The best cycling routes around Shankey
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riders
12
rides
Touring cycling around Shankey features a linear green corridor along a historic canal and brook, offering waterside routes through woodlands and open meadows. The terrain is generally flat, with well-maintained paths consisting of asphalt, compact dirt, and gravel sections. This area provides connections to broader cycling networks, including the Trans Pennine Trail.
Best touring cycling routes around Shankey
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, an 17.4 miles (28.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
1
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
4
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 Shankey
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
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Sankey Valley Park?
The touring cycling routes in Sankey Valley Park are generally flat, following the tranquil Sankey Canal and Sankey Brook. You'll encounter a variety of surfaces, including well-maintained asphalt paths, compact dirt tracks, and gravel sections, making for a diverse and enjoyable ride through woodlands and open meadows.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Sankey Valley Park?
Yes, Sankey Valley Park offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners. A great option is the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, which is 17.4 miles (28.1 km) with gentle elevation changes and pleasant waterside views. Another easy path is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, offering a mix of open landscapes and historical points of interest.
Can I find long-distance touring cycling routes in the Shankey area?
Absolutely. The Shankey area is well-connected for longer rides. The Sankey Canal Trail itself is a 15-mile (24 km) greenway, and the park seamlessly links to the Trans Pennine Trail, opening up opportunities for extensive cycling adventures. For a challenging long-distance option, consider Maghery loop from Cookstown, which covers over 44 miles (71.9 km).
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Sankey Valley Park?
While many routes follow the linear canal, there are excellent circular options available. The Bike loop from Cookstown is a popular 28.1-mile (45.2 km) circular trail that takes you through varied terrain. For a more challenging loop, The Sperrins loop from Cookstown offers a difficult 33.5-mile (53.9 km) ride with significant elevation changes.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can I see along the cycling routes?
Sankey Valley Park is rich in history. As you cycle, you can encounter the impressive Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches) and the remnants of the disused Sankey Canal, including old locks and dry docks. Nearby attractions include Drum Manor House Ruins, Mountjoy Castle, and the historic Tullyhogue Fort, offering glimpses into the region's past.
Is Sankey Valley Park suitable for family cycling trips?
Yes, the central section of Sankey Valley Park is particularly family-friendly. Its generally flat, traffic-free paths along the canal are ideal for leisurely rides with children. You'll also find play areas, picnic benches, and open lawned areas for breaks and enjoyment.
What kind of wildlife can I spot while cycling in Sankey Valley Park?
Sankey Valley Park is a haven for wildlife. Along the canal and brook, you might spot swans, kingfishers, and herons. The woodlands and meadows are home to squirrels, foxes, owls, bats, and even stoats and weasels. In late spring, look out for wild orchids in the meadows, and a variety of butterflies in summer.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Sankey Valley Park?
The park is enjoyable year-round, but late spring and summer are particularly pleasant for cycling, with wildflowers in bloom and abundant butterflies. Autumn offers picturesque scenery with changing leaf colors. The well-maintained paths make it accessible in most weather conditions, though some gravel sections might be muddier after heavy rain.
Are there connections to other cycling networks from Sankey Valley Park?
Yes, Sankey Valley Park serves as an excellent hub for connecting to wider cycling networks. Most notably, it seamlessly links to the Trans Pennine Trail, providing access to extensive long-distance routes and opening up possibilities for multi-day cycling adventures across the region.
Where can I find parking or public transport access for the cycling routes?
Sankey Valley Park is accessible, and while specific parking details for each route vary, there are generally parking facilities available at various entry points to the park. For public transport, local bus services often serve areas around Warrington, providing access to different sections of the park. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most convenient access points.
What makes the touring cycling experience in Sankey Valley Park unique?
The unique appeal of touring cycling in Sankey Valley Park lies in its blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll cycle along England's first industrial canal, surrounded by tranquil waters, lush woodlands, and diverse wildlife, all while enjoying relatively flat, traffic-free paths. This combination offers a peaceful yet historically rich cycling experience.
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