The best cycling routes around Ballynewy
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Touring cycling around Ballynewy features a landscape characterized by loughshore trails, rolling hills, and rural countryside. The region offers varied terrain, from gentle routes along the water's edge to more elevated paths leading towards the Sperrins. Cyclists can expect a mix of open fields, quiet roads, and some historical points of interest.
Best touring cycling routes around Ballynewy
- The most popular touring cycling route is Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop, a 17.4 miles (28.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour…
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
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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 Ballynewy
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
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Ballynewy?
Ballynewy offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists, featuring loughshore trails along the water's edge, rolling hills, and quiet rural countryside roads. You'll encounter a mix of open fields and some elevated paths, particularly towards the Sperrins.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Ballynewy?
Yes, Ballynewy has several routes suitable for families. The Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop is an excellent choice, offering gentle gradients along the loughshore, making it pleasant for all ages. Another easy option is the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, which combines easy cycling with historical exploration.
What are some good routes for beginner touring cyclists in Ballynewy?
Beginners will find the Loughshore Trail: Ardboe Loop particularly welcoming, with its gentle gradients and scenic loughshore views. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort is also classified as easy and provides a pleasant introduction to the region's countryside and history.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking more challenging ascents and longer distances, routes like The Sperrins loop from Cookstown offer significant elevation gain and cover over 30 miles (50 km). Another demanding option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which is also classified as difficult and extends over 40 miles (70 km).
What historical sites or attractions can I see along the touring routes?
Ballynewy's touring routes often pass by interesting historical and natural landmarks. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort specifically explores sites like Tullyhogue Fort. Along the loughshore, you might encounter the ancient Ardboe High Cross, and the expansive Lough Neagh itself is a prominent feature.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Ballynewy?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Ballynewy 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 Sperrins loop from Cookstown.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Ballynewy?
The best time for touring cycling in Ballynewy is generally from late spring through early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less rainfall, making for more comfortable riding conditions. However, the loughshore trails can be enjoyable year-round, weather permitting.
Where can I find parking for Ballynewy bike trails?
Parking availability varies by route. For routes starting near towns like Cookstown, public car parks are generally available. For loughshore trails, designated parking areas are often provided at key access points or nearby villages. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Are there any cafes or amenities along the touring routes?
While specific cafes are not listed for every route, many touring routes in Ballynewy pass through or near small towns and villages, especially those starting from Cookstown. These locations typically offer opportunities for refreshments, food, and other amenities. The Battery Marina, for example, could be a point of interest for facilities along the loughshore.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Ballynewy?
There are several touring cycling routes available around Ballynewy, with komoot featuring at least 5 distinct options. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy loughshore rides to more challenging ascents in the Sperrins.
What is a moderately difficult touring cycling route in Ballynewy?
For cyclists looking for a moderate challenge, the Bike loop from Cookstown is a good option. It covers a distance of approximately 28 miles (45 km) with a moderate amount of elevation gain, offering a balanced ride through the region's varied landscape.
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