The best road cycling routes around Old Church Yard

The road cycling routes around Old Church Yard feature a landscape of rolling hills and quiet rural roads. You'll encounter a mix of open farmlands, canopied woods, and occasional river views. The terrain includes moderate ascents and descents, offering an undulating path suitable for road cyclists.

There are 12 road cycling routes available around Old Church Yard, all rated as moderate difficulty. These routes offer varied scenery and distances for exploration.

All road cycling routes in the Old Church Yard area are currently rated as moderate. While there are no routes specifically designated as 'easy', the moderate routes offer a good challenge without being overly difficult, making them accessible for cyclists with some experience.

Many routes incorporate historical points of interest, such as churches, serving as destinations or landmarks. For example, the route Omagh Town Centre – Sacred Heart Church, Omagh loop from Carrickmore leads to historical points of interest, including the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh.

Yes, many of the routes are loops. For instance, the popular An Creagan Visitor Centre loop from Creggan is a 69.3 km loop, and the Ecclesville Forest loop from Carrickmore also offers a circular ride.

The routes vary in length, generally ranging from around 68 km to over 100 km. For example, the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh – Omagh Town Centre loop from Carrickmore is 78.6 km with about 630 meters of elevation gain, while the longer Sacred Heart Church, Omagh – Omagh Town Centre loop from Creggan covers 105.7 km with nearly 900 meters of ascent.

While specific seasonal data isn't available, the region's characteristics of rolling hills and rural roads suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn would offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling, with milder weather and vibrant scenery. Winter cycling might be possible but could involve colder temperatures and potentially wet conditions.

Given that all routes are currently rated as moderate and involve significant distances and elevation changes, they are generally better suited for families with older children who have some road cycling experience. There are no specific 'easy' or short routes designated for young children.

You can expect diverse and picturesque scenery, including open farmlands, tranquil canopied woods, and occasional river views. The routes often lead through areas with historical significance, adding to the visual interest of your ride.

While specific cafes or pubs directly on every route are not detailed, the routes often pass through or near towns and villages like Omagh and Carrickmore, where you would typically find amenities for a break. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops for refreshments.

Road cycling in Old Church Yard is unique due to its blend of quiet rural roads, undulating terrain, and the integration of historical landmarks like old churches into the routes. It offers a peaceful yet engaging cycling experience through a landscape rich in local heritage and natural beauty.