The best cycling routes around Kilroot
4.8
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19
riders
9
rides
Touring cycling around Kilroot offers routes that explore the northern shore of Belfast Lough and the wider County Antrim region. The area features coastal views, varied terrain, and access to historical sites. Cyclists can expect a mix of coastal paths and routes that traverse quiet countryside, including rolling hills.
Best touring cycling routes around Kilroot
- The most popular touring cycling route is Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6), a 22.3 miles (35.9 km) trail…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
35.9km
02:11
290m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
3
riders
54.4km
03:17
370m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
45.5km
02:43
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
21.6km
01:15
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kilroot
Tips from the Community
A beautiful riverside town, Belturbet is a delight to explore. Popular with boaters and golfers, the surrounding area also has some pretty walking trails too. There are several bars and restaurants for post hike refreshment.
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Home to a Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle, Turbet Island occupies a strategic position on the River Erne. Today, it's a nature reserve in the pretty riverside town of Belturbet. The river here is inhabited by several protected bird species, including the whooper swan and the Greenland white-fronted goose.
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Forming part of the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, this country lane is lovely and quiet with good views of Round Lough
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Known locally as the "Wee Abbey", Clones Abbey is a ruined monastery dating back to the 12th century. The original abbey was founded by St. Tigernach as early as the 6th century. However, the abbey was destroyed by fire not once, but four times during its history. In the 16th century, the abbey suffered once again during the suppression of monasteries and Protestant reformation under Henry VIII. Less than a hundred years later, it lay in ruin, although some solitary monks still lived here until the 18th century. Today, you can visit the crumbling walls and take a look at the interesting graveyard. The abbey is free to visit and you can access it any time.
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Managed by the National Trust, the Crom Estate is a large nature reserve of woodlands, lake, castle ruins and islands. It is an important habitat for pine martens, bats, deer, red squirrels and butterflies. There is a coffee shop at the estate and if you fancy something different you can hire a boat to explore the lough. For more details check out the website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/crom
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The Crom Castle estate boathouse sits on the shore of Lough Erne below the main castle. The views out on onto the water from the boathouse are splendid, the perfect spot to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy some relaxation.
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Great accommodation for cyclists in the centre of Clones. Very good food too.
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The round tower in Clones was originally built around the 10th century as part of the abbey. Although it would once have stood at 75 feet (23 m), the top part is now missing. Nonetheless, it is still a prominent feature on Clones' skyline. There would once have been four storeys, including a bell storey. St Tierney's graveyard, which surrounds the tower, is also an interesting place to explore with many 17th and 18th-century gravestones and the tomb shrine of St Tighernach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Kilroot?
There are 9 touring cycling routes around Kilroot, offering a variety of experiences from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides. These routes explore the northern shore of Belfast Lough and the wider County Antrim region.
What are the difficulty levels of touring cycling routes in Kilroot?
The routes around Kilroot cater to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 5 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route. This variety ensures options for beginners looking for a relaxed ride and experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed ride?
Yes, for a relaxed ride, consider the Old Crom Castle Ruins – Crom Estate Castle Ruins loop from Old Crom Castle (Ruins). This easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) path features minimal elevation change, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a leisurely cycle.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling near Kilroot?
Touring cyclists around Kilroot can expect diverse landscapes. Routes often feature scenic views across Belfast Lough, coastal paths, and quiet countryside with rolling hills. The wider region also offers glimpses of lakes and rivers, providing a varied natural backdrop for your rides.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Kilroot?
The touring cycling routes around Kilroot are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain and the opportunity to explore both coastal scenery and historical points of interest.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
For a more challenging experience, the Clones Round Tower – Clones 'Wee' Abbey loop from Clones is a difficult 39.7-mile (63.9 km) trail. It leads through diverse landscapes and typically takes about 4 hours 4 minutes to complete, offering a substantial ride for experienced touring cyclists.
What historical sites or attractions can I visit along the touring cycling routes?
While cycling near Kilroot, you can explore several historical sites. The Clones 'Wee' Abbey and Clones Round Tower are notable historical landmarks. Additionally, the Old Crom Castle Ruins and Crom Estate Castle Ruins offer glimpses into the region's past. The wider area also boasts Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress, and Grey Point Fort, a significant 20th-century defense site.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Kilroot?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Kilroot are designed as loops. For example, the Clones 'Wee' Abbey – Clones Round Tower loop from Clones is a moderate 33.5-mile (53.9 km) circular route that allows you to start and finish in the same location, offering convenience for your ride.
What is a popular touring cycling route that covers a moderate distance?
A popular moderate touring cycling route is the Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Clones - Newbliss - Scotshouse (Ride 6). This route spans 22.3 miles (35.9 km) and typically takes about 2 hours 11 minutes to complete, featuring moderate elevation gain across varied terrain.
Can I find routes that are suitable for a shorter touring cycle?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a shorter touring cycle, the Clones 'Wee' Abbey – Clones Round Tower loop from Newtownbutler is an easy 13.4-mile (21.6 km) route. It's a great option for a quicker ride, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.
What are the general characteristics of the touring cycling routes in Kilroot?
Touring cycling around Kilroot is characterized by its blend of coastal views, varied terrain, and historical points of interest. The routes offer a mix of coastal paths and quiet countryside, including rolling hills, providing a diverse and engaging experience for cyclists of all levels.
Most popular routes around Kilroot
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