The best cycling routes around Longtown

There are 9 touring cycling routes around Longtown, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes range from moderate to difficult in terms of challenge.

The Longtown area, situated near the Herefordshire/Welsh border, offers diverse terrain for touring cyclists. You can expect routes through the dramatic landscapes of the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), featuring varied gradients, mountain backdrops, river valleys, and rural farmland. The region also includes traditional farmland and private woodlands, providing a picturesque environment.

Yes, there are several moderate touring cycling routes available. For example, the Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Waterfall loop from Waterfoot is a moderate 18.2-mile (29.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 54 minutes to complete, offering coastal views and a waterfall. Another moderate option is the Carnlough Harbour – Glenarm Castle loop from Glenarm, which is 29.1 miles (46.8 km) long and connects a harbour with a historic castle.

For those seeking a challenge, Longtown offers several difficult touring cycling routes. One such route is the Glenariff Forest – Inver River Waterfall loop from Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, a 15.6-mile (25.1 km) trail through forest and past a waterfall. Another demanding option is the Carnlough Harbour – Cushendun Harbour loop from Glenarm, which covers 36.6 miles (58.9 km) with significant elevation changes.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Longtown are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Waterfall loop from Waterfoot and the Carnlough Harbour – Glenarm Castle loop from Glenarm, both offering convenient circular journeys.

The region around Longtown is rich in natural beauty. Many routes will take you past stunning natural features such as the Inver River Waterfall, Ess-na-Laragh Waterfall, and Cranny Falls. The area is characterized by rivers, mountains, and fields, with the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) providing dramatic backdrops. You might also encounter traditional farmland and private woodlands.

Yes, several routes incorporate beautiful waterfalls. The Waterfoot Beach – Glenariff Waterfall loop from Waterfoot specifically highlights a waterfall. Another route, the Glenariff Forest – Inver River Waterfall loop from Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, leads through a forest and past the Inver River Waterfall. You can also find other waterfalls like Waterfall and Bridge on the Glenariff River and Waterfall in Antrim Coast & Glens AONB in the vicinity.

Over 100 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Longtown's varied terrain. While the average rating is 2.0 stars from 1 review, the high number of visitors indicates that many find the diverse landscapes and challenging options appealing for touring cycling.

Yes, the Carnlough Harbour – Glenarm Castle loop from Glenarm offers a blend of coastal scenery and history. This moderate 29.1-mile (46.8 km) route connects a picturesque harbour with the historic Glenarm Castle, providing a culturally rich cycling experience.

Yes, the Cushendun Caves – Cushendun Harbour loop from Waterfoot is a challenging 36.8-mile (59.3 km) route that allows you to explore the unique Cushendun Caves before heading towards Cushendun Harbour. This route offers a distinct geological highlight for adventurous cyclists.

Given its proximity to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, the best time for touring cycling in Longtown is generally during the warmer and drier months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This period offers more predictable weather, making the varied gradients and mountainous terrain more enjoyable and safer to navigate.

Yes, the region around Longtown includes private woodlands and areas like Glenariff Forest. The Glenariff Forest – Inver River Waterfall loop from Antrim Coast & Glens AONB is a prime example, taking you directly through a forest environment, offering shaded paths and a different kind of scenic beauty.