull in for a break and a walk Traffic: Quiet country roads with short Distance: 30 miles (48 km) circular where the Strule and Owenkillew rivers around the Diamond and Davies Bawn. traffic-free sections Traffic: Quiet country roads, busier meet. Follow Route 6 north for a short Refreshed and revitalised, it's time to hop on Points of Interest: Barnes Gap, through towns spell before turning right onto the quieter the bike and head back along the southern Points of Interest: Harry Avery's Castle, Bunderg Road, cycling with the curves of slopes of the Derg Valley. Climbing out of Map: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 1 , Davies Bawn and the Strule River for a few miles. After Castlederg, the Donegal Mountains recede (see page 48) Estate visiting Douglas Bridge village, branch off to the west as you follow National Route 95 Start Point: Gortin H 491 858 Map: Sperrins Cycle Routes - Route 6 right where the Sperrin Mountains start onto Castlebane Road. Down Creevy Road Finish Point: Gortin H 491 858 (see page 48) looming large. Luckily the road shies away and around Magheralough takes to the Deer Start Point: Newtownstewart towards the Swinging Bridge and Sion Park at Baronscourt Estate. The estate Tyrone's wild west offers the prospect of some outstanding cycling terrain. H 402 854 Mills. Sion Mills, an architectural jewel, was boasts a golf course, 4 star accommodation Finish Point: Newtownstewart laid out as a model village when the linen and all manner of countryside activities. The Gold Cycle Route is another cycling the river. A tight patchwork of green fields it's time to relax going down through the H 402 854 industry boomed in Ireland and is in stark Out of the trees and uphill to Harry Avery's treasure. It mixes flat valley roads with spreads up the valley floor to the billowing beautiful Glenelly Valley. Squeeze down contrast to its more traditional impressive 14th century castle perched on tough mountain passes for 31 miles on good hills above. Continue up the valley past through Barnes Gap where a short traffic- Nestled in the western foothills of the neighbouring towns. Local groups and the hill, above the road. From here it's a roads. Gortin is a village with a hostel and a Glenhull village and soon you will encounter free section takes you back along the Sperrin Mountains, the Derg River follows organisations have done an incredible job short spin back into Newtownstewart where good reputation for adventure sports, just an ancient standing stone in the field to Owenkillew River. Enjoy the view whilst an idyllic valley between Castlederg and restoring its architecture. you'll have time to sit down with a cuppa the spot to clip in and set off. your right. you make your way back to the village of Newtownstewart. For 30 miles Sperrins and plan out another route through the Gortin as the grey stone walls stretch a Cycle Route 6 circles the valley on its lush, Follow Route 6 carefully as it twists and Sperrin Mountains. Push off from the crossroads in the centre Time now to sit back in the saddle and skeletal framework over the valley slopes. gentle slopes. The area is steeped in turns out of Sion Mills and begins to climb of the village, head north briefly before prepare for the tough climb up Doraville industrial and ancient history and this cycle Orchard Road. Out of the saddle, a steep facilities taking a right just over the bridge, up the with Sawel Mountain rising 700 metres facilities route showcases it all on quiet, well climb takes you into County Donegal briefly, Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets, Owenkillew Valley, twisting in tandem with straight ahead. With the hard work done Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets surfaced back roads. before slacking off the and gently accommodation 25 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 26 castle archdale family cycling trail

Nearest Towns: Irvinestown, Kesh Snake your way through centuries of history on forest fermanagh... Distance: 6 miles (10 km) circular tracks linked with sleepy shoreline paths. Traffic: Mostly traffic-free, shared From the Marina Car Park a two-way cycle Hugging the shore of Lower Lough Erne for with pedestrians section gently limbers you up before a mile or so, it offers stunning panoramic Points of Interest: Old Castle Archdale, heading into the longer loop through the views across to Davy’s Island, White Island White Island, Davy’s Island, Courtyard, forest toward Old Castle Archdale. and further across Lower Lough Erne. Both Castle Archdale at War Exhibition This loop swings right into a narrower Christians and Vikings settled on these Map: Castle Archdale Family Cycling trail singletrack section. You suddenly find islands and each turn of the pedal feels like card – www.cycleni.com yourself darting between trees in soft a journey back in time. From here head Start Point: Castle Archdale Marina spruce-filtered light before arriving back back towards the two-way track just south H 173 588 onto firmer track once again. Follow the of the courtyard and follow the trail back Finish Point: Castle Archdale Marina arrow right and through another short, to the marina. Visit the ‘Castle Archdale at H 173 588 thrilling singletrack section. This mix of War’ exhibition for information about the forest roads and singletrack is a great fascinating links with WWII. A café and Situated 10 miles north west of Enniskillen, introduction for all ages and abilities and countryside centre are also housed in the this 6 mile cycle route weaves its way just might whet your appetite for courtyard and in summer you can take through 230 acres of mature forest something more adventurous. Ahead, the advantage of the boat trips to White Island situated on the shores of Lower Lough Old Castle destroyed during the 17th to see the world famous carved figures. Erne, enabling the cyclist to explore over century Irish Rebellion roughly marks the 1000 years of history. half-way point from the marina and is a These cycle trails are situated in a working unique spot to grab a quick breather. forest environment and may be subject to You have two starting options, either from diversion and closure from time to time. the marina in Castle Archdale Country Park Also, check out the World War II (WWII) or from Old Castle Archdale. Both locations features situated along the Burma Road facilities have interpretation panels mapping out the including the bomb store and petrol store. Car parking, interpretation panels, cycle route. Directional arrows clearly The return leg offers a different experience countryside centre, café, toilets signal the route. to the secluded enclosure of the forest. castle to castle It's only 3 miles there and back… but what a 3 miles! An ancient castle, museums, a fantastic playpark and a neo-classical mansion to cap it all.

Kingfisher Trail, National Cycle Network footbridge and onto the path beyond, Nearest Town: Enniskillen Route 91, on well surfaced roads between leading into a leafy suburb. The views Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) linear the magnificent Enniskillen Castle and back across the town, river and lough are Traffic: Mostly traffic-free , one of the National Trust's fantastic. Push on towards the Ardhowen Points of Interest: Enniskillen Castle finest treasures. Theatre and cross the A4 road with Museums, Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, caution. The long avenue up to Castle Ardhowen Theatre, Castle Coole Set off from Enniskillen Castle, situated on Coole Estate is just ahead providing a Map: The Kingfisher Trail - the . Almost 600 years old, it was great escape to the country along the www.sustransshop.co.uk built by Gaelic Maguires and guarded one of many walkways and an opportunity to Start Point: Enniskillen H 232 442 the few routes into ancient Ulster. Today it visit an architectural masterpiece. Finish Point: Enniskillen H 232 442 houses two museums, Fermanagh County Return via the same route calling at all Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. the attractions you might have passed The Castle to Castle route is a short, signed on the way. route, right in the heart of Enniskillen. Leaving Enniskillen Castle, cycle along the 90% of the route is traffic-free and should riverside pathway towards the Fermanagh suit families with children who are Lakeland Forum passing the newly facilities confident cyclists. The route follows the developed playpark. From here, cross the Cafés, restaurants, toilets, playparks CASTLE ARCHDALE, COUNTY FERMANAGH. COUNTY ARCHDALE, CASTLE ENNISKILLEN CASTLE, ENNISKILLEN, COUNTY FERMANAGH. ENNISKILLEN CASTLE, ENNISKILLEN, COUNTY 27 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 28 west fermanagh loop

