The best MTB trails around Ben Crom Reservoir

There are 8 mountain bike trails around Ben Crom Reservoir listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

The terrain around Ben Crom Reservoir is diverse, featuring rugged granite peaks, unpaved segments, and significant elevation changes. You might encounter challenging sections with 'sniper rocks' that require careful riding, and some routes may even involve 'hike-a-bike' sections. The area is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its atmospheric scenery.

Yes, there are easy mountain bike trails available. For instance, the Thomas's Quarry and Waterfall – Newcastle Harbour loop from Newcastle is an easy 7.9-mile (12.7 km) path offering scenic views. Another easy option is the Tollymore Forest Park – Parnell's Bridge loop from Bryansford.

Absolutely. The region offers challenging routes with significant elevation gains. For example, the Tollymore Forest Park – Donard Park Waterfall loop from Bryansford is a difficult 25.2-mile (40.5 km) trail with over 800 meters of elevation gain, leading through dense forest and past waterfalls.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Ben Crom Reservoir are circular. Examples include the popular Bannanstown Road Climb – Tollymore Forest Park loop from Bryansford and the Stepping Stones at Mourne AONB – Parnell's Bridge loop from Bryansford.

You'll encounter dramatic landscapes and historic features. The routes often provide views of Ben Crom Mountain, the expansive Ben Crom and Silent Valley Reservoirs, and sections of the iconic Mourne Wall. The area is also rich in geological significance with granite crags and potential 'Mourne diamonds' (smoky quartz and black mica crystals).

Yes, several routes feature waterfalls. The Thomas's Quarry and Waterfall – Newcastle Harbour loop from Newcastle passes by a waterfall, and the Tollymore Forest Park – Donard Park Waterfall loop from Bryansford also leads past waterfalls. The region is also known for a 'secret waterfall' near Ben Crom Reservoir.

While some routes are challenging, there are easier forest paths that can be suitable for families. Routes like the Thomas's Quarry and Waterfall – Newcastle Harbour loop from Newcastle are rated as easy and offer scenic, less demanding options.

The Mourne Mountains area is generally dog-friendly, but specific trail regulations can vary, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. It's always best to keep dogs under control, preferably on a leash, and check local signage for any restrictions on individual trails or within Tollymore Forest Park.

Access points like Silent Valley Car Park are common starting points for various routes in the wider Ben Crom Reservoir area. For routes starting near Bryansford or Newcastle, parking facilities are typically available in those towns or at designated forest park entrances like Tollymore Forest Park.

The Mourne Mountains can experience varied weather. Spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet and cold conditions, and some trails might be more challenging due to mud or ice.

The mountain bike routes around Ben Crom Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the dramatic granite landscapes, the variety of terrain, and the expansive reservoir views.