The best cycling routes around High Cross
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Touring cycling routes around High Cross offer a variety of experiences, primarily featuring the landscapes surrounding Cookstown and the Sperrins. The region includes routes that traverse rolling hills, open countryside, and historical sites. Paths often follow established roads and quieter lanes, providing access to local landmarks and natural features. The terrain varies from relatively flat canal-side sections to more challenging ascents within the Sperrins area.
Best touring cycling routes around High Cross
- The most popular touring cycling route is Cookstown…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
20.8km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
53.9km
04:03
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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72.0km
04:22
540m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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riders
45.2km
02:43
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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riders
47.8km
02:54
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around High Cross
Tips from the Community
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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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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An important historic site, Tullyhogue Fort is where the O'Neills were crowned the Chiefs of Ulster. It is now planted with trees and you can enjoy views across the countryside of County Tyrone.
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Built in 1802, Killymoon Castle was built to replace a 17th century castle which was destroyed by fire in 1801. James Nash was the designer, who also designed Buckingham Palace in London. Tours are available but must be pre-booked, as is afternoon tea in the castle tea rooms. See the website for more details https://killymooncastle.com/
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There are 7 stone circles, 12 cairns and 10 rows of stones here at Beaghamore. In total 1269 stones were discovered under the peat during the 1930s. The site dates back to 2900 - 2600 BC.
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Also known as Dermot and Grania's Bed, Dunnamore Wedge Tomb has been damaged over time, but you can still see the entrance to the tomb facing south west. Follow the lane to reach the site, but be sure to ask permission from the farmer first.
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National Trust owned water powered mill, originally used in the manufacture of Linen. Well worth stopping off for a look around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around High Cross?
There are 11 touring cycling routes around High Cross, offering a range of experiences from easy loops to challenging climbs through varied landscapes.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners around High Cross?
Yes, High Cross offers several easy routes. The Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort is an easy 20.8 km trail featuring historical landmarks and gentle gradients, typically completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes. In total, there are 3 easy routes available.
What are the most challenging touring cycling routes in the High Cross area?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the High Cross area includes routes with significant elevation gain. The Sperrins loop from Cookstown is a difficult 53.9 km path with over 550 meters of ascent, offering scenic views through the Sperrins mountain range. Another difficult option is the Maghery loop from Cookstown, which covers approximately 72 km with similar elevation changes.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around High Cross?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around High Cross are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort, the Sperrins loop from Cookstown, and the Coalisland Canal loop from Brackaville.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near High Cross?
The terrain around High Cross is diverse, ranging from rolling hills and open countryside to canal-side paths. Routes often follow established roads and quieter lanes. You'll find relatively flat sections, particularly along canal paths, as well as more challenging ascents within the Sperrins area.
What historical sites or natural features can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around High Cross often pass by significant historical sites and natural features. You can explore landmarks such as Tullyhogue Fort, Drum Manor House Ruins, and Mountjoy Castle. Some routes also take you through areas like Drum Manor Forest Park Woodland Trail.
Are there any touring cycling routes that follow canal paths?
Yes, the High Cross area features routes that utilize canal paths. The Coalisland Canal loop from Brackaville is a moderate 30.9 km trail that leads through waterside paths, offering a different cycling experience.
What is the typical duration for a touring cycling route in High Cross?
The duration of touring cycling routes in High Cross varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Shorter, easy routes like the Cookstown loop to Killymoon Castle & Tullyhogue Fort can be completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Longer, more difficult routes such as the Sperrins loop from Cookstown may take over 4 hours.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy about cycling in High Cross?
The komoot community appreciates the variety of experiences offered, from historical landmarks to scenic mountain ranges. Cyclists often highlight the opportunity to explore the landscapes surrounding Cookstown and the Sperrins, with options for different ability levels.
Are there any moderate touring cycling routes around High Cross?
Yes, there are 6 moderate touring cycling routes around High Cross. An example is the Bike loop from Cookstown, which is a 45.2 km route with over 330 meters of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours 43 minutes to complete.
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