A classic, uncompromising ride through the magnificent west Fermanagh countryside. The landscape west of Enniskillen is as steep but worth every pedal stroke. Upon belfast... Nearest Town: Enniskillen rugged and beautiful as it comes. This is a exiting the forest drop down into Garrison Distance: 73 miles (117 km) circular long day with challenging terrain, but an where there are spectacular views of Lough Traffic: Quiet country roads, busy incredible landscape. This route leaves Melvin stretching off in the distance below. through Enniskillen Enniskillen using part of the Kingfisher Trail Points of Interest: Lough Navar Forest, and traverses along the quiet country Pick up the Kingfisher Trail, Route 91, on Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, roads of Route 3. the return leg for a flat, fast sprint into Kiltyclogher. Beyond Kiltyclogher the route Map: The Kingfisher Trail - Leave from Enniskillen and follow Route 3 begins by climbing gradually above Lough www.sustransshop.co.uk onto the Derrygonnelly Road following the Melvin and drops down into the border Start Point: Enniskillen H 240 440 route carefully as it twists and turns onto town of Belcoo. From here it's a very Finish Point: Enniskillen H 240 440 Greystone Road through the townland of steep climb to the magnificent Marble Arch Rigg. Upon approaching the next junction, Caves Global Geopark – if you're making you can loop through Boho, past the High good time then it's well worth the 75 Cross and around Ross Lough National minute tour. Upon passing the caves drop Nature Reserve (NNR). Alternatively cross down through the village of Florencecourt the Monea Road and begin the steady, but be careful of the rough tracks through steep climb to the road running high above the National Trust's property. Finally, follow the B81 and Lower Lough Erne. Pull in at the National Route 91 along the quiet back Derrygonnelly for a quick map check, clip roads back into Enniskillen town centre. back in and pull yourself over to Correl Glen NNR. At this point detour into Lough facilities Navar Forest for alpine-like climbs to the Cafés, pubs, restaurants, toilets, viewpoint on the Cliffs of Magho. It is accommodation crom

Nearest Towns: ,

Lisnaskea ANTRIM. COUNTY BELFAST, PARK, ORMEAU Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km) circular Traffic: Off-road on mixed surfaces Points of Interest: Old Crom Castle, ormeau park yew trees Map: The Kingfisher Trail - Our great Victorian parks have become essential green oases and an antidote to our www.sustransshop.co.uk fast, congested city lives. Start Point: H 370 238 paths that access the park and the fade away. The main looping route goes Finish Point: Crom Estate H 370 238 Nearest Town: Belfast fantastic Lagan and Lough Cycleway joins it for 1.2 miles from Ormeau Gates, over to Distance: 1.2 miles (2 km) circular just over the Ormeau Bridge. the Ravenhill entrance and back to the car One of Europe's oldest yew trees sits amid an ancient estate. Traffic: Traffic-free paths park, but there's so much more to Ormeau Crom is one of Ireland's most important yard, cycling along the old carriageway ancient oak woods with the imposing Crom Points of Interest: Bandstand, The park is quite compact and is a safe space and kids just won't be able to resist nature conservation areas, home to many towards Crom Castle. Left again takes you Castle rising to your right. Beyond the walled garden in which kids and families can lose exploring every inch. Make time to check rare species, including the elusive pine through the gate into beautiful flat parkland. stableyard you reach the Castle’s main Map: Map of Park - www.cycleni.com themselves for a few hours. The network of out the walled garden, the Victorian smooth, flat tarmac paths is perfect for bandstand, the former Superintendent’s marten. This 3.5 mile waymarked route Follow the path to the Old Castle where one drive. Continue cycling as far as the Start Point: Ormeau Park J 350 733 starts from the visitor centre on a mixture of Ireland's oldest yew trees sits. Pedal crossroads where the path breaks off right building confidence and giving youngsters a house as well as the beautiful wildflower Finish Point: Ormeau Park J 350 733 of track and off-road. If you're cycling the along the loughside, past the impressive around Green Lough. Pass the lough and great sense of achievement and is suitable for meadow. The playground and picnic areas Kingfisher Trail the route uses the Crom boathouse, before crossing the White coast back down to the visitor centre. stabilised bikes and indeed for child trailers. will round off a great cycle in the park. ferry to cross to the visitor centre. The ferry Bridge onto the lush Inisherk Island. Ormeau Park is Belfast's oldest municipal must be booked at least 24 hours in Travel to the quay before retracing your facilities park with a fascinating history in its own Beginning at the car park beside Ormeau facilities advance (Tel: 028 6773 8118). route back to the bridge. Make your way to Visitor centre, tearoom, shop, car parking, right. It's bordered by the Ravenhill and Recreation Centre, take the leafy path to Car parking, café, toilets Saddle up and turn left as you leave the the Summer House, taking the path through toilets, guided walks, campsite Ormeau Roads. These roads have cycle the right and let the traffic and city din

29 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 30 comber greenway lagan and lough cycleway

21 miles of cycle lanes and towpath take you It's easy to see why the Lagan and Lough through the heart of Belfast, on National Cycle Network Route 93 and 9. During the week was voted ‘Best UK Urban Cycle Route’ commuters use it as a quick, efficient and cost effective way to travel to work. On weekends …it's an absolute gem! it's a 21 mile long leisure centre as cyclists, walkers, canoeists, skaters and joggers descend on the towpath and walkways.

Signposted in either direction, it has a multitude of access points. From the Loughshore Park at , follow Route 93 signs up Belfast Lough towards the City. Cave Hill sweeps skyward on the right and yellow cranes on the horizon mark Titanic's birthplace. A broad cycle lane continues along the Belfast Lough Nature Reserve, through Belfast's industrial estates to Clarendon Dock, where you will pick up the Art Trail. The Big Fish, now a famous Belfast landmark, marks the point where river and An indispensable, pulsating green lough meet. Cross the footbridge to the Odyssey or continue around the Waterfront Hall artery cuts straight through some toward on Route 9. of Belfast's busiest, built up areas.

COMBER GREENWAY, COUNTY DOWN. COUNTY GREENWAY, COMBER At Stranmillis traffic disappears, the river narrows and nature closes in. The river is just This fantastic resource has been developed Orangefield where another of Belfast's at your wheel and tall hawthorn provides Nearest Town: Belfast by Sustrans, Roads Service and local musical sons was raised and influenced - shade and shelter. Further on, at Shaw's Distance: 7 miles (11 km) linear community groups to provide a safe, highly Van Morrison. Further along, fantastic new Bridge, a quick detour over the old stone Traffic: Traffic-free from Dee St, Belfast accessible route from access steps from the bridge have been bridge takes you through Minnowburn Points of Interest: Odyssey, Victoria Park, out to Strangford Lough. Stretching for 7 built. A cleverly incorporated ramp allows Beeches, managed by the National Trust and Dundonald Ice Bowl traffic-free miles, the Greenway follows you to glide your bike up or down with little up a steep climb to the Giant's Ring, a marvel of ancient engineering. Back down onto the Map: Comber Greenway – Route 99 along the old Belfast to Comber effort, ideal for a daily commute or a family. www.combergreenway.org.uk Railway on wide tarmac. river the towpath snakes through the Regional Park towards . Start Point: Odyssey J 347 748 Whizzing through the Knock Nature Beginning from the Odyssey in the centre Reserve and along the newly surfaced The towpath traffic becomes lighter, but the Finish Point: Belfast Road, of Belfast, take the cycle path through the stretch, it's hard to believe that just beyond river is ever present. Lisburn lies a few miles Comber J 449 701 industrial estate on Sydenham Road. The the path are densely packed streets and further on. Park the bike and wander around traffic-free section of the route starts just busy traffic. Past East Link Road the old Xplorart, Lisburn's sculpture trail, before off Dee Street at Ballymacarrett Walkway. railway bed sank, transforming it into a finishing the route at Union Locks. Following this path, a quick detour can be wetland habitat. Rather than fill it in, it has made to Victoria Park, a lush green space been sympathetically left in place as the facilities in the shadow of the shipyard's gigantic path skirts along the side on raised tarmac. Car parking, shops, cafés, toilets, railway stations cranes, Samson and Goliath. The walkway Next Dundonald, with access to the Ice will bring you to the C.S. Lewis statue at Bowl and onto Millmount Road, where Billy Nearest Towns: , Belfast the bottom of the Road. Neill's Soccer School is based. From here Distance: 21 miles (34 km) linear The writer was born and raised in the it's a short pleasant straight to the edge of Traffic: Traffic-free on towpaths and cycle lanes area and many local landmarks feature Comber by Strangford Lough. Total journey in his books. time… 40 minutes! Points of Interest: , Botanic Gardens, Minnowburn, Giant's Ring, Odyssey Push your bike across the road at the signal facilities Map: Lagan and Lough Cycleway - crossing into the Bloomfield area, where Car parking, shops, cafés, restaurants, www.cycleni.com the old railway ran. Hop back in the saddle toilets, parks Start Point: Jordanstown Loughshore Park and you're on your traffic-free way to J 368 838

