The best cycling routes around Bann

There are over 700 touring cycling routes available around Bann, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 220 easy routes, over 300 moderate routes, and nearly 200 difficult routes, ensuring options for every cyclist.

The touring cycling routes around Bann primarily follow a low-lying river corridor, offering a generally gentle and accessible experience. You'll find unspoiled countryside, quiet country roads, and some traffic-free paths. While many routes are easy or moderate, such as the Nature reserve Geisweiher Kindsbach – Silver Lake loop from Kindsbach, there are also more challenging options like the Kneispermühle – View from Sickinger Höhe loop from Kindsbach, which features significant elevation changes.

Yes, the low-lying river corridor and traffic-free paths make many routes suitable for families. An excellent option for a family outing is the Nature reserve Geisweiher Kindsbach – Silver Lake loop from Kindsbach, which is an easy 14.6-mile (23.5 km) trail leading through natural reserves and past lakes, often completed in about 1 hour 34 minutes.

The River Bann and its banks are important havens for wildlife. Cyclists can often spot grey herons, mute swans, and kingfishers. The area is also popular for angling. Portglenone Forest, an expansive ancient woodland, is a significant conservation area known for its spring bluebell displays and native flora and fauna. The routes offer views of rich farmland with the Antrim Hills in the background.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Glantalbahn Tunnel – Ohmbach Lake loop from Kindsbach is a moderate 35.5-mile (57.2 km) trail that offers varied terrain for a full day's ride. Another option is the Reichenbachtal Cycle Path – Bachbahn Cutting loop from Einsiedlerhof, a 36.8-mile (59.2 km) moderate path with scenic views.

Along the Lower Bann Cycleway, you can find various points of interest. The Bann Boulevard in Portadown passes attractions like Point of Whitecoat, where the River Bann, River Cusher, and Newry Canal converge. Moneypenny's Lockhouse, the first lock on the Newry Canal, features a small museum. Other notable sites include Mountsandel Fort, Christie Park, and Hezlett House in Coleraine. You can also explore natural monuments like Karlstal Gorge or Vogelwoog.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 4,400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil environment, the scenic views of the river and farmland, and the accessibility of the generally gentle routes. The variety of paths, from quiet country roads to traffic-free sections, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, towns along the Lower Bann Cycleway such as Toome, Portglenone, Kilrea, Ballymoney, and Coleraine offer facilities, which often include parking. For example, Drumaheglis Marina in Ballymoney has a caravan/camping park, and Riverside Park offers extensive parkland. While specific public transport links to trailheads are not detailed, major towns typically have bus services that may connect to areas near the cycleways.

Spring and summer are generally ideal for touring cycling in Bann, offering pleasant weather and the chance to see the landscape in full bloom. Spring is particularly special for witnessing the spectacular bluebell displays in Portglenone Forest. The low-lying nature of the routes makes them enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

Yes, towns and villages along the Lower Bann Cycleway, such as Toome, Portglenone, and Coleraine, provide refreshment and toilet facilities. Portglenone Marina also features picnic areas, and Ballymoney's Riverside Park offers a pleasant spot for a break. It's advisable to check specific town amenities for cafes and pubs before your ride.

While many outdoor areas in Northern Ireland are dog-friendly, specific policies can vary for dedicated cycleways or nature reserves. Generally, dogs are welcome on public paths if kept on a leash and under control. It's always best to check local signage or specific guidelines for the particular section of the route you plan to cycle, especially in conservation areas like Portglenone Forest.