The best cycling routes around Glenkeen

There are 5 touring cycling routes around Glenkeen, offering a variety of experiences within the Slieve Bloom Mountains. These routes range from moderate to difficult in intensity.

Touring cycling routes in Glenkeen feature a mix of wide forest paths, rolling hills, and quiet country roads. The region, part of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, offers diverse landscapes, with higher points providing panoramic views.

While the guide features routes of moderate to difficult grades, the broader Slieve Bloom Mountains region also offers numerous flat-surfaced forest roads and quiet country roads suitable for beginner cyclists or those seeking a more relaxed pace. For specific routes in this guide, consider those rated 'moderate' for a less challenging experience.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough (52.9 miles) and Castle Caulfield Ruins – Ballysaggart Lough loop from Dungannon (47.3 miles) are rated as difficult. These routes feature significant elevation changes and longer distances.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes featured in this guide are loop trails, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough and the Emy Lough – Monaghan Town Centre loop from Emyvale.

The region is known for its natural beauty. You can find the scenic Glenkeen Waterfall on the River Clodiagh. Other nearby attractions include Brantry Lough and Emy Lough, which are picturesque spots. The Favour Royal Forest Track also offers peaceful rides through coniferous plantations.

Yes, the area offers some historical points of interest. For instance, the Castle Caulfield Ruins – Ballysaggart Lough loop from Dungannon route combines historical ruins with scenic views. You can also find the Caledon Beam Engine as a nearby attraction.

The Slieve Bloom Mountains transform with the seasons. Spring brings vibrant bluebells and daffodils, while autumn offers rich colors, making both seasons excellent for touring cycling. Clear days can provide panoramic views stretching far across the landscape.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, the broader Slieve Bloom Mountains region is also renowned for mountain biking. There are over 90 km of purpose-built, waymarked mountain biking trails with trailheads at Kinnitty and Baunreagh, catering to various skill levels from moderate to difficult.

More than 10 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Glenkeen's varied terrain. They often praise the diverse landscapes, from wide forest paths to quiet country roads, and the panoramic views available from higher elevations within the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Yes, several routes incorporate lakes and water features. The Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough explores a series of loughs. Another route, View of Dungannon Park Lake – Dungannon Park Weir loop from Dungannon, leads through parkland and alongside a lake. Additionally, Emy Lough is a picturesque lake suitable for picnics.

The duration of the touring cycling routes varies depending on their length and difficulty. For example, the Lough More, Kilcorran Lough and Bellanode loop from Glaslough takes approximately 5 hours 9 minutes, while the View of Dungannon Park Lake – Dungannon Park Weir loop from Dungannon can be completed in about 3 hours 21 minutes.