Comber. Beyond the North Street Bridge is ANTRIM. COUNTY BRIDGE, BELFAST, SHAW’S COTTAGE, KEEPER’S LOCK Finish Point: Union Locks, Lisburn J 260 624

31 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 32 the national cycle network Malin Head Long-Distance Routes Rathlin Island Ballyshannon to Larne Carndonagh Portrush Ballycastle Long-distance National Cycle National Cycle Network 91, 92, 93 & 95 Network Routes Greencastle Point Buncrana This 281 mile linear route connects the Atlantic Coast Other National Cycle Network routes Bushmills Creeslough 93 to the with the opportunity to travel along Rathmullan Coleraine Proposed National Cycle Network the scenic north coast and through Derry City. Glenveagh Castlerock Sperrin Mountain routes National Park Ballymoney Read more on page 45 Border Londonderry 96 The Glens Loughshore Trail Letterkenny 92 93 of Antrim 95 National route number Claudy Raphoe 97 National Cycle Network 94 & 96 10 Regional route number Portglenone Blue Stacks The Loughshore Trail is a 113 mile circular cycle ride Strabane Town with railway station around the shores of the largest freshwater lake in Sperrins Larne © Crown Copyright 2008 Britain and Ireland. Find out more on page 39 Toome 93 Gortin Antrim Donegal 95 95 Kingfisher Trail 94 Whiteabbey Ballyshannon Pettigo Omagh Cookstown Lough 94 Bangor National Cycle Network 91 Neagh 93 Bundoran Belfast The 230 mile Kingfisher Trail travels in two loops 91 92 through counties Fermanagh, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal Belleek Dungannon 11 Lisburn Comber and Monaghan. The top loop travels around the 91 Lower 94 Lagan Valley 95 9 Fermanagh Lakelands. Read more on page 35 Lough Erne Regional Park Portadown Enniskillen 10 99 Manorhamilton Armagh 20 Upper Lough Erne Downpatrick Belfast to Ballyshannon Sligo 91 Scarva Tynan 91 National Cycle Network 9, 91, 92 & 93 91 Collooney Dowra The 242 mile coast to coast cycle route travels from To Westport 91 9 Clones 99 Belfast via the Sperrin Mountains and the Fermanagh Newry Ring of Newcastle Lakelands finishing in the seaside town of Ballyshannon Gullion Mournes in County Donegal. Find out more on page 43 Mournes The North West Trail Carrick-on-Shannon To Dublin National Cycle Network 91 & 92 The North West Trail is a 202 mile circular cycle route that follows quiet country roads through counties the national cycle network Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal. Read more on page 37 The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of safe and attractive cycling routes throughout the , developed by the charity Sustrans. In Northern Ireland, the network extends to more than 800 miles, mostly on quiet country roads and Strangford Lough Cycle Trail includes 106 miles of traffic-free paths. From forest trails and riverside routes to canal and lakeside cycling, a host of long, medium and National Cycle Network 99 & Regional Route 20 short rides on the National Cycle Network await cyclists of all levels. The Strangford Lough Cycle Trail is an 82 mile circular go long-distance touring cycle route in the outstandingly beautiful Strangford Lough area with links to Belfast, Newcastle and The beauty is in the journey. So take your time, enjoy the ride and experience all Northern Ireland has to offer along the way on a Bangor. Find out more on page 41 long-distance tour. There are 7 long-distance routes in Northern Ireland suited to touring cyclists who want a relaxing and gently undulating journey with the option of more challenging terrain in the Mourne Mountains and the Sperrin Mountains. This section Sperrin Mountains highlights the long-distance experiences on offer; you may want to cycle just part of them or build them into a longer holiday. National Cycle Network 95 design your own route The Sperrin Mountains are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A series of 12 circular routes over a Distance touring is not for everyone, so you can design your own route! distance of 314 miles is contained in 1 single map.

The National Cycle Network is versatile and allows you to pick and choose your own cycling experience based on the distance you wish Maps for the routes are available to purchase from to travel, whether you want to cycle point to point, create circular routes, cycle on road or in a traffic-free environment. www.sustransshop.co.uk

33 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 34 the kingfisher trail the kingfisher trail

Enniskillen

Counties: Fermanagh, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan Distance: 230 miles (370km) circular Traffic : Route follows minor roads, but traffic increases through larger towns. Points of Interest: Marble Arch Caves, Florence Court, Crom, Castle Archdale Map: ‘Kingfisher Trail’ available from www.sustransshop.co.uk MARLBANK VIEWPOINT, BELCOO, COUNTY FERMANAGH. COUNTY BELCOO, MARLBANK VIEWPOINT, Start Point: Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre, H 240 440 Whether it's a weekend trip or a week-long Finish Point: Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre, tour, you'll find your perfect holiday on the H 240 440 Kingfisher Trail. The Kingfisher Trail was the first mapped Eugene Hamill, a veteran cycle tourist and signed long-distance route in Ireland, regularly hitches up the saddle bags for a named after the bird synonymous with the weekend on the southern loop. "I've done area. Its figure of eight mainly flows my fair share of touring in Europe" he says, through the beautiful Fermanagh and Leitrim "but nowadays I'm more inclined to stay Lakelands. The route naturally falls into 2 closer to home. You forget just how much main loops so it can be cycled as 2 separate variety is on your door step." routes or as one continuous figure of eight. Damien Smith, a native of Derry City and The southern loop starts at Carrick-on- recent convert to cycle touring, spent a few Shannon as you pedal along the shores of summer weekends on the northern loop of Lough Allen to the Shannon Pot, where the Kingfisher Trail. "It was the perfect Ireland's greatest river rises. From here introduction to touring, the pace is so laid cycle through the magical Upper Lough Erne back down there and a real break from the in County Fermanagh and take the ferry to routine of the working week" says Damien. Crom Estate, a National Trust property and activity providers "Once you set off there's really no timetable, one of Ireland's most important nature Blessingbourne Estate you just take it as it comes." conservation areas. The water features, www.blessingbourne.com dolmens and ancient standing stones, Bluelough Adventure Centre On the northern loop you can visit the continue all the way back to Carrick-on- www.mountainandwater.com Marble Arch Caves on a subterranean boat Shannon. Eugene has old family Clearsky Adventure Centre trip and visit Ireland's oldest pottery in connections on the southern loop too. www.clearsky-adventure.com Belleek. On the return leg there are the "That's one of the things that keeps drawing "Once you set off there's Corralea Activity Centre wonderful forest parks at Castle Caldwell me back to the area" he says. "For me it's www.activityireland.com and Castle Archdale, not to mention all the almost a trip back in time, a huge chunk of really no timetable, you just Irish Cycle Tours incredible scenery by the shores of Lower old Ireland still exists on the back roads." www.irishcycletours.com Lough Erne on your way back to base at Enniskillen. take it as it comes." Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring www.irondonkey.com

35 | cycleni.com FERMANAGH. COUNTY HOUSE, BELCOO, CUSTOMS cycleni.com | 36 the north west trail the north west trail

“You’ll find some of Ireland’s unsung gems along the quiet backroads of the North West Trail.” CARRIGANS, NEAR NEWTOWNSTEWART, COUNTY TYRONE. COUNTY NEAR NEWTOWNSTEWART, CARRIGANS,

