The best road cycling routes around Tamnymullan

There are over 35 road cycling routes around Tamnymullan, offering a wide range of experiences. These include 12 easy routes, 21 moderate routes, and 3 challenging routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences.

Road cycling near Tamnymullan primarily involves traversing the diverse landscapes of the Sperrin Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can expect quiet, paved roads, significant elevation gains, and panoramic views over moorland, blanket bog, and heather-clad hills. Glaciated glens and valleys like Barnes Gap and Glenelly Valley also feature prominently.

Yes, the region offers challenging routes for experienced cyclists. For instance, the Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera is a difficult 100 km route with over 1,150 meters of elevation gain. The Sperrin Mountains are known for demanding climbs, with some passes reaching over 300 meters.

While the Sperrin Mountains offer many challenging sections, there are also easier routes suitable for families or those preferring a more relaxed ride. The region has 12 easy routes, such as the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Maghera, which is a 31.9 km trail passing by historic sites.

Road cycling routes around Tamnymullan offer stunning views of the Sperrin Mountains' moorlands and glaciated glens. You might also encounter historical sites like the Bronze Age Beaghmore Stone Circles, which are part of the Beaghmore Stone Circles – Wellbrook Beetling Mill loop from Maghera. The View of Lough Neagh – Lough Neagh loop from Maghera provides vistas of Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles.

Yes, for those looking for longer rides, the area provides several options. The Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera is a moderate 104 km route that leads through varied terrain. Other routes, like the difficult Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera, also offer significant distances.

The best time for road cycling in the Tamnymullan area, particularly within the Sperrin Mountains, is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less chance of harsh conditions, allowing for more enjoyable rides and clearer panoramic views.

Many of the road cycling routes around Tamnymullan are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the easy St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Maghera and the moderate Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera.

Beyond the cycling itself, the region offers several points of interest. You can visit the historic St Lurach's Church Ruins, explore the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, or cycle towards the An Creagan Visitor Centre, which serves as a hub for outdoor activities and information about the Sperrins. Drumnaph Wood Nature Reserve, near Maghera, also offers graded walking trails.

While specific public transport options directly to every trailhead might be limited in this rural area, Maghera often serves as a convenient starting point for many routes, including those listed. Parking facilities are generally available in towns and at popular visitor centers, such as An Creagan, which can serve as a base for your cycling adventures.

Maghera, being a local town, offers various amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options that cater to visitors. Cyclists can find places to refuel and rest before or after their rides. The broader Mid Ulster and County Londonderry area also provides a range of hospitality services.