Cranfield to Crocknafeola Wood loop — Mourne

Bike touring routes & trails

Cranfield to Crocknafeola Wood loop — Mourne

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Cranfield to Crocknafeola Wood loop — Mourne

03:41

54.2km

760m

Cycling

The Cranfield to Crocknafeola Wood loop offers a difficult touring bicycle ride through the Mourne Mountains, covering 33.7 miles (54.2 km) with a significant 2507 feet (764 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route typically takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete and requires very good fitness. You will experience stunning mountain and coastal views as you cycle through the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While mostly paved, be prepared for some unpaved sections and potentially slippery surfaces, especially in wet conditions.

Planning your ride, be aware that some segments might be unpaved and difficult, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The route is generally classified as a hard bike ride. Ensure you have appropriate gear for varied terrain and potential weather changes in the Mourne region. Always check local conditions before you set out, as parts of the trail can become challenging.

This loop takes you through Crocknafeola Wood, where you will find rewarding views towards the village of Attical and Slievemageogh amidst scrubland, Douglas fir, and spruce. The broader route showcases the striking peaks of the Mournes, with glimpses of the historic Mourne Wall, Carlingford Lough, and the Cooley Peninsula. The entire Mourne region is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mourne AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.83 km

Kilfeaghan Dolmen

Highlight • Natural Monument

With views of the beautiful Carlingford Lough, this portal tomb is at the north end of a long cairn, once much larger than is now visible, originally extending south downhill for 80–90ft (24.5–27.5m).

The gigantic granite capstone is estimated to weigh some 35 tons, propped up with portal and side stones to form this spectacular dolmen. Excavation early in the 20th century discovered bone and pottery.

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14.8 km

Kilbroney Park

Highlight • Rest Area

The well-signposted mountain bike trails take you through dense forests and offer breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The descent from the Cloughmore Stone, a huge boulder that was transported here during the last ice age, is a particular highlight. However, some sections are technical and require a certain level of riding technique. The trails can become slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. Another plus point is the proximity to the charming village of Rostrevor, where you can relax in one of the cafes after the tour.

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17.6 km

Rostrevor Forest

Highlight • Forest

Beautiful Forest features scenic trails with amazing views of Carlingford Lough, especially from The Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age.

The Oak wood is a Special Area of Conservation believed to be over 250 years old. It is a remnant of the old oak woodlands that clothed the lower slopes of the Mournes several centuries ago. Most of these oak woods were cleared during the 18th and 19th centuries for use in boat building.

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37.3 km

Crocknafeola Wood

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lovely Crocknafeola wood covers an area of around five acres and is a mixture of scrubland, Douglas fir and spruce. There are a number of trails throughout the wood, which have amazing views towards the village of Attical and Slievemageogh.

The woods are certainly worth an explore, you are rewarded with perfect views across the landscape for relatively little effort.

Tip by

54.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types