The north west of Ireland is a byword for hospitality, dramatic coastlines and unspoilt natural beauty… this trail captures it all. Omagh This looping 202 mile cycle route is a sculpture as you arrive in Strabane, County cyclist, Declan McGrath knows the road then rises and falls through the rolling perfect slice of Ireland. Rugged beauty, Tyrone. accompany each road very well. “It's a great stretch of cycling County Leitrim countryside and back to ocean battered coasts and deserted name, ancient ’postcodes’ derived from country. It's flat and always quiet but the Sligo town. mountain landscapes are all punctuated Irish describe the very landscape you’re scenery just keeps rolling past all the way Counties: Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, with warm, welcoming people. cycling through. into Enniskillen.” Dixe Wills concluded, “You’ll find some of Leitrim, Cavan, Sligo Ireland’s unsung gems along the quiet Distance: 202 miles (326km) circular From Sligo town in the Republic of Ireland, Dixe Wills, travel journalist and author, rode From Ballinamallard you pass into the backroads of the North West Trail”. activity providers Traffic: Route follows minor roads with the trail meanders through ‘Yeats Country’ the trail in early springtime and found it to Fermanagh Lakelands where Enniskillen Blessingbourne Estate traffic-free sections. Busy through passing the poet’s grave in Drumcliffe. be “perfect if you want to escape the town itself is built on an island in Lough www.blessingbourne.com major towns Pushing out towards the rugged coast road crowds and confines of well worn tourist Erne. "You should definitely cycle through Bluelough Adventure Centre Points of Interest: where you see gigantic breakers begin to trails,” adding that “at times you’re the Florence Court Estate" Declan says. www.mountainandwater.com ‘Let the Dance Begin’ sculpture, gather momentum on their way through only thing moving through this silent, "The track is rough in parts but the setting Sperrin Mountains, Marble Arch Caves, Clearsky Adventure Centre Donegal Bay, the route brings you to the monumental landscape." is simply perfect." Ulster American Folk Park www.clearsky-adventure.com beautiful Rossnowlagh beach. Map: North West Trail - Irish Cycle Tours The Mourne and Strule rivers, in the From here drop gears and climb up to the www.sustransshop.co.uk www.irishcycletours.com From Donegal, the route continues east foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, guide Marble Arch Caves for a tour through the Start Point: Sligo Town G 692 361 and gradually becomes flatter and more you past the Ulster American Folk Park into caves and potholes. The final stretch of the Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring www.irondonkey.com Finish Point: Sligo Town G 692 361 lush, passing the “Let the Dance Begin” Omagh town. Tyrone man and life-long route crosses briefly into County Cavan,

37 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 38 the loughshore trail the loughshore trail

“It's a perfect weekend away Antrim as it takes you almost completely away from traffic and busy roads.” Counties: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Londonderry Distance: 113 miles (182km) circular Traffic: Route follows minor roads with traffic-free sections. Busy through major towns Points of Interest: Kinnego Harbour, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Cross, Lough Neagh Discovery Centre The Loughshore Trail is only 200 metres Map: The Loughshore Trail - from the International Airport's front www.sustransshop.co.uk Start Point: Belfast International Airport door… welcome to Northern Ireland! J 148 810 The Loughshore Trail is the perfect route for forests - a route you would never in a Finish Point: Belfast International Airport a cyclist wishing to try their hand at touring million years work out on your own." J 148 810 or a seasoned cyclist's first visit to Northern Ireland. Bernie Geoghegan from Dublin, From the route takes you just keeps coming back. "It's a perfect away from the shoreline towards weekend away as it takes you almost Stewartstown and probably the first climb in completely away from traffic and busy 50 miles. It’s all over in minutes and from roads" she enthused. "It's a pleasure to the top you can trace the journey so far cycle without the constant swish of cars around this gigantic body of water. passing you and with a wide range of B&Bs The lough draws you back again into Ardboe and camp sites along the shoreline you're on idyllic, almost deserted roads – its 4 always guaranteed a warm welcome". metre, 1000 year old high cross dominating the shoreline. , further on, is The Loughshore Trail is signed in both another quiet marina with a well-equipped directions and evidence of eel fishing can be campsite, perfect for the fully loaded tourer. seen at many locations on route. The lough has one of the largest eel fisheries in Europe From Ballyronan to Toome the road gets and provides 's jellied eels and the slightly busier before settling down again on smoked delicacies on Michelin starred menus the back road to , a sleepy across Europe. First stop is in Gawley's Gate, a town with an impressive viaduct and a good small pub with a jetty pointing out across the place for lunch. Passing around the top water to the Sperrin Mountains on the right-hand corner of the lough and into activity providers western shore. Off again towards Kinnego Antrim the route joins another main road Marina where you'll meet more wildlife on the before swinging right into leafy Antrim Activities Ireland www.activitiesireland.co.uk roads than traffic. Harbouring around 100 Castle Gardens, definitely worth a 20 minute boats, Kinnego has a 2 star campsite and the visit, before cycling back to the airport. Bluelough Adventure Centre tourist information centre will gladly book your www.mountainandwater.com accommodation for further along the trail. If you fancy cycling the Loughshore Trail Clearsky Adventure Centre For Bernie it's the variety that sets the with 1000 other cyclists then check out www.clearsky-adventure.com Loughshore Trail apart. "It's so well sign- www.lapthelough.org. This is one of Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring posted and takes you down quiet country Ireland's largest organised cycle events that www.irondonkey.com lanes, along canal paths, river banks and takes place at the end of August each year.

39 | cycleni.com ARMAGH. COUNTY FOOTBRIDGE, MAGHERY cycleni.com | 40 the strangford lough trail the strangford lough trail

“At a push, it's a big day in the saddle but with so much on offer you should really make it a weekend.” STRANGFORD LOUGH, COUNTY DOWN. COUNTY LOUGH, STRANGFORD

Cycle through 's country and around one of Europe's most important wildlife sites.

Starting from Comber town this National holiday the minute you leave Belfast." The unique scenery keeps drawing Alan towards where the views of Downpatrick Cycle Network route explores one of Alan reckons “at a push, it's a big day in back to Strangford. "You've the Irish Sea on Strangford Lough really begin. The tidal Europe’s richest wildlife habitats, the saddle but with so much on offer you one side, the Mournes rising up ahead and water surges in around the small islands in Strangford Lough. It is a haven for wildlife, should really make it a weekend.” scores of unique islands scattered the lough, then retreats leaving the birds County: Down including brent geese, butterflies and wild throughout Strangford Lough; there's free to feed on the emerging mud flats. activity providers Distance: 82 miles (132 km) circular flowers. The lough supports an exceptional Cycling clockwise from Comber, head towards nowhere else quite like it." Crossing the Activities Ireland range of marine life too and was designated Scrabo Tower, high above Newtownards surging Narrows on the ferry to Strangford Sketrick Island and Nendrum Monastery, www.activitiesireland.co.uk Traffic: Route follows minor roads with as Northern Ireland's first Marine Nature town. Then the route moves out into the traffic-free sections. Busy through village you can see exactly what he means. just off the route, have fascinating ruins Bluelough Adventure Centre major towns Reserve. The route which is linked from countryside and takes the rolling back roads and incredible views. Just before coming www.mountainandwater.com Belfast by the traffic-free Comber Greenway down towards on the coast. Wheel the bike off the ferry and cycle back to Comber, call into the wildlife centre Points of Interest: Strangford Lough, Clearsky Adventure Centre Castle Ward, Exploris, Castle Espie meanders along the shores of the Ards Riding southwards on the coast road, you through Strangford village, down through at Castle Espie to round off an www.clearsky-adventure.com Peninsula and Strangford Lough with all the pass through and Cloughey the magnificent National Trust property of unforgettable bike journey. Alan's already Maps: Strangford Lough Cycle Route – Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring scenery and wildlife right at your wheels. towards Ballyquinton Point and back into www.sustransshop.co.uk Castle Ward and along the shoreline track. planning his next trip. "I'm only just back, www.irondonkey.com Comber Greenway – Portaferry for a well earned break. Just off Pass through Saul into Downpatrick where but hopefully I'll get time to squeeze in Mourne Cycle Tours www.combergreenway.org.uk Lifelong cyclist Alan Pentland regularly the shorefront is the Exploris Aquarium and you can park up and visit St Patrick’s Grave another weekend before the end of www.mournecycletours.com Start Point: Comber J 457 693 circles Strangford Lough. “Now that the seal sanctuary, a fascinating introduction to in the grounds of Down Cathedral. On the the year." Greenway takes you all the way into Strangford Lough. bike again, leave Downpatrick and head Outdoor Ireland North Finish Point: Comber J 457 693 www.outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk Comber" he says "it's a ready made cycling

41 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 42 belfast to ballyshannon belfast to ballyshannon

Nothing beats the sense of achievement or satisfaction of cycling a coast to coast route. Slicing through a country from one side to the other guarantees an unforgettable adventure. Belfast

