The best cycling routes in Craigavon

Embark on the Loughshore Trail Route 3 - Derrytrasna Loop, a moderate touring bicycle ride that stretches for 26.8 miles (43.1 km). You will pedal along the scenic Lough Neagh shoreline, enjoying picturesque views and passing by small, inviting beaches. The route offers a varied experience, transitioning from tranquil lakeland and parkland near Oxford Island Nature Reserve to more urban settings as you approach Craigavon. Expect to gain 506 feet (154 metres) in elevation over an estimated 2 hours and 29 minutes, making this a balanced challenge for your cycling adventure. You will find yourself on quiet country lanes and traffic-free paths, with sections winding through open grassland. Look out for the expansive views of Lough Neagh, especially as you cycle near Oxford Island. This loop provides a refreshing blend of natural beauty and accessible cycling.

For your convenience, the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island Nature Reserve serves as an excellent starting point. Here, you will find parking facilities, public toilets, and a restaurant to fuel up before or after your ride. If you need a bike, hire options are available nearby. The route is fully signed, which makes navigation straightforward, but be aware that you might encounter some traffic as you get closer to Craigavon. Planning your visit to start from the Discovery Centre ensures you have all the amenities you need for a smooth outing.

This particular loop offers a unique perspective on the region, showcasing the diverse landscapes surrounding Lough Neagh. It stands out for its blend of natural tranquility and glimpses of local life as it skirts the edges of urban areas. The trail provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, offering a different experience than other routes in the area. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride with beautiful views or a moderate workout, this route delivers a memorable touring cycling experience that highlights the natural and developed aspects of the Loughshore.

Embark on the Loughshore Trail: Derrytrasna Loop, an easy touring cycling route that offers a relaxed ride through varied landscapes. You will cover 21.4 miles (34.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 390 feet (119 metres), which you can comfortably complete in about 1 hour and 58 minutes. As you cycle, you will experience the tranquil shores of Lough Neagh, passing small beaches and reed-fringed areas, before transitioning into the more urban setting of Craigavon.

To begin your journey, head to the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, which serves as a convenient starting point. This location provides essential facilities such as car parking, toilets, and even restaurants, making it easy to prepare for your ride. Access to the Discovery Centre is straightforward, as it is clearly signposted off the M1 Motorway. If you do not have your own bike, you will find bike hire options available nearby.

This route uniquely blends natural beauty with parkland, taking you past the scenic Craigavon Lakes and City Park. You will also cycle through the Oxford Island Nature Reserve, offering a chance to observe local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful environment. The trail provides continuous views of Lough Neagh, highlighting the region's largest freshwater lake and its surrounding ecosystems.

Embark on the difficult Lap the Lough loop from Portadown, a touring bicycle route that spans 86.4 miles (139.0 km) with 1828 feet (557 metres) of elevation gain. This journey typically takes around 8 hours and 8 minutes to complete. You will cycle predominantly on paved, quiet minor roads and lanes, enjoying pleasant countryside views. While the lake itself is often not directly visible, the route touches the lough shore in several places, offering glimpses of small beaches and the vastness of the water. Look out for landmarks like the spectacular railway viaduct at Randalstown as you pass through various towns and areas.

This route is well-suited for touring bikes, utilizing mostly traffic-free paths and quiet roads. Although generally considered flat by Irish standards, be prepared for some climbs, including a sustained and at times steep ascent into Dungannon, which features a challenging cobblestone section up the Hill of the O'Neill. Starting from Portadown, the loop offers a rewarding journey around the lough. Plan your ride to make the most of the pleasant views and manageable terrain.

The Lap the Lough loop is notable for circumnavigating Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Britain and Ireland. It is also famous for its annual sportive event, which draws thousands of cyclists and provides a festive atmosphere. This relatively flat profile, for an Irish cycling route, makes it accessible to a wide range of cyclists. The route blends scenic trails and rural roads, passing through five counties of Northern Ireland, offering a unique experience.

This moderate 34.0-mile (54.8 km) touring cycling loop from Portadown to Dromore offers scenic countryside, historical sites, and riverside

Cycle the Newry Canal and Loughbrickland Loop, a 29.0 miles (46.7 km) touring route with canal paths and rolling countryside views.