The best cycling routes around Beltonanean
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Touring cycling around Beltonanean offers a diverse landscape, characterized by rugged mountains, serene waterways, and lush woodlands. The region features varied terrain, from undulating hills to more challenging ascents, providing a range of experiences for cyclists. Expansive valleys and historic sites are often encountered along the routes. This area provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural points of interest for those exploring by bike.
Best touring cycling routes around Beltonanean
- The most popular touring cycling route is Cookstown loop…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
This difficult 33.5-mile touring cycling loop from Cookstown offers challenging climbs and stunning Sperrins scenery, including ancient ston
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
This difficult 44.7-mile touring bicycle loop from Cookstown offers 1756 feet of elevation gain around Lough Neagh, taking about 4 hours 22
11
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
For cyclists following the 'Lough Neagh Cycle Way' (National Cycle Route 94), the Maghery footbridge is an iconic resting point and an essential link. This elegant, modern bridge spans the mouth of the Upper Bann as it enters the lough.
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As you cycle through the rolling landscape of County Tyrone, the Wellbrook Beetling Mill is an absolute must for a stopover. Situated in an idyllic, wooded stream valley along the Ballinderry River, this 19th-century water mill provides a stark contrast to the tranquility of its surroundings. This is the last working 'beetling mill' in the United Kingdom. "Beetling" was the final step in traditional Irish linen production: using enormous wooden hammers (beetles), powered by a water wheel nearly five metres high, the linen was processed for hours until it acquired its characteristic sheen. When the mill is running, you can hear the rhythmic thudding from afar – an impressive sound that takes you straight back to the industrial heyday of Northern Ireland.
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High above Cookstown, at the foot of the impressive Sperrin Mountains, you will find the Beaghmore Stone Circles. This is one of Ireland's most fascinating archaeological sites. Only rediscovered in the 1940s during peat cutting, the bog revealed a complex of seven stone circles, ten stone rows, and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds. For a cyclist, the road to Beaghmore is an experience in itself. The route takes you away from the inhabited world into a vast, quiet landscape where the wind has free rein. The complex itself exudes an enormous sense of peace and is the perfect place to get off your bike and soak up the prehistoric atmosphere.
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The Maghery Footbridge on the edge of Lough Neagh offers a small moment of peace in the midst of the expansive landscape. As you cross the bridge, your gaze glides over the gentle waters of the largest lake in the British Isles. In good weather, the clouds are impressively reflected on the surface of the water, making the scene look almost like a painting. Even when the sky is cloudy, the lake has a special atmosphere that invites you to linger rather than to quickly pass by. The paths around the bridge are mostly flat, but you should be prepared for occasional sections with unpaved surfaces. This could be a bit slippery, especially in wet weather, but this is not a problem. The connection to the National Cycle Network, Route 94, also offers you many other opportunities to explore the area. A little tip: Maghery itself does not have much to offer apart from the bridge, but a short detour to the nearby Oxford Island nature reserve is definitely worth it. This means you can easily combine a visit to the bridge with a larger circular tour.
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On this stretch of the Solar Walk in Davagh Forest near the OM Observatory a pretty stone bridge spans over the Davagh water creating a picturesque scene. It's also fascinating to note that this area is a Dark Sky Park, meaning it boasts exceptional dark night skies.
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It’s disappointing that the dirt trails through the forest are for mountain bikers only. As a walker, you have to stick to the tarmac roads - also used by the mountain bikes. It felt like there is an assumption that walking is more about an afternoon stroll with the kids and the dog. The forest is for the mountain bikers.
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Beaghmore (Bheitheach Mhór), meaning ‘big place of birch trees’. The stones speak of ancient rituals and to a people who understood astronomy. When you visit this ancient site look up in wonder at the sky and reflect, that the people that built these monuments observed the same sky, sun, moon and stars.
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The church ruins date from the early 16th century but include stones from a much earlier pre 11th century church. After a new church was built, this one fell into disrepair, but the graveyard remains in use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of touring cycling routes can I find around Beltonanean?
Beltonanean offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, relatively flat loops to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes through rugged mountains. The region's landscape includes serene waterways, lush woodlands, and historic sites, providing varied scenery for your rides. There are 5 touring cycling routes listed in this guide, with 1 easy and 4 more challenging options.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Beltonanean?
Yes, Beltonanean has options suitable for families. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort is an easy 12.9-mile (20.8 km) route that combines historical landmarks with scenic countryside, making it a great choice for a relaxed family outing. This route has minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most riders.
What is the typical terrain and elevation like on Beltonanean touring cycling routes?
The terrain around Beltonanean is quite varied. While some routes, like the easy loops, feature gentle undulations, others traverse rugged mountains with significant elevation changes. For instance, The Sperrins loop from Cookstown, a difficult 33.5-mile (53.9 km) path, involves over 550 meters of ascent, offering expansive views but requiring good fitness. You can expect a mix of paved roads and quieter country lanes.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Beltonanean?
Most of the touring cycling routes around Beltonanean are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. An example is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, a 44.7-mile (72.0 km) trail that takes you through areas near Lough Neagh and returns to your starting point.
What kind of landmarks or attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?
Beltonanean's touring cycling routes often pass by a mix of natural and historical attractions. You might encounter ancient sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles or the Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone. Natural features include tranquil bodies of water such as Lough Fea and the scenic woodlands of Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail, which also features the Drum Manor House Ruins.
Are there any routes that offer views of unique geological formations or dramatic coastlines?
While Beltonanean itself is characterized by mountains, waterways, and woodlands, the broader region it represents (similar to Ireland) is renowned for its dramatic coastlines and unique geological formations. For instance, the Sperrins offer rugged mountain views. If you venture further, you could find areas with distinctive karst features like the Burren or towering sea cliffs, though these specific features are not directly on the listed routes for Beltonanean.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Beltonanean?
The best time for touring cycling in Beltonanean, mirroring conditions in similar regions, is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, you can expect milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and less rainfall, making for more comfortable riding conditions. However, the region's natural beauty can be appreciated year-round, with autumn offering stunning foliage.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass through woodlands or forests?
Yes, the region around Beltonanean features lush woodlands. While specific routes are not detailed as 'forest trails' for touring bikes, areas like Drum Manor Forest Park offer beautiful mature deciduous woodlands with winding tracks. You can explore the Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail as a highlight, which could be incorporated into a longer touring route or visited separately.
Can I find routes with good viewpoints for scenic photography?
Absolutely. The more challenging routes, particularly those traversing the rugged mountains like the Sperrins, offer significant elevation changes that lead to expansive views. These higher vantage points provide excellent opportunities for scenic photography, showcasing the region's natural beauty of mountains, valleys, and distant landscapes.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are suitable for advanced cyclists looking for a challenge?
Yes, advanced cyclists will find challenging routes in Beltonanean. Both The Sperrins loop from Cookstown and the Maghery loop from Cookstown are rated as difficult. These routes feature significant distances and considerable elevation gains, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience through the region's rugged landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Beltonanean?
Touring cyclists using komoot often praise the diverse landscape of Beltonanean, which offers a blend of rugged mountains, tranquil lakes, and historic sites. The variety of routes, from easy loops to challenging mountain paths, is also highly appreciated, allowing cyclists of all abilities to find suitable adventures. The opportunity to explore both natural beauty and cultural points of interest by bike is a key highlight for many.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass by lakes or waterways?
Yes, the region is characterized by serene waterways. The Maghery loop from Cookstown, for example, leads through areas near Lough Neagh, offering views of this significant body of water. Additionally, Lough Fea is a notable lake in the vicinity that can be explored.
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