Paul Benjaminse, an author and journalist, From Armagh the route follows a section travelled from Holland to take on the of the Ulster Canal as far as Benburb and Counties: Antrim, Down, Armagh, challenge. "It's an incredibly varied route, some great cycling roads pass Donaghmore's Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Donegal not what I was expecting" he says. 10th century high cross toward the foothills Distance: 242 miles (390km) linear "Within a few hours you've gone from the of the Sperrin Mountains. "I wasn't prepared Traffic: Route follows minor roads with coast, through leafy green valleys on the for them at all" Paul says. "It was an traffic-free sections. Busy through outskirts of Belfast to huge open skies by introduction to the widest possible horizons; major towns Lough Neagh!" The route doesn't dart such incredible landscapes and striking Points of Interest: Oxford Island, across country in a rush, it takes its time colours - yet another of Ireland's hidden Armagh Cathedrals, the Sperrin and meanders gently, ensuring you've gems". You'll certainly have your work cut Mountains, Marble Arch Caves seen everything the country has to offer in out as you make your way west from Map: Belfast to Ballyshannon - terms of landscape, attractions and people. Cookstown through the mountains towards www.sustransshop.co.uk Gortin, but no doubt you'll agree with Paul, Start Point: Jordanstown, Loughshore Saddle up and push off from Whiteabbey the scenery provides ample reward. Park J 368 838 village just north of Belfast and travel up Finish Point: Rossnowlagh G 859 694 Belfast Lough, birthplace of the Titanic, From Omagh the landscape takes another almost 100 years ago. Belfast has dramatic twist as you pass through small undergone an amazing transformation country towns and villages into the over the past decade and you get the magical Fermanagh lakelands. From opportunity to follow the River Lagan Ballinamallard take the North West Trail through the heart of this revitalised city. signs through the island town of Leafy towpaths take you on towards Enniskillen towards the Marble Arch Caves. Lisburn where winding country roads lead you to Oxford Island on the shores of the Pick up the scent of the Atlantic Sea just mammoth Lough Neagh. beyond Blacklion on the way to Ballyshannon, where a small loop of the Kingfisher Trail From here, skirt along the traffic-free guides you down to Rossnowlagh beach Newry Canal making your way to Armagh, where you can finally kick off your shoes and Ireland's ancient capital and a city cool your feet in the Atlantic. synonymous with Saint Patrick. From the idyllic cricket pitch on the Mall take a Paul summed up his trip by adding, detour to both cathedrals and immerse "Belfast to Ballyshannon was an incredible yourself in centuries of history and opulent adventure. I found, as the landscape architecture. changed, I changed too."

activity providers Blessingbourne Estate “It was an introduction to the widest www.blessingbourne.com

Bluelough Adventure Centre possible horizons; such incredible www.mountainandwater.com Clearsky Adventure Centre landscapes and striking colours.” www.clearsky-adventure.com Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring www.irondonkey.com BEAGHMORE STONE CIRCLES, COUNTY TYRONE. COUNTY CIRCLES, STONE BEAGHMORE

43 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 44 ballyshannon to larne ballyshannon to larne

“Any morning aches and pains were soon forgotten as the scenery just compels you to keep pushing on. It almost changes by the hour.” HERITAGE RAILWAY PATHWAY, PORTBALLINTRAE, COUNTY ANTRIM. PORTBALLINTRAE, COUNTY PATHWAY, RAILWAY HERITAGE

It's one of the best coastal routes you're ever likely to ride, stretching from Ballyshannon's Atlantic Coast through County Londonderry and along the Larne Causeway Coastal Route.

Often listed in the world's top 10 road pains were soon forgotten as the scenery From Derry City the route goes through the challenge to reach Torr Head," Colin says, trips, the Antrim Coast is unrivalled in just compels you to keep pushing on. It Roe Valley, eventually reaching the north "but it's always rewarded by a magnificent terms of attractions and scenery. Throw in almost changes by the hour." coast at Castlerock. Colin Henderson has view of the Mull of Kintyre and Scotland." Counties: Donegal, Leitrim, Fermanagh, the Sperrin Mountains, an ancient walled cycled along the north coast and down the The road then follows every twist and turn Tyrone, Londonderry, Antrim city and Atlantic beaches and you've got From Ballyshannon, the route travels many times. "It's a unique of the coast as it makes its way beneath activity providers Distance: 281 miles (452km) linear an unbeatable cycling holiday. through Fermanagh's lakelands to the cycling experience. As you cycle on top of the rising Glens towards Larne. Traffic: Route follows minor roads with solitude of the Derg Valley in the Sperrin the towering basalt cliffs, the roaring Bluelough Adventure Centre traffic-free sections. Busy through Bernie O'Neill recently cycled the route Mountains and then along the Foyle River Atlantic waves batter the rock face "The changing landscape and seasons www.mountainandwater.com major towns with her husband. This time they left the on the back-roads of County Donegal sending the spray almost up to the road." create a special experience every time I Clearsky Adventure Centre Points of Interest: Lough Erne, camping gear behind and travelled light, towards Derry City. It's the only walled city Passing miles of sandy beaches, the Old visit" says Colin. "It's always like coming www.clearsky-adventure.com preferring to stay in hotels and hostels in Ireland and Bernie says it's a must visit. Derry City, Causeway Coast, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and the home regardless of how long I've Irish Cycle Tours Glens of Antrim along the way, "which was a great "Such a fascinating city, we parked up and Giant’s Causeway, you're not short of an been away." www.irishcycletours.com advantage" says Bernie. "We could pack a spent an hour or more walking around the excuse to dismount. From Ballycastle, Map: Ballyshannon to Ballycastle - Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring www.sustransshop.co.uk lot more into every day and didn't have top of the city walls, soaking up all the where you can get the ferry to Rathlin www.irondonkey.com Start Point: Ballyshannon G 877 616 the added pressure of pitching the tent in history and had a great lunch before Island, the route heads into the Glens. Outdoor Ireland North the evening." She found the landscapes pushing on to the north coast." "The road clings to the hillside and it is a Finish Point: Larne D 414 022 www.outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk an inspiration, "any morning aches and

45 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 46 directory of cycle routes directory of cycle routes

Name of Route Distance Linear Circular Mainly On/Off Public Road Nearest Town to start point Name of Route Distance Linear Circular Mainly On/Off Public Road Nearest Town to start point DAY TRIPS & SHORT RIDES DAY TRIPS & SHORT RIDES ANTRIM LONDONDERRY CONTINUED Antrim to Randalstown 4 miles (6km)  On Antrim Cycle Route 25 miles (40km)  On Antrim Town Loop 4.5 miles (7km)  Off Antrim Cycle Route 15 miles (24km)  On Maghera Ballycastle 35 miles (56km)  On Ballycastle Ballymoney 25 miles (40km)  On Ballymoney TYRONE Belfast Lough 7 miles (11km)  On Whiteabbey Carleton Cycle Trail 30 miles (48km)  On Broadwater 4 miles (6km)  Off Moira Carleton Trail: Black Route 6 miles (10km)  On Clogher Carnfunnock Country Park 0.6 miles (1km)  Off Larne Derg Valley Cycle Route 30 miles (48km)  On Newtownstewart Coast Road 70 miles (113km)  On Belfast Dungannon Park 2 miles (3km)  Off Dungannon Cushendall 25 miles (40km)  On Cushendall Gold Cycle Route 31 miles (50km)  On Gortin Ecos Trail 17 miles (27km)  On Ballymena Gortin Glen Forest Park 2 miles (3km)  Off Gortin Giant’s Causeway to Benone 22 miles (35km)  On Bushmills Gortin to Newtownstewart 30 miles (48km)  On Gortin 17 miles (27km)  On Fea Cycle Route 41 miles (66km)  On Cookstown Knockagh 11 miles (18km)  On Carrickfergus Newtownstewart to Cookstown 32 miles (52km)  On Newtownstewart Larne to Brown’s Bay 2 miles (3km)  On Larne Newtownstewart to Pettigo 30 miles (48km)  On Newtownstewart Larne to Red Bay 24 miles (39km)  On Larne Newtownstewart to Strabane 10 miles (16km)  On Newtownstewart Lower Bann Cycleway 45 miles (73km)  On Toome Omagh Riverside Path to Gortnagarn 5.5 miles (9km)  Off Omagh Portglenone 21 miles (34km)  On Portglenone Omagh to Fintona 12 miles (19km)  On Omagh Rathlin Island 12 miles (19km)  On Ballycastle Sawel Cycle Route 30 miles (48km)  On Riverside Park 1 mile (2km)  Off Ballymoney Strule Valley Cycle Route 37 miles (60km)  On Newtownstewart 21 miles (34km)  On Ballymena White Hare Cycle Route 36 miles (58km)  On Carrickmore

