The best cycling routes around Ballyreagh
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Touring cycling around Ballyreagh offers a diverse landscape characterized by gently rolling terrain, green meadows, and access to historic waterways. The region features a mix of flat, traffic-free paths, including sections along old canal towpaths and dedicated greenways. Cyclists can explore serene rural areas and routes that connect to broader networks, showcasing Northern Ireland's picturesque scenery.
Best touring cycling routes around Ballyreagh
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, a 17.4 miles (28.1 km) trail…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 17.4-mile Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, enjoying Lough Neagh views and the ancient Ardboe High Cross.
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
This difficult 33.5-mile touring cycling loop from Cookstown offers challenging climbs and stunning Sperrins scenery, including ancient ston
72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
This difficult 44.7-mile touring bicycle loop from Cookstown offers 1756 feet of elevation gain around Lough Neagh, taking about 4 hours 22
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riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Ballyreagh
Tips from the Community
The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/
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Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!
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A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ballyreagh?
Komoot features 4 touring cycling routes around Ballyreagh. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy loops to more challenging rides through the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Ballyreagh?
Yes, Ballyreagh offers easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. For instance, the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy 17.4-mile (28.1 km) trail offering views of the loughshore. Another accessible option is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, an easy 12.9-mile (20.8 km) path that passes historical sites.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Ballyreagh?
The terrain around Ballyreagh is quite varied. You'll find a mix of flat, traffic-free paths, including sections along historic canal towpaths like the Newry Canal Towpath and dedicated greenways such as the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Routes also traverse gently rolling rural landscapes with green meadows, and some more challenging options venture into the Sperrin Mountains.
Are there more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like The Sperrins loop from Cookstown offer a more demanding experience. This 33.5-mile (53.9 km) trail leads through the Sperrin Mountains, featuring significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which is 71.9 km long with considerable elevation gain.
What historical sites or natural features can I see along touring cycling routes near Ballyreagh?
The area is rich in history and natural beauty. You can explore sites like the historic Newry Canal with its old lock gates, or visit Tullyhogue Fort and the Drum Manor House Ruins. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort specifically passes by historical sites. The wider region also offers dramatic landscapes such as the Giant's Causeway and the Glens of Antrim.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural wonders to explore while cycling?
Absolutely. The Carlingford Lough Greenway offers stunning views of Carlingford Lough. Cycling through the Sperrin Mountains, as on The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, provides expansive vistas. You'll also encounter serene rural landscapes with green meadows and expansive skies, and the Cusher River flowing through thick forests in Clare Glen.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Ballyreagh area?
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. The Carlingford Lough Greenway is a 25km off-road route suitable for leisure cyclists and families, connecting to the Newry-Portadown Towpath for an even longer off-road experience. The Newry Canal Towpath itself is very flat and offers a tranquil, easy ride for all ages.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes around Ballyreagh?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Ballyreagh are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, and the Maghery loop from Cookstown.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the cycling routes?
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Along the Newry Canal Towpath, Petty Sessions coffee shop in Poyntzpass is a recommended stop known for its selection of food and drinks. Scarva Village, also on the Newry cycle path, provides a welcome break with amenities.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Ballyreagh?
The region is enjoyable for touring cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the green meadows and waterways. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be mindful of shorter daylight hours and potentially wetter conditions, especially on unpaved sections.
Are there any specific cycling networks or greenways in the Ballyreagh area?
Yes, Ballyreagh is well-integrated into several cycling networks. The Newry Canal Towpath offers a flat, scenic route. The recently completed Carlingford Lough Greenway provides a 25km off-road route. Additionally, the Causeway Gateway (National Cycle Network Route 96) connects through nearby towns, and for more experienced cyclists, it links to the Causeway Coast Cycle Route (NCN 93).
Can I find information about forest and garden attractions in the wider region?
Yes, for those interested in exploring more of the region's natural beauty beyond the immediate cycling routes, you can find information on forest and garden attractions in the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area by visiting visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.
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