The best cycling routes around Rathcumber
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Touring cycling routes around Rathcumber traverse a landscape characterized by a mix of rural roads and scenic paths. The region features several loughs and rivers, offering varied backdrops for cycling. Routes often include gentle ascents and descents, providing a diverse experience for cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Rathcumber
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough, a 52.9 miles (85.1 km) trail that takes 5 hours 9 minutes to complete.…
Last updated: September 30, 2026
85.1km
05:09
680m
680m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
45.8km
03:13
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
34.6km
02:02
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
43.0km
02:33
290m
290m
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.
Tips from the Community
The Caledon Beam Engine is an exciting relic from another era that will accompany you on your tour through the Northern Ireland countryside. Nestled in the remains of an old wool mill, the beam engine tells of an era when the pounding and banging of machines shaped everyday life. Today it stands almost forgotten by the roadside and is a reminder of the region's industrial past. The ruin has its own charm - rusty gears, weathered walls and a feeling of time standing still. If you want to pause for a moment to take in the surroundings, this is an ideal place to dismount for a moment. This is not about perfectly restored monuments, but about the raw charm and stories that such places carry. Look out for the old inscriptions and the signs of decay that give the Beam Engine an almost sculptural appearance. This place is a silent witness to a time long gone and offers you a welcome change from the wide fields and winding roads of the region.
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The dam is easy to cross and from there you have a great view over the lake and the rolling hills that surround it. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle rippling of the water. The reservoir provides fresh drinking water to the surrounding area and the trout fishery here is controlled by the Armagh Angling Club - so it's an interesting spot for anglers. Even if you're not here to fish, the scenery is simply relaxing and it's worth stopping for a few minutes and looking around. The roads around the lake are easy to drive on but there might be a few potholes in places - nothing that would stop a real cyclist. Overall a nice stop to enjoy nature and take a quick breather before moving on.
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If you need a relaxing break on your tour of the region, Basil Sheils Bar and Restaurant is a perfect place to unwind for a moment. The colorful building, surrounded by green trees and colorful flags, immediately catches the eye. A beer garden invites you to reward yourself with a cold drink and a little refreshment for the next stage. I treated myself to a break here after a long ride and enjoyed the rustic ambience. In the courtyard, also called "The Forge", there is a restaurant with rustic food - ideal if you get a little hungry. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people here are friendly, which makes you feel welcome. In addition, overnight accommodation is offered if you want to treat yourself to a little more relaxation after a long day on the bike. It could be a little tidier in some places, but that also gives the place its charming, slightly chaotic character. A cozy stop to recharge your batteries before hitting the road again.
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The last housed beam engine in Ireland is a significant piece of industrial and social history. The Caldon Beam Engine has been preserved since the Woollen Mill was destroyed in 1985.
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Glaslough is a cute village, full of character. It's name means ‘calm or green lake’ in Irish. You'll notice plenty of historical buildings as you pedal through and the Castle Leslie Estate is next to the village. Or even better, stop for a something to eat and drink.
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A pretty reservoir that supplies water to the surrounding area and has some Trout fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Rathcumber?
There are 3 touring cycling routes detailed in this guide for the Rathcumber area. These routes offer a mix of experiences, from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance rides.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Rathcumber?
While this guide features routes of moderate to difficult grades, the 'Glaslough Coffee Stop – Caledon Beam Engine loop from River Blackwater' and the 'Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie' are both rated as moderate. These routes offer a balanced ride through rural landscapes, which can be suitable for cyclists with some experience looking for a manageable challenge.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Rathcumber?
Touring cycling routes around Rathcumber primarily feature rural roads and scenic paths. The landscape is characterized by a mix of loughs and rivers, providing varied backdrops. You can expect gentle ascents and descents throughout the routes, offering a diverse cycling experience.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Rathcumber?
Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular. For example, the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough is a challenging circular route that passes by multiple loughs. The Glaslough Coffee Stop – Caledon Beam Engine loop from River Blackwater and the Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie are also popular circular options.
What is the longest touring cycling route in the Rathcumber area?
The longest touring cycling route featured in this guide is the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough. This difficult trail spans 52.9 miles (85.1 km) and typically takes around 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain.
Are there any touring cycling routes that follow a river in Rathcumber?
Yes, the Glaslough Coffee Stop – Caledon Beam Engine loop from River Blackwater is a moderate route that follows the River Blackwater, offering scenic views along its course.
What are the typical durations for touring cycling routes in Rathcumber?
The routes in this guide vary in duration. The moderate routes, such as the Glaslough Coffee Stop – Caledon Beam Engine loop from River Blackwater and the Glaslough Village – Caledon Beam Engine loop from Castle Leslie, can be completed in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The more challenging Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough typically takes over 5 hours.
What do other touring cyclists say about cycling in Rathcumber?
More than 5 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Rathcumber's varied terrain. They appreciate the region's rural roads, scenic loughs, and river valleys, which provide diverse options for different ability levels.
Are there any routes that pass by multiple loughs?
Yes, the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough is specifically noted for passing by multiple loughs, offering picturesque waterside views throughout the ride.
What is the elevation gain like on Rathcumber's touring cycling routes?
The routes in Rathcumber feature gentle ascents and descents. For example, the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough, a difficult route, has a significant elevation gain of approximately 678 meters. The moderate routes have less, with around 226 to 291 meters of elevation gain.
Most popular routes around Rathcumber
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