ARMAGH FERMANAGH Bann Montaighs Trail 13 miles (21km)  On Portadown Castle Archdale Family Cycling Trail 6 miles (10km)  Off Irvinestown Birches and Maghery Trails 12 miles (19km)  On Portadown Castle to Castle 3 miles (5km)  Off Enniskillen Craigavon Cycle Trail 35 miles (56km)  On Portadown Crom 3.5 miles (6km)  Off Lisnaskea Craigavon Lakes Family Mountain Bike Trail 6 miles (11km)  Off Craigavon West Fermanagh Loop 73 miles (117km)  On Enniskillen Crossmaglen 31 miles (50km)  On Crossmaglen Derrytrasna Loop 26 miles (42km)  On Craigavon BELFAST Drumlins & Canal 22 miles (35km)  On Banbridge Belmont Park 1 mile (2km)  Off Belfast Gosford Forest Park Family Cycling Trail 4 miles (7km)  Off Markethill Bog Meadows 2.5 miles (4km)  Off Belfast Loughall Country Park 5 miles (8km)  Off Armagh Botanic Gardens 1.5 miles (2km)  Off Belfast Newry Canal Towpath 20 miles (32km)  Off Portadown Comber Greenway 7 miles (11km)  Off Belfast Newry to Courtyard 10 miles (16km)  On Newry Lagan and Lough Cycleway 21 miles (34km)  Off Whiteabbey Orchard County 33 miles (53km)  On Armagh Musgrave Park 1 mile (2km)  Off Belfast Oxford Island 1.5 miles (2km)  Off Orangefield Park 1.3 miles (2km)  Off Belfast Peatlands Park 2 miles (3km)  Off Dungannon Ormeau Park 1.2 miles (2km)  Off Belfast Poets Trail: Ballykeel Loop 8 miles (13km)  On Mullaghbane Victoria Park 1 mile (2km)  Off Belfast Poets Trail: O’Neill Loop 8 miles (13km)  On Crossmaglen Waterworks 1.4 miles (2km)  Off Belfast Tassagh 23 miles (37km)  On Armagh Ulster Canal Cycle Trail 48 miles (77km)  On Maghery LONG-DISTANCE ROUTES Ballyshannon to Larne 281 miles (452km)  On Ballyshannon DOWN Belfast to Ballyshannon 242 miles (390km)  On Whiteabbey Castle Ward 3.5 miles (6km)  Off Downpatrick Kingfisher Trail 230 miles (370km)  On Enniskillen Castlewellan Forest Park Family Cycling Trail 2.5 miles (4km)  Off Castlewellan Loughshore Trail 113 miles (182km)  On Antrim Cranfield/Greencastle Cycle Route 12 miles (19km)  On Kilkeel North West Trail 202 miles (326km)  On Sligo Dundrum Coastal Path 1.7 miles (3km)  Off Dundrum Strangford Lough Trail 82 miles (132km)  On Comber Head Road Cycle Route 16 miles (26km)  On Kilkeel Katesbridge 19 miles (31km)  On Katesbridge Kilkeel 28 miles (45km)  On Kilkeel For more information on these cycle routes, log onto CycleNI.com Knockchree Cycle Route 18 miles (28km)  On Kilkeel Your guide to cycling in Northern Ireland Lecale 37 miles (60km)  On Downpatrick Legananny Cycle Route 20miles (32km)  On Dromara Newcastle 12 miles (19km)  On Newcastle Newcastle/Lough Island Reavy Cycle Route 25 miles (40km)  On Newcastle North Down 27 miles (44km)  On regional cycling publications Portaferry 22 miles (35km)  On Portaferry Rostrevor Cycle Route 17 miles (27km)  On Rostrevor Slieve Croob Cycle Route 25 miles (40km)  On Castlewellan Some of Northern Ireland’s finest areas for cycling have produced regional guides providing route details and maps. Whiterock & Mahee 27 miles (44km)  On Comber

LONDONDERRY Ballycarton Wood/ Trail 3 miles (5km)  Off Limavady Ballyronan Marina to Ardboe Cross 18 miles (29km)  On Ballyronan Banagher Cycle Route 28 miles (45km)  On Dungiven Bann Valley Cycle Route 16 miles (26km)  On Garvagh Castlerock to Downhill Forest 2 miles (3km)  Off Castlerock Christie Park/Somerset Riverside Park 1.5 miles (2km)  Off Coleraine Claudy Country Park 2 miles (3km)  Off Claudy Downhill to Magilligan Point 13 miles (21km)  On Castlerock Eagle’s Glen Cycle Route 14 miles (22km)  On Garvagh Faughan Valley Cycleway 1 24 miles (38km)  On Derry Faughan Valley Cycleway 2 23 miles (37km)  On Eglinton Faughan Valley Cycleway 3 22 miles (35km)  On Park Foyle Valley Cycleway 21 miles (33km)  On Derry Inis Eoghain Cycleway 34 miles (55km)  On Derry Learmount Forest 2.5 miles (4km)  Off Park Tel: +44 (0)28 8676 9949 Tel: +44 (0)28 9182 2881 Tel: +44 (0)28 4372 4059 Tel: +44 (0)28 7032 7720  Moyola Cycle Route 11 miles (18km) On Maghera www.sperrinstourism.com www.armaghanddown.com www.mournelive.com www.causewaycoastandglens.com Park to Limavady 18 miles (29km)  On Park

47 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 48 practical information for cyclists cycling providers Areas Covered

bicycles on public transport transfer service. This usually includes assume they can see or hear you directory transfer from airports to the starting point • Where there are wheelchair users or All bicycles are carried free of charge on of your cycling adventure. Contact the horse riders, please give way Name Location Contact Armagh Antrim Down Fermanagh Londonderry Tyrone Belfast Translink (Goldline Express Coaches) cycling provider in advance to arrange this • Ring a bell or politely call out to warn of service (contact details on page opposite). your approach; acknowledge people Activities Ireland 187 Lower Road, Belfast, +44(0)7971 087 480 and trains (including the ‘Enterprise’ Co Down, BT5 7NP www.activitiesireland.co.uk service). No bikes will be carried before who give way to you • Respect countryside activities, such as Blessingbourne Estate Murley Road, , +44(0)28 8952 1188 09:30 hours Monday to Friday. There is Co Tyrone, BT75 0QS www.blessingbourne.com bike hire & shops farming and forestry space for 2 full-sized bicycles on buses and Bluelough Adventure The Concrane Building, Lower Square, +44(0)28 4377 0714 4 full-sized bicycles on trains, allocated on • Be courteous to anglers and boat users Centre Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9DQ www.mountainandwater.com A comprehensive list of bike hire providers a first come, first served basis. Some Clearsky Adventure c/o Peak Discovery Group, Castle Ward +44(0)28 4372 3933 conditions apply to this service. and bike shops is available on Care for the environment: Centre Demesne, Strangford, Co Down, BT30 7LT www.clearsky-adventure.com Covered, safe parking facilities for bicycles • Can you reach the start of your journey Corralea Activity Belcoo, Co Fermanagh, BT93 5DZ +44(0)28 6638 6123 CycleNI.com by bike or public transport? Centre Ltd www.activityireland.com are available at many rail and stations in Northern Ireland as part of the ‘Park Your guide to cycling in Northern Ireland Irish Cycle Tours 28 The Anchorage, Tralee, Co Kerry, +353(0)66 7128 733 Republic of Ireland www.irishcycletours.com and Ride’ scheme. Look after yourself: • Take special care at junctions, when Iron Donkey 15 Ballyknockan Rd, Saintfield, +44(0)28 9081 3200 For more information call Translink on Bicycle Touring Co Down, BT24 7HQ www.irondonkey.com +44 (0)28 9066 6630 or visit code of conduct cycling downhill and on loose surfaces • In remote areas carry food, repair kit, Mourne Cycle Tours 79 Tullyree Road, Kilcoo, Newry, +44(0)28 4372 4348 www.translink.co.uk/ Co Down, BT34 5LD www.mournecycletours.com Please follow the Sustrans “Good Cycling map and waterproofs bikeitwithtranslink.asp Outdoor Ireland North 14 Shimnavale, Newcastle, +44(0)7973 408 056 Code” on cycle routes. • Keep your bike roadworthy; use lights Co Down, BT33 0EF www.outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk in poor visibility bike transfer Be courteous: • Consider wearing a helmet and Cycling providers offer cycling tours to those with or without cycling experience, and this is often the best and most exciting way to • Give way to pedestrians conspicuous clothing explore an area. Check out the website of the activity provider or look at the special offers listed on www.cycleni.com. • Remember that some people are hard Frequently a cycling activity provider or Most providers will provide bikes and helmets. Many will also be able to provide a transfer service for those with their own bicycles. tour company will provide a bicycle of hearing or visually impaired. Don’t While cycling providers generally operate according to what is accepted as current best practice, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that the cycling provider is credible and that all the appropriate safety standards are adhered to. The Countryside Access and Activities Network, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the other funders neither have, nor assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information supplied or the service and level of care afforded by any of the cycling providers listed in this publication.

