The best cycling routes around Moneyhaw
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riders
5
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Touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw are situated in an area characterized by quiet back roads and rolling terrain, typical of County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The region offers a mix of lough-side paths and routes that pass through historical sites and agricultural landscapes. While not mountainous, the area includes gentle ascents and descents, providing varied cycling experiences. The routes often utilize paved surfaces, making them suitable for touring bicycles.
Best touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw
- The most popular touring cycling…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
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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.
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Popular around Moneyhaw
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 Moneyhaw?
There are 5 touring cycling routes available around Moneyhaw, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Moneyhaw?
The touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw are characterized by quiet back roads and rolling terrain, typical of County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. You'll find a mix of lough-side paths and routes that pass through historical sites and agricultural landscapes. The surfaces are generally paved, and while not mountainous, the area includes gentle ascents and descents.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Moneyhaw?
Yes, there are 2 easy touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw. A great option for beginners is the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, which is 17.4 miles (28.1 km) long and offers views of Lough Neagh. Another easy choice is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, a 12.9 miles (20.8 km) path combining historical landmarks with scenic countryside.
What historical sites or natural features can I see along the cycling routes?
The routes around Moneyhaw offer glimpses of local history and natural beauty. You can explore sites like Tullyhogue Fort and the Drum Manor House Ruins. Many routes also feature views of Lough Neagh, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the British Isles.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw?
Yes, all the touring cycling routes listed for Moneyhaw are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop and The Sperrins loop from Cookstown.
Are the touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw suitable for families?
Many of the routes around Moneyhaw, particularly the easy-rated ones like the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, are suitable for families. They generally follow quiet back roads with gentle terrain, making them enjoyable for various ages and skill levels. Always check the route details for specific distances and elevation profiles to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Moneyhaw?
The best time to go touring cycling in Northern Ireland, including the Moneyhaw area, is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you can expect milder weather, longer daylight hours, and generally less rainfall, making for more pleasant cycling conditions. However, always be prepared for changeable weather.
Where can I find parking for the touring cycling routes in Moneyhaw?
While specific parking details for Moneyhaw routes are not provided, routes often start from towns like Cookstown or near popular attractions. In Moneymore, where Moneyhaw Road is located, and nearby towns, you can usually find public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking options for your chosen starting point before you set off.
Are there options for public transport to access the cycling routes near Moneyhaw?
Public transport options in rural areas like Moneyhaw may be limited. However, towns like Cookstown, which serve as starting points for several routes, often have bus services connecting them to larger regional hubs. For detailed public transport information, it's best to consult local bus timetables or travel planning websites for County Tyrone.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments along the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around Moneyhaw pass through agricultural landscapes and near towns like Cookstown. You can expect to find cafes, pubs, and shops in these towns to refuel and refresh. For routes that venture into more rural areas, it's a good idea to carry snacks and water, as amenities might be less frequent.
What are some of the longer touring cycling routes available?
For those looking for a longer ride, Maghery loop from Cookstown is a challenging 44.7 miles (72 km) route. Another substantial option is The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, which covers 33.5 miles (53.9 km) through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains.
What are the elevation changes like on Moneyhaw's touring cycling routes?
The routes around Moneyhaw feature rolling terrain with gentle ascents and descents. For example, the easy Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop has an elevation gain of about 143 meters. More challenging routes, like The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, can have over 550 meters of elevation gain, offering a more strenuous workout.
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