Ballynaleck, a region in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, is situated within the Ring of Gullion, an area characterized by its unique geological formations, including the ancient Slieve Gullion volcano. The landscape offers a mix of compact hills, enclosed valleys, and extensive woodland trails, alongside open mountain heath and tranquil loughs. This diverse terrain provides a suitable setting for several outdoor sports like touring cycling, jogging, road cycling, and hiking.
Ballynaleck offers numerous routes for outdoor…
49
Routes
4.6
(26)
Average rating
874
People visited

5.0
(1)
107
runners
10.2km
01:10
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
10.5km
01:07
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
runners
17.9km
01:50
20m
20m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
runners
5.85km
00:42
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(5)
90
hikers
3.63km
00:57
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.5
(2)
47
hikers
7.98km
02:08
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
49
hikers
6.85km
01:49
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
25
hikers
4.08km
01:07
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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76.8km
04:55
790m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

57.1km
03:36
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(10)
93
riders
51.4km
02:55
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
12
riders
9.17km
00:32
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
79
riders
31.6km
01:16
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

29
riders
93.8km
04:07
860m
860m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

22
riders
47.5km
02:05
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

20
riders
72.8km
03:05
550m
550m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Ballynaleck, located within the Ring of Gullion, offers diverse outdoor activities. These include touring cycling, jogging, road cycling, and hiking. The region's varied terrain supports routes for different skill levels and preferences.
Hiking in Ballynaleck centers around Slieve Gullion, offering trails from easy forest strolls to challenging summit ascents. Notable routes include the Slieve Gullion loop, approximately 8.5 miles (13.6 km), and the family-friendly Giant's Lair Trail in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. More details are available in the Hiking around Ballynaleck guide.
Yes, Ballynaleck provides various cycling routes for both touring and road cyclists. Options range from scenic long-distance paths like the Belfast to Slieve Gullion Cycle Route to local loops such as the Killeavy Wood Road loop. Explore routes in the Cycling around Ballynaleck guide.
Joggers can find diverse routes in Ballynaleck, utilizing woodland trails and mountain heath. Routes vary in length, from about 2.6 miles (4.2 km) to 8.5 miles (13.6 km), including the Slieve Gullion running loop. Further information is provided in the Running Trails around Ballynaleck guide.
The primary natural attraction is Slieve Gullion, an ancient ring dyke volcano offering 360-degree views from its summit. Other features include Calliagh Beara's Lough, a tranquil mountain lake, and the extensive Slieve Gullion Forest Park with its woodland trails.
Ballynaleck is rich in historical heritage, notably featuring a Neolithic Passage Grave on the summit of Slieve Gullion. This ancient burial chamber is recognized as the highest passage tomb in the British Isles, dating back to the Neolithic period.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers family-friendly options, including the Giant's Lair Trail, a children's story trail. Easy hiking routes are also available, suitable for families. Consult the Easy hikes around Ballynaleck guide for suitable options.
Komoot offers several guides for Ballynaleck, covering various sports. These include Cycling around Ballynaleck, Running Trails around Ballynaleck, and Hiking around Ballynaleck.
Ballynaleck is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors having explored routes in the area. The available routes have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on over 50 ratings.
Bike rentals are available within Slieve Gullion Forest Park, providing an option for visitors who wish to explore the area's cycling routes without bringing their own equipment.
For general tourism information about County Armagh, which includes the Ring of Gullion, the official visitor site is Visit Armagh. For specific inquiries about the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, contact the AONB officer at +44 (0)28 3082 8590.

