The best cycling routes around Crilly

There are 5 touring cycling routes available around Crilly, offering a variety of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes traverse rolling terrain, often passing by numerous loughs and historical sites.

The touring cycling routes around Crilly feature rolling terrain with varied elevation changes, including both moderate climbs and more challenging ascents. You'll encounter a mix of rural roads connecting small villages and natural water features like loughs, characteristic of County Tyrone's landscape.

While many routes offer significant challenges, there are options for those seeking a more moderate experience. For instance, the View of Dungannon Park Lake – Dungannon Park Weir loop from Dungannon is a moderate 35.0-mile route that leads through parklands and alongside a lake, offering a less strenuous ride.

For experienced touring cyclists, routes like the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough (52.9 miles with 678m elevation gain) or the Emy Lough – Monaghan Town Centre loop from Emyvale (52.3 miles with 583m elevation gain) offer significant climbs and longer distances, providing a demanding and rewarding experience.

Yes, all the featured touring cycling routes around Crilly are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Castle Caulfield Ruins – Ballysaggart Lough loop from Dungannon and the Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie.

The routes often pass by beautiful natural features such as Brantry Lough and Emy Lough, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding countryside. You might also encounter tranquil forests like the Favour Royal Forest Track.

Yes, the region is rich in historical sites. The Castle Caulfield Ruins – Ballysaggart Lough loop from Dungannon, for example, combines historical exploration with natural beauty by passing ancient ruins. Another route, the Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie, takes you past the Caledon Beam Engine.

The best time for touring cycling in Northern Ireland, including the Crilly area, 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 rainfall, making for more enjoyable rides through the scenic landscapes.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't provided, routes with moderate difficulty and less traffic, such as sections of the View of Dungannon Park Lake – Dungannon Park Weir loop from Dungannon that pass through parklands, could be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with longer distances. Always assess the route's length and elevation against your family's capabilities.

The touring cycling routes around Crilly vary in length, ranging from approximately 35 miles (56 km) to over 52 miles (85 km). The shortest featured route is the Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie at 26.7 miles (43 km), while the longest is the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough at 52.9 miles (85.1 km).

Over 10 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Crilly's varied terrain. They often appreciate the region's blend of loughs, historical sites, and rolling landscapes, which define the touring cycling experience here. The routes offer diverse scenery and challenges for different ability levels.

The Crilly area, being part of County Tyrone, offers a network of rural roads connecting small villages and natural features. While dedicated cycling paths might be less common than shared roads, the region's charm lies in its natural beauty and historical context. Cyclists should be prepared for varied road conditions and plan for amenities in the villages along their chosen routes.