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MTB trails
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Magherafelt

Finglen

The best MTB trails around Finglen

4.8

(6)

114

riders

1

ride

Mountain biking around Finglen, primarily within the Sperrins range, offers diverse terrain for riders. The region features undulating tracks through ancient oak woodlands, scenic reservoirs like Altnaheglish, and expansive views from peaks such as Sawel Mountain. These natural features provide varied mountain bike trails, from forest loops to more challenging climbs.

Best mountain bike trails around Finglen

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Davagh Forest trails loop – Sperrins, a 15.5 miles (25.0 km) trail that takes 1…

Last updated: May 1, 2026

4.5

(4)

103

riders

#1.

Davagh Forest trails loop – Sperrins

25.0km

01:59

550m

550m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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This difficult 54.1-mile mountain bike loop from Davagh Trailhead in the Sperrins features 5719 feet of gain and stunning views.

Hard

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

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Popular around Finglen

Hiking around Finglen

Running Trails around Finglen

Tips from the Community

chrisjlucas
October 1, 2023, Red Trail – No Running

It’s disappointing that the dirt trails through the forest are for mountain bikers only. As a walker, you have to stick to the tarmac roads - also used by the mountain bikes. It felt like there is an assumption that walking is more about an afternoon stroll with the kids and the dog. The forest is for the mountain bikers.

0

0

Enjoy tremendous views across Altnaheglish Reservoir from the Banagher Dam wall.

2

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Alex
January 23, 2023, Vinegar Hill Loop

This path sits runs alongside Vinegar Hill and has some fantastic views of the Sperrins including Mullaghbolig and Mullaghbane hill and down to Owenkillew River which has some beautiful deciduous woodland on its banks.

1

0

Alex
January 23, 2023, Moydamlaght Forest

This predominantly pine forest has fast and fun tracks running through it with gorgeous views of the Sperrin mountains including Craigagh, Spelhoagh and Crockbrack hills.

1

0

Banagher Dam was built in the 1930's, is 42m high and spans a gap of 110m. It is NI's highest dam with a capacity of 2270 million litres of water! On the banks of the reservoir sits some of Irelands most ancient oak woodland with plenty of footpaths to explore it.

1

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Take in the fantastic views of the Sperns AONB looking towards Fir Mountain and Oughtmore.

1

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Alex
January 18, 2023, Mullaghcarn Viewpoint

From this viewpoint you gain spectacular views of the Sperrins mountain range. Mullagharn is the most southerly peak resulting in a great perspective to take in the rest of the range.

0

0

Good trails for MTB but possibly even better gravel sections for those who are into gravel rides.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are there in Finglen?

While the komoot guide highlights a selection of top routes, the Finglen area, particularly within the Sperrins range, offers a network of mountain bike trails. Over 200 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain here, indicating a good range of options beyond the featured routes.

What is the typical terrain like for mountain biking in Finglen?

Mountain biking in Finglen, primarily within the Sperrins range, features diverse terrain. You can expect undulating tracks through ancient oak woodlands, as seen around Banagher Forest, and more challenging climbs with expansive views from peaks like Sawel Mountain. The routes combine forest loops with longer, more difficult ascents.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Finglen?

Yes, there are options suitable for families. For instance, the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory – Red Trail – No Running loop from Davagh Lower is an easy 6.4 km (4 miles) route with minimal elevation gain, making it a good choice for a less strenuous ride. The tracks through Banagher Forest are also generally suitable for jogging and walking, suggesting they can be accessible for family biking.

What kind of natural features or points of interest can I expect to see along the trails?

The mountain bike trails in Finglen offer a variety of natural attractions. You can ride past scenic reservoirs like Altnaheglish Reservoir, explore ancient woodlands in Banagher Forest, and enjoy expansive views from Sawel Mountain Summit. The region is known for its montane heathland and significant woodland restoration efforts.

Are there any challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Yes, experienced riders seeking a challenge will find suitable routes. The Mullaghcarn loop from Davagh Trailhead is a difficult 87.1 km (54.1 miles) trail with over 1,700 meters of elevation gain, typically taking nearly 7 hours to complete. This route offers a significant test of endurance and skill.

Can I find circular mountain bike routes in Finglen?

Yes, several popular mountain bike routes in Finglen are circular. Examples include the Davagh Forest trails loop – Sperrins and the Banagher Dam and Moydamlaght Forest loop – Sperrins, both offering engaging rides that bring you back to your starting point.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Finglen?

The Sperrins region, where Finglen's mountain biking is concentrated, offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, for the most comfortable riding conditions, late spring through early autumn (May to October) generally provides milder weather and drier trails. Winter riding is possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially muddier or icy conditions.

Is there parking available at the trailheads?

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, popular mountain biking areas like Davagh Forest, which serves as a starting point for routes such as the Mullaghcarn loop, typically offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors.

Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails?

Generally, dogs are welcome on many public trails in the Sperrins, especially if kept under control. However, it's always best to check specific signage at trailheads or local park regulations for any restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or areas with livestock, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Finglen?

The mountain bike routes in Finglen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from ancient woodlands to challenging mountain climbs, and the scenic beauty of the Sperrins region.

How long do the mountain bike trails typically take to complete?

The duration of mountain bike trails in Finglen varies significantly based on their length and difficulty. For example, the moderate Davagh Forest trails loop (25 km) takes about 2 hours, while the more challenging Mullaghcarn loop (87.1 km) can take nearly 7 hours.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the mountain bike trails?

While specific establishments are not listed in the trail data, the Sperrins region is dotted with small towns and villages. After your ride, you can typically find local pubs and cafes in nearby communities to refuel and relax.

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