5.0
(1)
5
riders
4
rides
Touring cycling around Backfence offers a diverse landscape for riders. The region features a mix of rolling terrain and more challenging ascents, with elevations ranging from gentle rises to significant climbs of over 900 meters. Routes often traverse varied landscapes, providing different experiences for touring cyclists. The area's network of routes caters to various skill levels, from easy, flat paths to demanding, hilly circuits.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
84.5km
05:25
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
riders
16.2km
00:58
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Backfence
The "Let the Dance Begin" sculptures are an imposing tribute to peace and culture on the border of Lifford and Strabane. These five giant steel figures – musicians and dancers – symbolize the connection between North and South. Locally, they are known as The Tinnies and form an indispensable modern landmark for any cyclist crossing the River Foyle.
1
0
It is a 19th-century reconstruction of a fort believed to have been built by the Northern Uí Néill in the sixth or seventh century AD. Evidence suggests the site was in use before the fort's construction. It has been identified as the seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and as one of the royal sites of Gaelic Ireland.
1
0
Situated on a site adjacent to the Strabane bypass, the 'Let the Dance Begin' sculpture by Maurice Harron is an ensemble of five stainless steel and bronze figures. Commissioned by the former Strabane District Council in collaboration with the Strabane Lifford Development Commission, this artwork symbolises the transition to the new millennium. The statues, standing at an impressive height of approximately 30 foot (10 m) have affectionately been named "The Tinnies" by the locals.
1
0
There is plenty to see in Castlederg for history lovers. On the pilgrim's route to Station Island on Lough Derg, it boasts monastic ruins as well as the impressive Castlederg Castle which is set in beautiful parklands accompanied by a sculpture trail.
1
0
Wikipedia (Grianan of Aileach (Irish: Grianán Ailigh), 2023-07-08): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grianan_of_Aileach YouTube (Drone Video, National Monuments Service, 2022-12-22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bg3NJFB75U TheIrishRoadTrip ("Grianan Of Aileach In Donegal: History, Parking + Views Galore”, 2023-07-08): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/grianan-of-aileach-donegal/
1
3
There is plenty to see in Castlederg for history lovers. On the pilgrim's route to Station Island on Lough Derg, it boasts monastic ruins as well as the impressive Castlederg Castle which is set in beautiful parklands accompanied by a sculpture trail.
0
0
Pretty and quiet road that travels adjacent to the River Finn where you can see views of Carricklee Hill to the south of the road.
1
0
Backfence offers a selection of 5 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, gentle rides to more challenging, long-distance routes.
Yes, Backfence has an easy touring cycling route perfect for beginners or a relaxed family outing. The Let the Dance Begin Sculptures loop from Strabane is a gentle 16.2 km path with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride through local scenery.
The touring cycling routes in Backfence feature a diverse landscape. You can expect a mix of rolling hills and varied elevations. Some routes offer gentle rises, while others include more significant climbs, with the most challenging ascents reaching over 900 meters.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Backfence are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Grianan of Aileach loop from Londonderry and the easier Let the Dance Begin Sculptures loop from Strabane are both circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
Several routes pass by notable attractions. You can cycle past the intriguing Let the Dance Begin Sculptures, which are featured on two popular loops. For those interested in history, the ancient Beltany Stone Circle is another point of interest in the region. You might also encounter scenic views of Moor Lough.
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Grianan of Aileach loop from Londonderry is a difficult 84.5 km route with over 900 meters of elevation gain, offering expansive views and a demanding ride.
The touring cycling experience in Backfence is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes both rolling hills and more challenging ascents, as well as the local points of interest found along the routes.
For a moderate challenge, consider the Let the Dance Begin Sculptures – Castlederg Sculpture loop from Sion Mills. This 42.1 km route leads through varied terrain and is typically completed in about 2 hours 34 minutes, offering a balanced ride.
Yes, the region's varied elevations often provide scenic vistas. The challenging Grianan of Aileach loop from Londonderry, for instance, is known for its expansive views due to its significant elevation gain. Additionally, areas around Moor Lough are recognized for their scenic outlooks.
The touring cycling routes in Backfence vary significantly in distance. You can find shorter, easy paths like the 16.2 km Let the Dance Begin Sculptures loop from Strabane, as well as much longer, more demanding routes such as the 84.5 km Grianan of Aileach loop from Londonderry.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.