The best MTB trails around Drumgavenny Upper

The region around Drumgavenny Upper offers a diverse range of mountain biking terrain. You'll find rolling hills, sweeping forests, and routes that provide access to the Antrim Plateau. Trails vary from gentle forest paths suitable for a relaxed ride to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes and technical sections, particularly in areas like Binevenagh and Davagh Forest.

Yes, there are options for easier rides. For instance, the Garvagh Forest Red Trail – Garvagh Pyramid loop from Garvagh is an easy 6.2 km path that offers a pleasant ride through scenic forest. Davagh Forest, a short drive away, also features gentle mountain biking trails alongside its more advanced options, making it suitable for those looking for a less strenuous experience.

For more challenging rides, consider routes like the Tamlaghtard Church loop from Limavady, which is a difficult 52.9 km trail. Another demanding option is the Downhill Beach loop from Limavady, a difficult 39.9 km route. Further afield, Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails are renowned for their challenging downhill sections and technical single-track descents, including a 27km Red Trail and a 19km Black Trail.

Absolutely. Many trails in the region offer spectacular vistas. Binevenagh Mountain, for example, provides expansive views over Magilligan and even Donegal from its summit. The Downhill Beach loop from Limavady offers coastal views. Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails are particularly known for their incredible coastal views alongside challenging terrain.

Parking is generally available at key mountain biking locations. For trails around Binevenagh, you can find parking at Ballycarton car park and Binevenagh lake car park. Davagh Forest also provides dedicated parking facilities for trail users. For specific routes, it's always advisable to check the route details on komoot for trailhead parking information.

Yes, several routes in the area are designed as loops. The Tamlaghtard Church loop from Limavady, the Garvagh Forest Red Trail – Garvagh Pyramid loop from Garvagh, and the Graffiti Art loop from Limavady are all circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

The region offers mountain biking opportunities throughout the year, but spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially on forest trails. Always check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out.

Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty. Binevenagh Mountain is a prominent feature, offering the Manannán Mac Lir Statue and Bishop's View. Davagh Forest is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities if you're out after dusk. Coastal trails, particularly around Rostrevor and near Downhill Beach, offer views of the sea and natural monuments like Portstewart Strand.

The routes around Drumgavenny Upper are well-regarded by the komoot community. Over 30 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to sweeping forests, and the range of options available for different ability levels.

While Drumgavenny Upper itself is a smaller area, the surrounding towns and villages near the trailheads, such as Limavady and Garvagh, offer amenities including cafes and pubs where you can refuel after your ride. Davagh Forest also has visitor facilities. It's a good idea to plan your route and check for specific establishments along your chosen trail or in nearby settlements.

This guide highlights four distinct mountain bike trails around Drumgavenny Upper, offering a selection of routes that showcase the region's diverse terrain and cater to different skill levels, from easy forest loops to more challenging, longer rides.