The best road cycling routes around Londonderry

There are nearly 100 road cycling routes around Londonderry listed on komoot, offering a wide variety of experiences. These include 19 easy routes, 61 moderate routes, and 14 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Londonderry offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. A great option is the Derry City Walls – River Foyle Cycle Path loop from Derry/Londonderry, which is 26.2 km long and takes about 1 hour 11 minutes, leading through historic city walls and along the River Foyle.

For experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, the Sperrin Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer demanding climbs and panoramic views. The Sperrins loop from Londonderry is a difficult 136.0 km route that provides extensive ascents through this expansive range of peaks and valleys.

Absolutely. Many routes offer stunning vistas. The Sperrin Mountains provide panoramic views, while coastal sections of the Causeway Coastal Route, accessible from Londonderry, offer spectacular sea views. The Malin Head loop from Londonderry also offers scenic moderate road riding towards the most northerly point of mainland Ireland.

Londonderry's routes often pass by significant landmarks. You can cycle past the historic Guildhall Derry–Londonderry, cross the iconic Peace Bridge, or see the Bloody Sunday Murals, Bogside. The Foyle Valley Cycle Route also features cultural sites like the Foyle Valley Railway Museum and Gray's Printer's Museum.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Londonderry are designed as loops. Examples include the Malin Head loop from Londonderry and the Derry City Walls – River Foyle Cycle Path loop from Derry/Londonderry, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

The road cycling routes in Londonderry are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from flat riverside paths along the River Foyle to challenging mountain ascents in the Sperrins, and the blend of natural beauty with historic cityscapes.

For family-friendly rides, routes that incorporate traffic-free sections are ideal. The Foyle Valley Cycle Route, which connects Derry City to Lifford and Strabane, utilizes the resurfaced track bed of the Great Northern Railway for traffic-free sections, making it a safer and more enjoyable option for families.

Yes, you can incorporate the historic Walled City into your ride. The Derry City Walls – River Foyle Cycle Path loop from Derry/Londonderry allows cyclists to experience the historic ramparts and the city's vibrant atmosphere, combining urban exploration with riverside cycling.

Road cycling around Londonderry offers a diverse range of landscapes. You'll encounter the serene riverside paths along the River Foyle, the rolling hills and challenging ascents of the Sperrin Mountains, and access to spectacular coastal scenery if you venture towards sections of the Causeway Coastal Route. The region provides a compelling blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

Yes, the iconic Peace Bridge is often incorporated into city cycling loops. You can find routes like the View of Malin Head – Peace Bridge loop from Derry~Londonderry or the Derry Girls Mural – Peace Bridge loop from Derry~Londonderry, which allow you to cross this symbolic structure over the River Foyle.