The best road cycling routes around Gorteade
5.0
(2)
152
riders
24
rides
Road cycling routes around Gorteade traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills and quiet country roads, typical of County Londonderry and Mid Ulster. The area features diverse terrain, including sections near the Sperrin Mountains which offer significant climbs and panoramic views. Cyclists can expect a mix of open countryside and routes that pass through ancient woodlands and along river valleys. This region provides varied elevation profiles suitable for different road cycling preferences.
Best road cycling routes around Gorteade
- The most…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
9
riders
53.9km
02:20
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
31.9km
01:21
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
59.5km
02:26
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
100km
04:57
1,160m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Gorteade
Tips from the Community
Learmount Wood is located at the foothills of the northern face of the Sperrins in Northern Ireland. The forest features a wonderful diversity of tree species, including some that have been there for over 100 years. It's a beautiful place for a stroll, featuring a stream and an abandoned mansion dating back to the 1830s.
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Learmount Castle is a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion that was built in the 1830s by Henry Barré Beresford. The house is now abandoned, but you can still use your imagination to picture its grandeur when it was in all its glory.
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Contained within the ruins is a sculpture of the crucifixion, which is thought to date from the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in Ireland. St Lurach founded an important church here in the 6th century. It was plundered by Vikings in 832 and burned in 1135. Following the 12th-century ecclesiastical reforms this was the seat of a bishop from the mid 12th to the mid 13th century, then served as parish church until the new church across the road was built in the early 19th century. This long history is reflected in the much patched and altered fabric, and the big uneven graveyard.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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An Cregán Visitor Centre is worth a visit for an introduction to the beautiful surroundings, its biodiversity, archaeology and history.There is a cafe and a children's park, nature walks, bronze age replicas and even holiday cottages. For more information see their website
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Enjoy riding through the greenery. ALl around you there are fields, pockets of woodland and big skies.
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The An Creagan Visitor Centre is an introduction to the beautiful biodiversity and archeology on offer at Creggan Wood. The centre is fit with a licensed restaurant, bar, craft shop, conference facilities, children's play area, and even holiday cottages.
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Tudor-Gothic house, built in 1830 by Henry Barré Beresford. Situated in Learmont Park there are some good gravel and mixed terrain tracks to explore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Gorteade?
There are nearly 30 road cycling routes around Gorteade, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy loops to challenging climbs.
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Gorteade?
Road cycling in Gorteade features a landscape of rolling hills and quiet country roads, characteristic of County Londonderry and Mid Ulster. You can expect varied elevation profiles, including sections near the Sperrin Mountains that offer significant climbs and panoramic views, as well as routes through ancient woodlands and along river valleys.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or a more relaxed ride?
Yes, Gorteade offers several easy road cycling routes. One popular option is the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Maghera, an easy 19.8-mile (31.9 km) path that provides a gentle ride through the local countryside, passing by historic church ruins.
What are some of the longer or more challenging road cycling routes in the Gorteade area?
For those seeking a longer or more challenging ride, the Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera is a 64.6-mile (104.0 km) route leading through rolling hills. Another difficult option is the Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera, which covers 100 km with over 1,150 meters of elevation gain.
Are there road cycling routes that offer views of Lough Neagh?
Yes, you can find road cycling routes that provide views of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the UK and Ireland. The View of Lough Neagh – Lough Neagh loop from Maghera is a moderate 59.5-mile (95.8 km) route that takes you near the lake, offering different cycling experiences.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Gorteade?
The road cycling routes in Gorteade are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet country roads to challenging climbs in the Sperrin Mountains, and the scenic beauty of the region.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the road cycling routes near Gorteade?
While cycling around Gorteade, you can encounter historic sites like St Lurach's Church Ruins. The broader region also offers attractions such as the An Creagan Visitor Centre, which is featured on some routes, and the nearby Sperrin Mountains provide stunning natural vistas.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Gorteade?
The best time for road cycling in Northern Ireland, including the Gorteade area, is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less rainfall, making for more enjoyable rides through the rolling hills and country roads.
Are there any road cycling routes that pass through ancient woodlands or river valleys?
Yes, the Gorteade area's road cycling routes are characterized by a mix of open countryside and paths that traverse ancient woodlands and follow river valleys, offering a scenic and varied riding experience.
What is the typical elevation gain on road cycling routes around Gorteade?
The elevation gain varies significantly across routes. Easy routes might have around 200-300 meters of gain, while moderate routes can feature over 400 meters, such as the St Lurach's Church Ruins – Bench Under a Large Tree loop from Pollan Burn with over 426 meters. Difficult routes, like the Learmount Wood – Learmount Castle loop from Maghera, can exceed 1,150 meters of elevation.
Can I find circular road cycling routes in Gorteade?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Gorteade are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the St Lurach's Church Ruins loop from Maghera and the Bench Under a Large Tree – An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Maghera.
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