The best cycling routes around Muff
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riders
5
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Touring cycling around Muff is characterized by diverse landscapes, including scenic countryside, wild wetlands, and coastal features. The region, part of County Donegal, features landscapes shaped by glaciation, with impressive glacial fjords such as Lough Swilly. Cyclists encounter a mix of coastal and highland terrain, including hedgerow-lined roads, upland bogs, and mountain vistas. This area offers a variety of routes across its varied topography.
Best touring cycling routes around Muff
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
1
riders
28.1km
01:43
140m
140m
Cycle the easy 17.4-mile Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, enjoying Lough Neagh views and the ancient Ardboe High Cross.
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
This difficult 33.5-mile touring cycling loop from Cookstown offers challenging climbs and stunning Sperrins scenery, including ancient ston
72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
This difficult 44.7-mile touring bicycle loop from Cookstown offers 1756 feet of elevation gain around Lough Neagh, taking about 4 hours 22
4
riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Muff
Tips from the Community
The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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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 important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/
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Near the banks of Lough Neagh stands Ardboe High Cross. Take a close look at the carvings on the cross which represent both the Old and New Testament. A monastery was founded here in the 6th century by St Colman and legend has it that it was created by the milk of a magic cow. Ardboe means hill of the cow, so who knows!
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A little waterside detour will take you to visit The Battery, a marina on Lough Neagh. You can grab at drink at the Battery Bar or take a seat on one of the many picnic benches and breathe in the peace and calm.
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Muff?
There are 5 touring cycling routes detailed around Muff, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes showcase the diverse landscapes of County Donegal, from scenic countryside to coastal features.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Muff offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an easy 28.1 km (17.4 miles) ride, offering views of the loughshore. Another accessible option is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, which is 20.8 km (12.9 miles) and passes historical landmarks.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Muff?
The terrain around Muff is diverse, reflecting County Donegal's varied topography. You can expect a mix of coastal and highland landscapes, including hedgerow-lined roads, wild wetlands, upland bogs, and mountain vistas. Routes often feature scenic countryside and impressive glacial fjords like Lough Swilly.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gain. The The Sperrins loop from Cookstown is a difficult 53.9 km (33.5 miles) trail leading through the Sperrins region. Another demanding option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, a difficult 72.0 km (44.7 miles) route.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around Muff offer opportunities to see various natural features and historical landmarks. You might encounter impressive glacial fjords such as Lough Swilly, coastal cliffs, and serene sea loughs. Notable points of interest in the broader area include Tullyhogue Fort, Lough Fea, and the ruins of Drum Manor House.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Muff are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, and the moderate Bike loop from Cookstown.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Muff?
County Donegal, where Muff is located, offers beautiful scenery year-round. However, for touring cycling, the milder months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally provide the most favorable weather conditions. During this period, you'll experience longer daylight hours and typically less rainfall, making for more comfortable rides through the coastal and highland landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Muff?
Over 100 touring cyclists have explored Muff using komoot. They often praise the region's diverse and scenic landscapes, from the peaceful countryside and wild wetlands to the dramatic coastal views of Lough Swilly. The mix of easy and challenging routes, along with the presence of historical landmarks, also contributes to a highly-rated cycling experience.
Is it possible to rent bikes in Muff?
Yes, for visitors who don't bring their own, Inishowen Bike Hire is available in the broader Inishowen Peninsula area, making it convenient to access bicycles for exploring the region's touring cycling routes.
Are there any specific cycling routes that are part of larger networks?
Muff and its surroundings are part of a wider cycling infrastructure. County Donegal is home to the extensive Donegal Cycle Route, which connects to the North West Trail. These routes primarily utilize quiet country roads, offering a comprehensive way to explore the region. You can find more information on the Donegal Cycle Route at govisitdonegal.com.
Are there places to eat or drink along the touring cycling routes?
While specific cafes or pubs directly on every route are not detailed, the region of County Donegal is known for its welcoming communities. Many towns and villages along or near the cycling routes will offer opportunities for refreshments. It's advisable to check local listings for cafes and pubs in towns like Muff or Cookstown before your ride.
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