accommodation A wide range of accommodation is available to suit all budgets. These useful publications will provide you with the information you need:

Useful publications To order any of these publications, contact Hotel & Guesthouse Belfast & Northern Ireland Welcome Centre B&B and Guesthouse Guide T: +44(0) 28 9024 6609 Self-Catering Holiday Homes E: [email protected] Budget Accommodation Or download online from Caravan and Camping www.discovernorthernireland.com

leave no trace Leave No Trace is an Outdoor Ethics Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships.

CAAN endorses the principles of Leave No Trace: • Plan Ahead and Prepare • Be Considerate of Others • Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife • Travel and Camp on Durable Ground • Leave What You Find • Dispose of Waste Properly • Minimise the Effects of Fire For more information visit www.leavenotraceireland.org ORMEAU PARK, BELFAST, COUNTY ANTRIM. COUNTY BELFAST, PARK, ORMEAU

49 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 50 Services to/from Londonderry (Bus) City of Derry Airport information on the go T: +44 (0) 28 7126 9996 travel T: +44 (0) 28 7181 0784 www.airporter.co.uk for up-to-date information while www.cityofderryairport.com information The ‘Airporter’ operate an hourly coach service to/ from the North and North East. Aer Arann in Northern Ireland Services to/from Belfast, Lisburn and www.aerarann.com T: 0800 587 2324 email: [email protected] Londonderry (Rail) Ryanair visit: www.discovernorthernireland.com www.ryanair.com T: + 353 (0) 1249 7791 getting to northern T: + 44 (0) 28 90 66 6630 mobile: Text the word FIND or FIND HOTEL to www.translink.co.uk 83333 (local mobile networks) or ireland Nearest rail service operates from Antrim, just six Services to/from Derry miles from BIA. T: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 004477 8148 020 (international mobile networks) Taxi fare to Belfast city is approximately £22-£24 www.translink.co.uk Northern Ireland is easy to get to, easy to get Car hire is available from the airport. Ulsterbus operates various scheduled services to around. Excellent fast ferry links from and and from the airport to the main Foyle Street bus Scotland to Belfast and Larne, three airports with Security regulations at BIA depot in the City. Bus 142 or the 234 into the city Networked Tourist Information Centres frequent, low-cost flights from the UK and beyond, For information on security regulations please visit centre, Limavady and Coleraine. plus good roads, buses and trains to take you www.belfastairport.com BELFAST Carrickfergus Downpatrick COUNTY LONDONDERRY Train services operate from Londonderry train where you want to go. Belfast City Tourist Information Centre The St. Patrick Centre Coleraine station and run to Coleraine and Belfast. Full details Belfast City Airport Belfast Welcome Centre and Museum 53a Market Street Railway Road You can fly to Northern Ireland directly from a are available on the Translink website. 11 Antrim Street T: +44 (0) 28 9093 9093 Tourist Information (Belfast & NI) T: (028) 7034 4723 number of European and International destinations. T: (028) 9335 8049 T: (028) 4461 2233 Check with the airlines directly for the most up to www.belfastcityairport.com Taxi fare to Derry City is approximately £14 47 Donegall Place Limavady Hillsborough date scheduled flights and for chartered flights:- Car hire is available from the airport. T: (028) 9024 6609 Giant’s Causeway Council Offices, 7 Connell Street Aer Arann 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills The Courthouse, The Square T: (028) 7776 0307 Belfast International Airport (BIA) www.aerarann.com T: 0800 587 2324 Belfast Harbour Belfast Area T: (028) 2073 1855 T: (028) 9268 9717 bmi T: +44 (0) 28 9448 4848 T: +44 (0) 28 9055 4422 George Best Belfast City Airport Londonderry www.belfastairport.com www. flybmi.com T: 0870 607 0555 Larne Kilkeel 44 Foyle Street www.belfast-harbour.co.uk Sydenham Bypass Aer Lingus flybe Narrow Gauge Road The Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road T: (028) 7126 7284 Taxi fare is about £5 to city centre. T: (028) 9093 5372 T: (028) 2826 0088 www.aerlingus.com T: 0870 876 5000 www. flybe.com T: 0871 522 6100 T: (028) 4176 2525 Air Transat manx2 Belfast International Airport www.airtransat.co.uk T: +44 (0) 28 9031 2312 Stenaline Lisburn Newcastle The Bridewell, 6 Church Street www.manx2.com T: 0871 200 0440 Arrivals Hall 15 Lisburn Square (NI) or + 353 (0) 1 866 6700 (ROI) www.stenaline.com T: 0870 520 4204 10-14 Central Promenade T: (028) 7963 1510 bmibaby Ryanair T: (028) 9448 4677 T: (028) 9266 0038 www.bmibaby.com T: 0871 224 0224 www.ryanair.com T: +353 (0) 1249 7791 Sailings: Larne to Fleetwood, Belfast to Stranraer. T: (028) 4372 2222 COUNTY TYRONE COUNTY ANTRIM Portrush (seasonal) Continental Seacat Cookstown Dunluce Centre, Sandhill Drive Newry www.continental.com/uk T: +44 (0)129 377 Services to/from Belfast www.steam-packet.com T: 0871 222 133 Antrim The Burnavon, Burn Road T: (028) 7082 3333 Bagenal’s Castle, Castle Street 6464, 0845 607 6760 or +44 (0)129 382 2222 T: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 Sailings:Belfast to Isle of Man (Douglas) 16 High Street T: (028) 8676 9949 easyjet T: (028) 9442 8331 T: (028) 3031 3170 www.translink.co.uk Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferries Killymaddy www.easyjet.com T: 0871 244 2366 Bus 600 - Operates every 20 minutes from COUNTY ARMAGH flyglobespan www.norfolklinecom T: 0844 499 0007 Ballycastle Armagh Newtownards 190 Ballygawley Road Sydenham to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre, www. flyglobespan.com T: 08705 561 522 Sailings:Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) Sheskburn House, 7 Mary St. 40 English Street 31 Regent Street Dungannon (off A4) between 06:00 and 22:05. Cost: £2.20 return. jet2.com T: (028) 2076 2024 T: (028) 3752 1800 T: (028) 9182 6846 T: (028) 8776 7259 www.jet2.com T: 0871 226 1737 No. 3 Metrobus - Operates every 20 minutes Larne Harbour Manx2.com from Sydenham to City Hall and every 10 minutes Ballymena COUNTY DOWN Portaferry (seasonal) Omagh T: +44 (0) 28 2887 2100 Strule Arts Centre, www.manx2.com T: 0870 242 2226 between 09.00 and 17.30. Five-minute walk from The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street Banbridge Tourist Information The Stables, Castle Street Wizz Air Airport terminal to the bus stop. www.portofl arne.co.uk Centre Townhall Square T: (028) 2563 5900 T: (028) 4272 9882 T: (028) 8224 7831 www.wizzair.com T: +48 (0) 22 351 94 99 The ‘Airporter’ - Operates to Londonderry. Trains to Belfast: fare £4.90 single. Bus single 200 Newry Road T: (028) 4062 3322 Telephone +44 (0) 28 7126 9996. £4.00. Taxi is about £30 to Belfast centre. Ballymoney COUNTY FERMANAGH Services to/from Belfast (Bus) Strabane Car rental available. Ballymoney Town Hall Enniskillen T: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 Nearest rail service operates from the Airport Bangor Alley Arts and Conference Centre terminal (Sydenham) to Belfast Central and 1 Townhead Street 34 Quay Street Wellington Road 1a Railway Street www.translink.co.uk P&O Airport Express 300 – 24 hr bus service between Victoria Street Stations. Monday-Fridays: Operates T: (028) 2766 0230 T: (028) 9127 0069 T: (028) 6632 3110 T: (028) 7138 4444 www.poirishsea.com T: 0870 242 4777 the airport and Belfast (departing every 10 a twice hourly service between 06:00 and 23:00. minutes). Departs: bus stop opposite terminal exit. Sunday: hourly service between 09:00 and 22:00. Sailings: Larne to Cairnryan & Troon From BIA to Belfast: All coaches travel via: Cost: Approx. £1.40 , M2 Motorway, Royal Avenue, Stenaline getting around northern ireland Castle Place and terminate at Belfast’s Europa Bus Taxi fare to the city is approximately £8 www.stenaline.com T: 0870 520 4204 Station. Journey time: approx 30-40 minutes Sailings: Larne to Fleetwood, Belfast to Stranraer. Car hire is available from the airport. Translink Bus and Train Services : +44 08702 257 555, www.aircoach.ie Car Parking: Car parking is permitted where there T: +44 (0) 28 9066 6630, www.translink.co.uk Aircoach runs from Belfast to every is a blue P sign which indicates a car park in towns scheduled destinations (UK & Europe) - a selection hour, from 06:30 to 20:30. The bus leaves on or a lay-by at the roadside outside towns. Drivers Within Belfast, the Metro bus service offers the half hour, throughout the day, from outside can park elsewhere on the street except when Belfast unlimited travel for £2.70/£3.50 per day. Check Jury’s Hotel in the centre of Belfast. Adult single: there are double yellow lines which prohibits all website for good value Day Returns, Freedom £10 (€15), adult return: £15 (€20). Child single: parking. Pay heed to restriction notices. of Northern Ireland ticket (unlimited bus and £5 (€6), child return: £10 (€12). Children under Amsterdam Car Rental: Prices for car rentals start from £100 rail travel in NI) and Emerald Card (covers both 5 go free. Dundee London per week. You must be aged 23-70 and have held Glasgow Krakow Northern Ireland and the Republic). Prague Goldline 200 express coach (2hrs 30mins) travels Driving, Car Rentals and Speed Limits: Drive on a valid driving licence for more than one year. For Paris Londonderry Munich Rennes Budapest between Belfast and Dublin airport and operates the left and overtake on the right is the rule of further information visit www.bvrla.com BELFAST Newcastle Geneva Salzburg the road. Speed limits: 30 miles per hour (mph) every hour on the hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a Taxis: All legal taxis should display taxi licence I. of Man in towns unless signs show otherwise; 60mph on Chambery Milan week. Super single £7.70 (€10), applies on the plates. Taxis are generally private hire taxis and Dubrovnik Blackpool Leeds Toulouse Nice Pisa 13:00 and 21:00 services ex-Belfast and the 07:00 single carriageways; 70mph on dual carriageways Doncaster contact numbers are available in Yellow pages or Dublin and 21:00 services ex-Dublin. Standard Single: and motorways. Seat belts are mandatory for Liverpool Barcelona Rome the BT Telephone Directories. Taxis are generally drivers and all passengers and motorcyclists must East Palma £10.75 (€14). Standard return: £15.40 (€20). meter reading fares; if not ask the fare to your Mahon Cork Alicante Enterprise Train Belfast - Dublin (2hrs 05 mins). wear crash helmets. Faro Ibiza destination before setting off. In Belfast, taxi ranks Visit www.highwaycode.gov.uk for the Highway Murcia Standard single: £25/Standard return: £27 LONDON Malaga are also available; these are generally in the city Southampton (Monday-Thursday/Saturday). Code online. Exeter centre or at some points of entry, and are London- Newquay Lanzarote type black cabs. Tenerife Channel Islands Las Palmas 51 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 52 Tourist The National Trust i Information Chain Reaction Cycles Ltd, Kilbride Road, , , BT39 0QA Did you know that The National Trust in Strangford Lough and a chance to catch your Northern Ireland looks after over 120 miles breath over a cup of tea. For a break around of coastline and 40 square miles of the Sperrin Mountains area call into Springhill, scenic countryside across 62 properties? the quaint 17th century plantation home with its charming Costume Collection. And along There is so much to be explored by bicycle, the north coast, park up at the National on foot or by canoe! Trust’s Giant’s Causeway, Downhill demesne or Hezlett House to enjoy views out over the Cycling is a healthy, enjoyable and Atlantic Ocean and some local history. environmentally friendly way to visit our properties, and we work with partners such On your journey, you can learn more about as local councils and Sustrans to make it Northern Ireland’s wildlife by seal spotting easier for more people to explore beautiful around Strangford Lough, looking out for red parts of the countryside in this way. squirrels at Florence Court, bats at The Argory For more information and the Irish hare on the Ards Penninsula. Crom and Castle Coole in County Fermanagh www.nationaltrust.org.uk Most National Trust properties are easily provide easy surfaces for peaceful family accessible by bike, with many now linked to +44 (0) 28 9751 0721 cycling and a chance to spot some interesting the National Cycle Network. wildlife. Castle Ward offers the added challenge of some off-road cycling through The National Trust – your natural health service. the woodland trails, splendid views over

