The best road cycling routes around Killycloghan

There are 26 road cycling routes around Killycloghan. These include 5 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, offering options for various fitness levels.

The terrain around Killycloghan is diverse, featuring the majestic Sperrin Mountains and Gortin Glen Forest Park. You'll encounter challenging hill passes, winding country lanes, and open mountain tracks. The landscape includes green pastures, forests, and ancient geological formations, with a mix of tarmac roads and some gravel paths, providing varied gradients.

Yes, Killycloghan offers 5 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or families. These routes typically feature gentle gradients and scenic views, such as the Scotshouse, Redhills and Belturbet loop, which is 25.2 miles (40.6 km) long.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 3 difficult routes. The Sperrin Mountains provide a demanding environment with steep ascents and significant elevation gains. An example is the Lower Lough MacNean – Dowra loop from Belturbet, which is 80.6 miles (129.7 km) long with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

While cycling, you can experience breathtaking features like Barnes Gap, a glacial overflow in the Sperrin Mountains, and the dramatic Glenelly Valley. Gortin Glen Forest Park offers scenic beauty with waterfalls. You might also pass by serene lakes such as Annagh Lough.

Yes, the region is rich in history. Cyclists can encounter over 90 sets of ancient stone circles scattered throughout the Sperrins. You can also explore sites like the Old Crom Castle Ruins or the Crom Estate Castle Ruins, offering glimpses into the area's past.

Many routes in the area are designed as loops, providing circular journeys. Examples include the Killashandra and Butlers Bridge loop from Belturbet and the Kilgarrow Lough – Derrycanon Lough loop from Teemore, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Gortin Glen Forest Park, located within the Sperrin Mountains, offers parking facilities and serves as a good starting point for many routes. The nearby market town of Omagh also provides amenities and potential parking options for accessing the wider network of roads.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse and scenic landscapes, from the challenging mountain passes of the Sperrins to the tranquil country lanes, and the variety of routes catering to different abilities.

Yes, several routes offer views of the region's beautiful loughs. For instance, the Lough Adorn – Drumlonan lough loop from Teemore takes you past picturesque water bodies. The broader Fermanagh Lakelands, with Lough Erne, are also accessible and feature quiet country roads.

Gortin Glen Forest Park is a significant natural asset, offering a 5-mile scenic forest drive and integrating with road cycling routes. While known for mountain biking, its forest roads and tracks provide beautiful, varied gradients for road cyclists. For more information on cycling in forests, you can visit nidirect.gov.uk.