The best cycling routes around Cookstown
4.8
(10)
122
riders
8
rides
Touring cycling routes around Cookstown traverse a diverse landscape, from the undulating hills of the Sperrin Mountains to the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh and Lough Fea. The region features a mix of quiet valleys, boggy uplands, and forested areas like Davagh Forest, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Routes often incorporate both paved surfaces and unpaved segments, with elevation gains ranging from gentle to challenging.
Best touring cycling routes around Cookstown
- The most popular touring cycling route is Portaferry to…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
3
riders
57.1km
03:21
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
15.8km
00:57
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
30.3km
01:48
160m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
34
riders
44.9km
02:40
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
riders
30.4km
01:46
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cookstown
Tips from the Community
Burr Point marks the most easterly point on the island of Ireland. The spot is marked by a coastal sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. You can rest up in the sheltered cove which has a well-kept toilet and changing facilities close by.
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Built in 1622 by Roland Savage. The tower has had several alterations over its past. The neo gothic style was introduced in the early 19th century.
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Visitors to Corrog Wood will be greeted by a curious wooden sculpture of a Dryad. The sculpture has been affectionately named the ‘Frump in the Stump’. A dryad is a tree nymph in Greek mythology. The Dryad keeps a watchful, protective eye on the new wood standing at the entrance. Continue past the Dryad on through the little kissing gate and a loop pathway will be waiting to lead you around the 14-acre wood, where a mix of approximately 12,000 native trees and 400 metres of hedging have been planted.
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Quintin Castle is one of the few inhabited Anglo-Norman castles to be found in Ulster. The Castle was built in 1184 by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman Knight who had conquered substantial parts of Ireland from 1176. It is located in the Ards Peninsula, east of the village of Portaferry on the shore of the Irish Sea, The location hosts an unprecedented view of the surrounding landscape.
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The Marina is a nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough.
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Portaferry ( from Port an Pheire 'landing place of the ferry' ) is a small town in County down, at the southern end of the Ards Peninsula, near the Narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough. It hosts its own small Marina, From where the The Ferry service operates daily at 30-minute intervals (7.45 am to 10.45 pm) between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford. The Lough being one of the world's most important marine sites with over 2,000 marine species. There are fine Georgian buildings in the town square, including a Market House, now used as a community centre. Portaferry Castle, a 16th-century townhouse ruin, sits atop a slope overlooking the Harbour.
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Your as far east as it gets. chapeau ! rest up in the sheltered cove. Burr Point is the most easterly point on the mainland of the island of Ireland. The point is marked by a sculpture by artist Ned Jackson Smyth. Just offshore is the intriguingly named Burial Island. Local stories say the name comes from a Danish burial reputed to have taken place on the island. The name might also derive from the Irish for cormorant, na broighill, or from the pronunciation of “Burr Isle”. well kept and fully enclosed toilet & changing facilities.
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Lovely place to rest. There are tables arranged outside to the right of the Abbey. Grab some supplies from the shop just up the road in the village, and enjoy the atmosphere. The Abbey is open 24 / 7. Grey Abbey is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster, and was the daughter house of Holm Cultram (Cumbria). It was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman invader of East Ulster. The remains, in the beautiful parkland setting of the nearby grand house of Rosemount, consist of the church with cloister and surrounding buildings to the south.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes can I find around Cookstown?
There are 8 touring cycling routes around Cookstown, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes traverse diverse landscapes, from the undulating hills of the Sperrin Mountains to the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh and Lough Fea.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Cookstown?
The terrain around Cookstown is quite varied. You'll find a mix of quiet valleys, boggy uplands, and forested areas like Davagh Forest. Routes often incorporate both paved surfaces and unpaved segments, with elevation gains ranging from gentle to challenging, particularly in the Sperrin Mountains.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or casual riders?
Yes, Cookstown offers several easy touring cycling routes. For example, the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop is an easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete, offering pleasant coastal views. Another easy option is the View of Portaferry Harbor – View of Quintin Castle loop from Portavogie.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Cycling routes around Cookstown often feature stunning natural beauty and historical sites. You can enjoy views of the Sperrin Mountains, Lough Neagh, and Lough Fea. Some routes may pass by historical landmarks such as Sketrick Castle, Nendrum Monastery Ruins, or Audley's Castle. Davagh Forest, an International Dark Sky Park, is also a notable natural attraction.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Cookstown area?
While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed in the provided data, the presence of easy loops and dedicated trails like those in Davagh Forest suggests options for families. Davagh Forest offers gentle mountain biking and walking trails, including a skills park and pump track, which can be enjoyable for various ages. The 4.15km walkway around Lough Fea is also suitable for cycling and offers panoramic scenery.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Cookstown?
The touring cycling routes around Cookstown are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from coastal views to mountain scenery, and the options available for different ability levels.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, making them convenient for touring cyclists. Examples include the Portaferry to Quintin Castle loop and the Portaferry to Kirkistown Castle loop — Strangford & Lecale. These circular routes allow you to start and end at the same point, exploring diverse landscapes along the way.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Cookstown?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, the diverse landscapes of Cookstown, including the Sperrin Mountains and Lough Neagh, are generally enjoyable during milder weather. Spring and summer typically offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling, with longer daylight hours and more comfortable temperatures to explore the region's natural beauty.
Where can I find parking for bike trails in Cookstown?
Specific parking locations for all trails are not detailed, but popular cycling areas like Davagh Forest typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For routes around Lough Neagh or in the Sperrin Mountains, trailheads or nearby villages often provide parking options. It's advisable to check local information for specific starting points.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, the Cookstown area, particularly near the Sperrin Mountains, offers more challenging routes. While no routes are explicitly graded 'difficult' in the provided data, several are rated 'moderate' and feature significant elevation gains. For instance, the Ards Peninsula half loop from Portaferry — Strangford & Lecale is a moderate 35.5-mile (57.1 km) path with over 270 meters of elevation gain, providing a more demanding ride.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the cycling routes in Cookstown?
While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not listed, Cookstown and its surrounding villages offer amenities. Areas like Davagh Forest and towns along Lough Neagh are likely to have options for refreshments. Cookstown itself has a local bike shop, Cookstown Cycles, which caters to cyclists' needs, and you can expect to find local establishments for food and drink in the region.
Is public transport available to reach the touring cycling trailheads?
Information on specific public transport links to trailheads is not detailed. However, Cookstown is a town in Northern Ireland, and local bus services typically connect it to surrounding areas. For reaching more remote trailheads, such as those deep within the Sperrin Mountains or Davagh Forest, personal transport might be more convenient. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for specific routes.
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