Registered charity number 205846

Tourist Lough Neagh i Information Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the British cyclists to do one lap of Lough Neagh on the Isles and is Northern Ireland’s best kept Sunday before the August Bank Holiday secret. Whether it is a relaxed chilled-out (www.lapthelough.org). break or something to awaken your sense of Lough Neagh is renowned for its watersports; adventure, activity holidays on Lough Neagh from sailing to canoeing and waterskiing to really can be an exhilarating experience! cruising. If you prefer land based activities If you are a cycling enthusiast then get on then why not try clay pigeon shooting, your bike. The Loughshore Trail (route 94) archery, off road 4x4 adventures, orienteering has views, scenery and attractions that will or paintballing….... the range of activities on take your breath away. Some 113 miles offer in this region is simply inexhaustible! long, the trail is an ideal distance for a short For a more relaxing break, Lough Neagh and cycling break. its tributaries are especially attractive to the For more information If you've been waiting for the opportunity to game angler with the dollaghan (unique to get back in the saddle... here it is, join our Lough Neagh) being the prize catch. Lough www.loughshoretrail.com annual Lap the Lough Cycle Event and raise Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil www.lapthelough.org money for a good cause. Lap The Lough is atmosphere and unspoilt scenery, making it officially Northern Ireland’s biggest cycle an excellent region to explore on foot www.discoverloughneagh.com event and not exclusively for the elite or club with routes suitable for ramblers as well as +44 (0) 28 7941 7941 cyclist but for anyone up for a challenge. those seeking a leisurely stroll. The event aims to encourage as many Discover it for yourself......

Ballyclare Showroom only 20mins from Belfast City Centre Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm SHOP ONLINE 24/7 www.chainreactioncycles.com

53 | cycleni.com cycleni.com | 54 For more information contact: Belfast Welcome Centre Tourist Information for Belfast & Northern Ireland,

Northern Ireland Ireland Northern Environment Agency 47 Donegall Place, Belfast BT1 5AD Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 6609 Textphone: +44 (0) 28 9024 6407 Email: [email protected] ni-environment.gov.uk

www. Tourist Information Centre 16 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0) 1 679 1977 Call Save: 1850 230 230 (ROI Only) Email: [email protected] This guide is available on request in Braille, audio, large print, computer disk and PDF Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this guide. NITB and CAAN cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors but if these are brought to our attention, amendments will be published in future guides. Comments, feedback and recommendations for inclusion in future guides should be addressed to: [email protected] ISBN: 978-1-86193-994-4 PG09ENG212NITB © Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB Tel: +44 (0) 28 9030 3930 Fax: +44 (0) 28 9062 6248 Email: [email protected]

This publication has been jointly funded by the Countryside Access and Activities Network, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Thanks to all those who contributed to the brochure especially Northern Ireland Tourist Board for its assistance with distribution. A special thanks to the Lough Neagh Partnership, the National Trust and Chain Reaction Cycles for supporting this publication. Thanks to Sustrans and the Countryside Recreation Group for their important contribution and a special word of thanks to Colin Henderson and Alan Pentland for their time and expertise. Design by www.thinkstudio.co.uk Words by 10on12.com . cycleni.com