4.5
(55)
2,228
riders
136
rides
Road cycling routes around Movilla are primarily found within the broader Newtownards area, bordering the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. The region offers diverse scenery, characterized by coastal views and generally well-paved surfaces. While some segments may present varied terrain, the area provides appealing landscapes for cyclists.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
19
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…
41
riders
62.0km
02:50
460m
460m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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32
riders
55.7km
02:23
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
23
riders
36.2km
01:42
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
7
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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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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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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Always worth the ascent. If only for the view towards Sliev Croob and the Mournes. Beautiful patch work of swollen hills, cut by colourful fields, that meander all the way to the shore of Strangford Lough below. There are several interesting woodland gravel trails in the woods, connecting to Scrabo, and Ards. Twilight is magic up here. Smooth tarmac Decent down to Ards via Scrabo Road is a joy, with the tower on your left, and the sprawling Lough, and Newtownards to your right.
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The house was built in 1818, set in parkland with shelter from woodland trees. There are fine exotic trees and cultivated ornamental gardens sloping gently to a lake. The interior is still largely intact, though some rooms to the rear of the house have been altered in recent times The three-storey tower to the south has a Jacobean-Gothic feel and appears to be largely intact; whilst the similar (but much smaller) three-storey gazebo to the east of the house is now in a ruinous condition. About 1992 a new residence was built a short distance from the original castle. Carrowdore Castle estate is now in private residence.
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Road cycling routes in the Movilla area, particularly around Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula, feature diverse scenery. You'll find mostly well-paved surfaces, often with picturesque coastal views along Strangford Lough. While many routes are suitable for various fitness levels, some segments may offer varied terrain, including more challenging sections.
The Movilla region offers a wide selection of road cycling routes. There are over 140 routes available, catering to different skill levels. This includes approximately 40 easy routes, nearly 100 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.
Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the View of Donaghadee Parade – Captain's Table Octopus Mural loop from Newtownards is an easy 44.9 km route that offers pleasant cycling without significant difficulty.
The Movilla area is rich in historical and natural attractions. You can visit the ancient Movilla Abbey itself, or cycle past sites like Grey Point Fort, Ballycopeland Windmill, or Helen's Tower. Coastal routes often provide views of Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula.
The road cycling routes around Movilla are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic coastal stretches, the variety of terrain, and the historical points of interest encountered along the way.
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, the Strangford Loagh loop from Newtownards - Strangford & Lecale is a popular moderate route spanning 82.2 km, offering extensive coastal views around Strangford Lough.
Absolutely. Routes like the Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Sketrick Castle loop from Newtownards, a moderate 62.0 km path, feature scenic coastal stretches and pass by historical points of interest. Similarly, the Carrowdore Castle Gate – Grey Abbey Ruins loop from Newtownards leads through rural landscapes and past historical ruins.
While many road cycling routes use public roads, the broader Newtownards area is developing its cycling infrastructure. The Comber Greenway is part of a wider network of cycling routes in the Ards and North Down Borough, providing off-road options for cyclists, and there are plans for further expansion.
The region offers appealing landscapes for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and summer generally provide the most favorable weather conditions with longer daylight hours. However, coastal routes can be enjoyed in autumn too, offering crisp air and unique scenery, though it's always wise to check local weather forecasts.
While many routes are moderate, some offer more significant elevation. For example, the Killynether Wood – Creighton's Green Road Climb loop from Newtownards is a moderate 38.5 km route that includes notable climbs, providing a good challenge for those looking to test their endurance.
The presence of active cycling clubs like Ards Cycling Club and North Down Cycling Club indicates a vibrant cycling community in the area. While komoot focuses on routes, these clubs often have public resources or social media where you can find information about group rides and local events. You can also check the Visit Ards and North Down website for more local cycling information.


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