The best road cycling routes around Castleaverry
4.5
(11)
1,135
riders
72
rides
Road cycling around Castleaverry features a landscape characterized by rolling terrain and proximity to lough shorelines, offering varied routes for cyclists. The region includes rural roads connecting historical landmarks and small towns. Elevation gains are generally moderate, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
Best road cycling routes around Castleaverry
- The most popular road cycling route is Strangford Loagh loop from Newtownards - Strangford & Lecale, a 51.1 miles (82.2 km) trail that takes 3 hours 34 minutes to…
Last updated: October 5, 2026
20
riders
82.2km
03:34
550m
550m
Embark on a moderate racebike journey around Strangford Lough, covering 51.1 miles (82.2 km) with 1792 feet (546 metres) of elevation gain. This route from Newtownards offers continuous views of…
5.0
(2)
152
riders
26.1km
01:04
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
41
riders
61.8km
02:49
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
32
riders
53.5km
02:15
250m
250m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
100
riders
46.6km
01:57
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Castleaverry
Tips from the Community
Carrowdore Castle Gate is one of the original 19th-century entrance lodges to the Carrowdore Castle estate in County Down. Built in a Gothic style, it features a castellated parapet and turret-like details that echo the look of the main house. Today it stands as one of the most distinctive remnants of the castle complex, marking the historic gateway to the estate.
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The Tommy Givan Velodrome is a small but beautiful cycling track in Belfast, which has its own special atmosphere, especially in sunny weather. Nestled in green areas and surrounded by tall trees, it offers cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to do a few quick laps on the asphalt track. It's not about high-tech and hectic, but about pure riding pleasure in a peaceful environment. The slightly inclined curves invite you to take the momentum with you, and with every lap you feel the special flair of a velodrome, which may seem rather inconspicuous, but precisely because of that has its own charm. A perfect place to just pick up the pace and clear your head.
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Simple sandwiches, paninies and drinks. outdoor seating or in a covered space.
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Bike parking, nice coffee and eats, friendly staff, nice view of the lough
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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Yes we have a Velodrome ! This 396 metre outdoor banked oval track is the only surviving facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. It opened for competition in 1957 and was used extensively throughout the 1950s and 1960s when track cycling was extremely popular. It continues to be used today. It was re-named the Tommy Givan track in 1981 in honour of the former National Track Champion, one of the stalwarts of track cycling in Belfast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Castleaverry?
Road cycling around Castleaverry features a landscape characterized by rolling terrain and proximity to lough shorelines. You'll find varied routes on rural roads connecting historical landmarks and small towns. Elevation gains are generally moderate, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
Are there many road cycling routes to choose from in Castleaverry?
Yes, there are over 80 road cycling routes available around Castleaverry. These range from easy to moderate difficulty, offering options for various skill levels.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Castleaverry?
Absolutely. Castleaverry offers several easy routes, with 23 routes specifically categorized as easy. An excellent option is the Bike Path to Belfast – Peartree Hill Path loop from Comber, which is 18.0 miles (29.0 km) long and combines dedicated bike paths with scenic rural sections.
What are some longer distance road cycling options in the Castleaverry area?
For longer rides, consider routes that explore the lough shorelines. The Strangford Loagh loop from Newtownards - Strangford & Lecale is a substantial 51.1 miles (82.2 km) trail offering extensive views of the lough and surrounding countryside.
Can I find circular road cycling routes in Castleaverry?
Many of the road cycling routes in Castleaverry are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Carrowdore Castle Gate – Grey Abbey Ruins loop from Newtownards is a 34.6 miles (55.7 km) circular trail that takes you through historical sites and rural landscapes.
What kind of elevation gain should I expect on road cycling routes here?
The routes around Castleaverry generally feature moderate elevation gains, consistent with the rolling terrain. For instance, the McKee Clock Tower – Ballycopeland Windmill loop from Newtownards has an elevation gain of around 316 meters over its 46.7 miles.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the road cycling routes?
The area is rich in historical sites and natural beauty. You might pass by places like Sketrick Castle, the ancient Nendrum Monastery Ruins, or the historic Helen's Tower. Many routes also offer views of the lough, such as the WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Castleaverry?
The road cycling routes in Castleaverry are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic lough shorelines, historical landmarks, and the variety of rural paths available.
Are there any routes that combine cycling with other activities, like exploring a greenway?
Yes, some routes incorporate dedicated cycling paths. The Comber Greenway is a notable cycleway in the region, offering a pleasant, traffic-free experience that can be part of a longer ride, such as the Killynether Wood – Bike Path to Belfast loop from Newtownards.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Castleaverry?
The best time for road cycling in Castleaverry is typically during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This allows for more comfortable rides and better enjoyment of the scenic lough views and rural landscapes.
Are there options for parking near the road cycling routes?
Many routes around Castleaverry start from towns like Newtownards or Comber, where public parking facilities are generally available. It's advisable to check specific starting points for detailed parking information before your ride.
Most popular routes around Castleaverry
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