Comber Greenway and Cairn Wood Loop

This route is graded as moderate. The Comber Greenway section is largely flat and easy, suitable for all abilities. However, the Cairn Wood section includes hills and some uneven, unsurfaced forest roads, which contribute to the moderate difficulty.

The estimated duration for this touring cycle route is around 2 hours and 54 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 38.3 kilometers.

The Comber Greenway is mostly flat with a smooth, widened asphalt surface, making it very accessible. In contrast, Cairn Wood features multi-use trails with varying terrain, including some unsurfaced forest roads that can be steep, and some sections rising to 200m. While easier trails in Cairn Wood are manageable, some parts might be more challenging for a touring bike.

Yes, the route passes several interesting spots. You'll see the Titanic Belfast, Victoria Park Lake, and the Narnia Sculptures at C.S. Lewis Square. The route also takes you through Cairn Wood, Ballysallagh Forest, offering scenic views.

The Comber Greenway section is very family-friendly and suitable for beginners due to its flat, traffic-free, and paved surface. Within Cairn Wood, there are specific easy and moderate multi-use trails, like the Ballysallagh Trail and Woodland Trail, that are suitable for family cycling. However, the overall loop includes connections and more challenging sections in Cairn Wood, so beginners should be prepared for varied terrain.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for cycling this route, offering pleasant weather for both the open greenway and the woodland trails. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage in Cairn Wood, but be mindful of potentially wetter conditions on unsurfaced paths.

For the Comber Greenway, parking is available at various access points, including near C.S. Lewis Square in East Belfast or in Comber. For Cairn Wood, there are car parks at the forest entrances. Since this route combines both, consider parking near a convenient access point for either the Greenway or Cairn Wood, depending on where you wish to start your loop.

Yes, both the Comber Greenway and Cairn Wood are generally dog-friendly. On the Comber Greenway, dogs should be kept on a lead, especially given it's a shared path. In Cairn Wood, dogs are welcome but should be kept under control, particularly due to wildlife and other trail users.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Comber Greenway or to access the public trails within Cairn Wood.

Yes, cycle repair stations are available at C.S. Lewis Square and near Comber, which are both points along the Comber Greenway section of this route.

There isn't a single, officially designated off-road connection between the Comber Greenway and Cairn Wood. To link these two areas, you will need to use public roads. This typically involves cycling on-road between the end of the Comber Greenway (in Comber) and Cairn Wood, which is located east of Holywood. Be prepared for road cycling conditions on this connecting section.